The majority of lawyers will charge clients an “up-front” fee or retainer when they take a case. This is not the case with disability lawyers in Oak Ridge; they work on a contingency fee basis, which means the legal fee is due upon the successful conclusion of the case. In the event the lawyer fails in his or her effort to win the claim, the client does not have to pay legal fees.
When a disability lawyer agrees to represent a client, both sign an agreement that gives the Social Security Administration the right to pay the agreed-upon fee once the claim has been approved. The SSA reviews the agreement to ensure it meets their guidelines.
How much is the legal fee?
The SSA has established a fee arrangement. Upon case approval, the disability lawyers in Oak Ridge are paid a percentage of the total amount of the award. This is the only fee your lawyer receives; future benefits are free from any encumbrance.
As the lawyer’s fee is paid directly from the final award, rarely will the lawyer ask for any up-front money. If the lawyer asks the client to pay during the appeal, it is only to cover out-of-pocket expenses for such things as photocopies, postage, medical examinations, etc.
Back pay:
The SSA calculates the amount of back pay that you will be awarded. The benefits that are owed are those starting on the date of your approval for benefits back to the date the Administration agrees the disability began, up to a maximum of 12 months.
Knowing in advance that there is no risk to hiring disability lawyers, it makes no sense to jeopardize the chances of being approved for benefits by “going it alone.”
As disability lawyers in Oak Ridge only get paid when they win your appeal, and their fee is taken from past-due benefits, it makes little sense to pursue your case unaided. For a free evaluation of your case contact The Law Offices of Miller & Drozdowski, P.C.
