What Questions Should I Ask My Disability Lawyer?
How to Find the Right Lawyer to Help with Social Security Disability in Wisconsin
Health problems knock you out of your job. But you still have bills to pay and maybe a family to care for. A “stressful time” doesn’t begin to describe it.
Thankfully Social Security Disability benefits are there for people facing such challenges. They provide monthly income support and a chance to breathe easier.
But securing benefits is complicated and confusing. If you want to stay out of the 70% of applicants who never get their claims approved, work with a skilled disability lawyer who could give you a better chance.
Choosing the right disability lawyer takes more than a quick internet search.
How well do they know Social Security law? How well do they know local offices and services? Do they have experience helping people with health conditions like yours? Most importantly—will they treat you with the personal care and respect you deserve?
Here’s a guide to help you ask the right questions when deciding on a disability lawyer––and better understand how they’ll approach your case.
Every case is unique. If you’re shopping for a Social Security Disability attorney and you live in Appleton, Green Bay, Kenosha, Janesville, Madison, Milwaukee, Waukesha, Wausau, or anywhere in Wisconsin, talk to the team at Becker Law Office and Hawks Quindel.
We’ve helped thousands of Wisconsinites. Disability law is what we do.
What Questions Should I Ask a Disability Lawyer I’m Considering?
Here are some great questions to ask when deciding which disability lawyer is right for you.
Are you a licensed attorney? This may seem basic, but you might find disability advocates, who are not lawyers, offering to help with your claim. An advocate could be trained in the Social Security Disability process, but they haven’t gone to law school, received advanced training in arguments and evidence, and passed the bar. Social Security cases are highly legalistic and could even end up in court. A licensed lawyer can give you the fullest range of services.
Do you focus on Social Security Disability law? Social Security Disability law I highly specialized. Even licensed lawyers who do other kinds of legal cases won’t always know what to do for your disability claim. Ask about a lawyer’s experience. How much of their law practice is about Social Security Disability? Ask them about cases they’ve handled similar to yours.
How much experience do you have? Knowing this highly particular area of law inside and out takes practice. Ask a lawyer you’re thinking about getting for your disability claim how many disability cases they’ve handled.
How many cases of denied benefits have they taken to hearings with disability judges? If the lawyer and their firm have done hundreds or thousands of disability cases, that’s a good sign.
Are you local? The Social Security Administration (SSA) has offices, courts and judges in every state. They all work a little differently. The amount of disability claims they approve varies from place to place. For a successful disability application, you’ll need medical evidence, which comes from clinics and health centers near you. To get by while you wait for benefits, you may need help from local services. It’s a huge help if your lawyer knows your local area. There are large, national law firms that handle Social Security Disability claims. They may not know your community, or even meet with you individually to work on your claim.
Another thing to know about disability lawyers: They should only charge a legal fee if and when you win benefits.
Federal law caps fees that disability attorneys can charge. As of 2024, the rate was 25% of your back pay (which you get to compensate you for waiting on benefits) or $7,200, whichever is less.
At the Becker Law Office and Hawks Quindel, we know Social Security Disability in the Badger State. Let’s talk today and find out if we’re the right fit for you.
What Questions Tell Me How a Disability Lawyer Will Handle My Case?
Beyond a lawyer’s credentials, it’s just as important to understand how they will approach your case. Here are some questions that can give you peace of mind that you’re choosing the right lawyer.
Are you familiar with my health problems? Social Security Disability recognizes a wide array of illnesses and conditions that can keep you out of work. See how much your lawyer listens and understands your health situation.
What information will you need? A lawyer familiar with your condition will know what medical records and other information to collect, what Social Security is looking for, and how best to build your case for success. Talk to them about the information you’ll need to provide and why.
Can we meet and talk about my case? You can go with a national firm, but you run the risk of getting treated like a case file instead of a person. Meeting a lawyer directly and regularly enough that you feel heard can be critical to lowering your stress levels and making a stronger case. Especially when you have a hearing coming up: Will they meet you to help you prepare?
Do you handle cases that reach federal court? Many disability lawyers don’t operate in federal court, which is the highest level of appealing a disability denial. There’s a good chance you may not need that level of service. But it’s helpful to know if your lawyer can handle federal cases and whether they can get you help in federal court if needed.
Always remember: Good lawyers are happy to answer your questions. They should want what’s best for you, and that includes building a strong case and making you feel comfortable along the way.
At the Becker Law Office and Hawks Quindel, we stake our reputation on helping Wisconsinites win Social Security Disability benefits—and secure your life—with compassion and effectiveness.