Pros & Cons of Hiring a Social Security Disability Attorney

Research shows that disabled individuals who choose to hire a Social Security disability attorney or advocate are two to three times more likely to be awarded benefits than Utah residents who go it alone. With that in mind, getting legal representation is definitely a good idea.

But maybe you’re the type of person who doesn’t trust statistics. In that case, a little more information may convince you that working with a disability lawyer is in your best interests. Here’s a look at the benefits and drawbacks of hiring an attorney.

Social Security disability attorney Utah

Advantages of Having a Disability Attorney on Your Side

An experienced lawyer will consider your unique circumstances, then decide on the best approach. Whether or not your condition automatically qualifies you as disabled, how long is your disability expected to last, do you have sufficient medical documentation – concerns like these can have a major impact on your case, and a Social Security disability attorney can determine if you have a good chance of meeting the requirements.

With a legal representative, you’ll also have help with:

  • Filling out the initial application to clearly show that your medical condition should be considered a disability
  • Providing the Social Security Administration with the necessary medical evidence and supporting documents
  • Appealing your disability claim at any administrative level or in Federal court, should your application be denied

Disadvantages of Hiring a Social Security Disability Attorney

In all honesty, the only downside to hiring a disability attorney or advocate is the cost. Legal professionals don’t work for free, so if you choose to work with a lawyer, you will be charged a fee for their services.

However, you’ll only have to pay a fee if you are awarded benefits – and legal fees are capped at $7,200 or 25 percent of the backpay, whichever is less. Most of the time, this is money well spent, as many disabled individuals would have trouble getting approved without legal assistance.

Theoretically, you could handle everything on your own, receive a favorable decision and save yourself from having to pay a disability lawyer. But given that the majority of applications are denied, a portion of your past-due benefits is a small price to pay in exchange for the monetary assistance you need. 

Contact Mountain West Disability for a Free Consultation

Even if we haven’t convinced you to hire a disability attorney, you have nothing to lose by meeting with an experienced legal professional. At Mountain West Disability, we offer free, no-obligation consultations, and we’d be happy to answer your questions, provide you with expert advice and explain the steps you need to take moving forward.

For more information on our Utah law firm, or to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced Social Security disability attorney, contact us today.