Social Security Disability claim and workers compensation claims can be complex. Having the right Social Security Disability lawyer, and knowing what you should expect from them can make navigating the claims process less stressful for you and your family. Here are some of the basics you should know:

What a Social Security Disability lawyer does

• A Social Security Disability lawyer will help you to collect any unpaid funds which you are owed. The Social Security Administration may be incorrectly denying your claim, and a lawyer can help resolve this issue.
• A Social Security Disability lawyer will counsel you directly, and communicate decisions you have made after receiving their advice to the court appointed by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to process your case. Your lawyer will argue on your behalf in front of the court, and will file any documents the court requires. They will also advise you as to how to accurately and completely fill out the forms required by the SSA to complete your unique claim so you can get paid any money the SSA owes to you.
• A Social Security Disability lawyer is not the same as a workers compensation lawyer. Workers compensation lawyers handle workers compensation claims between employers and their insurances companies, and the employee filing a claim against the employer and the employer's insurance company. Having the right specialist for your type of claim is very important. 

Understanding contingency fee agreements

A contingency fee agreement is a contract between you and your lawyer (like those at Ball & Ferrari) that specifies how your lawyer is paid if you cannot pay him up front. The lawyer will be paid only upon successful collection of owed funds from the SSA, and the lawyer's fee is capped at 25% with a set maximum of $6,000. These rules are set by the SSA to ensure you are treated fairly. 

Finding a lawyer for your claim

Your local bar association will know which lawyers in your community handle Social Security Disability claims, and can provide you with a list of options that you can interview and choose from. Finding the lawyer whose personality, fee schedule, caseload, and experience is right for your case is a choice ultimately only you, the client, can make. Having a referral from a friend or family member with a similar claim might help in your final decision, and visiting the American Bar Association's website www.americanbar.org can help you contact your local bar association. 

Armed with this information you should now be prepared and confident that you can find the legal assistance that you need to collect the money you're entitled to in a timely manner with a minimum of stress.