Many people don’t hire an attorney when applying for disability in Ohio because of the cost. However, understanding the cost structure and the value of a disability lawyer will help you make an informed decision—one that will help you experience a more positive outcome when filing a claim.
Paying a Disability Attorney for Their Legal Services and Why It’s Worth It
A disability payments attorney costs you a percentage of what you eventually receive. You won’t have to pay them unless they win your case. This means they work by charging a contingency fee. Additional costs may include the collection of medical records or costs for copying or postage – all of which may be your responsibility.
For example, if you’re awarded a certain amount of back pay, your lawyer typically receives a certain percentage of what you’re given. Usually, what you pay is capped, so if the settlement percentage goes over that amount, you’ll pay the capped amount.
Naturally, what you pay is what you agree with your attorney. Make sure you’re clear about their fee structure, and see if you can work out a payment plan if it’s more feasible. What you pay is a good investment, as you can realize better results than if you try to go it alone.
Why a Disability Lawyer Is a Good Value – A Breakdown of the Attorney’s Services
When filing a disability claim in Ohio, having a disability attorney can make all the difference in getting you the benefits you deserve. Here’s how an experienced attorney can fight for your rights and walk you through the process.
Case Review and Documentation
A disability attorney will start by reviewing your case, including:
- Assessing your medical records and treatment history
- Finding gaps in that documentation that need to be filled
- Considering what type of disability benefits you are eligible for (SSDI, SSI, or both)
- Evaluating your claim under Ohio law and regulations
Building a Medical Case
Your attorney will build a strong medical case by:
- Coordinating with your doctors to get detailed medical records
- Getting professional opinions from specialists when needed
- Making sure all medical tests and exams are completed
- Helping you stay on track medically throughout the process
Filing the Application
A disability attorney will:
- Fill out all paperwork correctly and on time
- Submit all documentation to support your claim
- Check the application status and respond to requests for more information
- Handle all communication with the Social Security Administration (SSA)
- Meet Ohio deadlines and requirements
Appealing if Denied
If your initial claim is denied, your attorney will:
- File the appeal within Ohio’s 60-day deadline
- Request a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge
- Prepare you for testimony at the hearing
- Question medical and vocational experts
- Present new evidence to support your claim
- Develop legal arguments based on Ohio law
Getting the Most Out of Your Benefits
Your attorney will get you the most compensation by:
- Calculating your correct benefit amount based on your work history and current situation
- Identifying auxiliary benefits for dependents
- Determining retroactive benefits
- Determining the earliest possible onset date for your disability
- Making sure all sources of income and medical costs are considered
Ongoing Representation
Throughout the process, your attorney will:
- Keep you updated
- Explain your rights
- Tell you how working will affect your benefits
- Help with continuing disability reviews
- Fix any problems with benefit payments
- Handle overpayment issues that may arise
Fee Protection
Again, most Ohio disability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means:
- No upfront costs to you
- Fees are only collected if you win your case
- Fee amounts are capped by federal law (25 percent of back benefits)
- All fee agreements must be approved by the SSA
More Reasons to Retain Legal Services
Also, consider the following –
Higher Approval Rates
Let’s see why hiring a disability attorney in Ohio leads to higher approval rates.
- Initial applications have a 30-35 percent approval rate
- Second appeals, called reconsiderations, when not approved, move onto appeals before an administrative law judge – which usually is approved
- Represented claimants are 2 to 3 times more likely to be approved
- Attorneys know how to present evidence
- They know what judges look for in a successful case
Understanding the Processing
When you use legal services, you’ll enjoy the following advantages:
- A better understanding of the Social Security Administration’s rules
- Knowledge of medical evidence requirements
- Familiarity with the Ohio disability process
- Your attorney will have a strong understanding of the preferences and procedures of local administrative law judges
- The ability to stay on top of the timing of filings and appeals
Reducing Time and Stress
Don’t get stressed out over managing your documents and supporting evidence. Let your attorney take care of these matters instead. Your lawyer is responsible for:
- Handling all paperwork and deadlines
- Communicating with Social Security
- Gathering and organizing medical evidence
- Preparing you for hearings
- Reducing stress
Experiencing the Long-term Value
The value of a disability lawyer goes beyond the initial approval. You’ll also receive lifetime benefits by paying for legal services. These benefits may include:
- Monthly payments for life
- Medicare or Medicaid eligibility
- Dependent benefits
- Cost-of-living adjustments
By having a disability attorney in Ohio by your side, you’ll get an experienced legal advocate who knows federal and Ohio law. They can help you understand the system, avoid common mistakes, and get the full disability benefits you deserve for medical treatment and care.
Final Thoughts
While the idea of legal fees may seem scary, the contingency fee structure of Ohio disability lawyers makes it possible for everyone to hire a professional. Higher approval rates, skilled guidance, and case management typically make hiring a disability lawyer a good investment.
Contact a Disability Payments Lawyer Now
The lifetime value of disability benefits far outweighs the one-time fee, especially since there’s no upfront cost and no fee if you don’t win your case. When choosing representation, look for an experienced disability attorney who can get you approved and provide the support and guidance you need through this process.
