Available statistics do not favor claiming Social Security disability benefits without legal advice. The greatest majority of applicants, approximately 65 percent, are denied benefits when they make their initial claim as well as when they request reconsideration.
Those that are denied and wish to continue pursuing their claim will be called to a hearing which is held in the presence of an Administration Law Judge. It is when the appeal reaches the hearing stage that a seasoned Social Security attorney in Knoxville can make the difference between winning the claim and losing the appeal. A Social Security attorney, no different than any attorney, cannot guarantee that a client will eventually be awarded benefits, what a Social Security attorney can do is ensure that the client’s case will be properly developed and presented during the hearing.
Developing a winning case:
It would be rare if an individual claiming SSDI or SSI was able to genuinely understand the process and to prepare a well thought out approach to the hearing. This is not the case with a Social Security attorney in Knoxville. Having represented scores of clients in this situation, he or she is very familiar with what is expected and knows the rules and laws that apply. Having been in front of the ALJ, the attorney has a good idea of what the judge will be looking for and what questions to expect.
Odds of winning are far better with legal assistance:
It is true that an applicant can win by going it alone; however, the odds are not in favor of a claimant that does not have legal assistance. When you consider the ramifications of losing on appeal, it is well worth the money to hire a seasoned Social Security attorney, especially when you consider the legal fees are limited to 25 percent of the back pay you are awarded.
The chances of being awarded disability benefits are much better when you hire a knowledgeable Social Security attorney in Knoxville. You are invited to contact the Law Offices of Miller & Drozdowski, P.C.
