What to Expect When You Hire a Lawyer for Your Social Security Disability Case

Many people assume that once they hire a lawyer for their Social Security Disability claim, they can simply sit back and let the lawyer handle everything. That’s a common belief, especially since that’s how it can seem in some types of legal cases. But when it comes to Social Security, it’s a bit different, and it’s important to understand why.

Social Security Cases Are a Team Effort

Unlike other types of legal matters, Social Security law places the primary responsibility for proving disability on you, the claimant. That means you must provide medical evidence and other documentation to support your claim. While your attorney plays a crucial role in guiding and assisting you, your involvement is essential throughout the process.

Lawyers can’t always know when your medical condition changes, when you’ve seen a new doctor, or when you’ve started a new medication unless you tell us. Keeping your lawyer updated helps us help you. This applies to every stage of the process.

Medical Records: A Critical Piece

Medical records are the backbone of any Social Security Disability claim. Right now, it can be especially challenging for law offices to obtain these records quickly from doctors’ offices. If you’re able to assist by contacting your provider to speed things along, it can make a big difference in moving your case forward.

Handling the Paperwork

Social Security sends out a lot of paperwork. It can be overwhelming and confusing, and unfortunately, many law firms don’t have the resources to help clients with it.

In our office, we actively assist our clients with any paperwork they receive from the Social Security Administration (SSA) or Disability Determination Services (DDS). In fact, we prefer to work on these forms with you to ensure nothing is missed and that your responses help your case, not hurt it.

Early Stages: Application and Reconsideration

At the initial and reconsideration stages, lawyers don’t have a lot of influence in the decision-making process because of how the system is structured. But that doesn’t mean we can’t help. We make sure all forms are completed correctly and submitted on time, and we keep SSA and DDS updated on any changes in your medical condition, treatments, or medications as long as you keep us informed.

(Keep in mind: not all law firms provide this type of support during the early stages. It is important to hire a lawyer that works for you and your case.)

Hearings: Where Your Lawyer Makes a Big Impact

If your case reaches the hearing stage, that’s where having an experienced attorney becomes especially important. Hearings can be stressful, but they don’t have to be.

We prepare you for what to expect, answer your questions, and make sure your case file is complete with all the medical evidence needed. We’ll also inform the court of any missing documents and present legal arguments in support of your claim. Importantly, the attorney you've worked with throughout your case will be the one by your side at the hearing, not someone you’re meeting for the first time that day.

Sadly, in many firms, the first time clients meet their hearing attorney is in the waiting room. We believe that only adds to the stress, and we do things differently.

After the Hearing: You’re Still Our Client

Winning your case doesn’t mean the questions stop, and we’re still here for you. Whether it’s understanding the judge’s decision, preparing for a continuing disability review, or navigating other post-hearing issues, we make ourselves available.

Unfortunately, some firms consider their job done once they receive their fee. That leaves many people without the support they need during a critical time. We believe that’s not how it should work.

Even if an attorney isn’t pursuing an appeal, they should still explain what happened and what options remain. You deserve to understand your case, win or lose, and what comes next.

What You Can Expect From Your Attorney

• Help gathering and submitting medical records

• Guidance and support with Social Security and DDS forms

• Regular communication about updates to your condition or treatment

• Thorough preparation before a hearing

• Representation by the attorney you've worked with from the start

• Ongoing support after your case is decided, with no additional fees

We’re here to make the process smoother and less stressful, but remember, the best outcomes happen when we work together.

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