When do I Need to Get a Lawyer to Assist Me?

Of course, you are not required to have any attorney at any level of the Social Security process, but let’s face it, we believe it helps tremendously! However, as Montgomery, Selma and Central Alabama Social Security lawyers, we suggest that each person who is considering applying for SSDI or SSI benefits to consult an attorney immediately. We represent claimants at all levels of the Social Security process, including at the initial application level. We believe it benefits the client if the application is prepared properly. We believe that starting at the initial level allows us to properly investigate, develop, and prepare the case. That way, if the claim is denied; it is easier for our Social Security Disability lawyers to appeal the initial claims. Further, Social Security often “loses” applications for benefits, or fails to note medical conditions, or fails to note medical treatments. Having The Sellers Law Firm at the application level ensures that the application and all information contained in the application are properly documented. Our Montgomery, Selma and Central Alabama Social Security lawyers can easily provide documentation that particular applications or forms were submitted to ensure a properly adjudicated claim. Simply, we manage and prosecute your case so that you can focus on your health and family.

Some people choose to represent themselves at the initial application level and during the reconsideration appeal. This is something that we highly recommend against because untrained person is not going to know the law of process that the Social Security Administration follows! Most of the communication you will have with Social Security will be through written forms and you will not have to appear before any judge at the initial or reconsideration levels (in Alabama, we do not have reconsideration levels; cases go from the initial application level directly to the appeal level). If you choose to represent yourself prior to requesting a hearing, please remember:

1. You must meet all appeal deadlines. Social Security will not accept ignorance as an excuse for a late filing. If you miss an appeal deadline, you may be required to start the application process over again. This is one reason The Sellers Law Firm can help you. The job of our Montgomery, Selma and Central Alabama Social Security lawyersis to protect your case and file all necessary forms and submit your medical records.
2. You must include all relevant information on your application.This includes all treating physicians and hospitals, medical diagnosis, and mental/physical limitations. If you fail to reference a disabling condition, you may attempt to argue that condition at the hearing. The Judge may refuse to hear this argument, thereby remanding your application back to the District Office for consideration of that condition; or the Judge may decide your case without considering that particular impairment. If your case is remanded back, it simple means it will take you much longer time to collect your benefits.
3. You must be able to combine your medical conditions and those conditions’ vocational limitations.This is how a case is won. If you cannot translate how your medical conditions affect your ability to work, you should hire a Social Security lawyer. This is something that is very difficult to do unless you are trained and experienced in social security law. This is one of the main reasons that we suggest that you hire a Montgomery Social Security lawyer!

The Sellers Law Firm is here to help you! Our disability lawyers have collected millions of dollars in back benefits for our clients! For many years, we were asked, “Why don’t you have an office near me?” We answered the “near me” question! We have a location near you and consultations are always free. We have offices in Montgomery, Selma, Greenville, and Troy. Call us today at 334-LAWYERS (334-529-9377) and set an appointment to come in and discuss your case with one of our Social Security Disability lawyers! Our phone lines are answered 24 hours a day. You may also reach us at bsellers@sellerslawfirm.com, or use the “text us” link or Contact Form on our website. Remember that doing nothing, changes nothing so please act today!