Do you have an upcoming initial consultation with your potential disability lawyer?
A first meeting with a lawyer is the perfect chance to learn more about their practice, experience, and work ethics.
In other words, the initial consultation will provide the information you need to decide whether the lawyer or firm suits your unique needs.
In this article, a seasoned disability lawyer Indianapolis will share 9 questions to ask attorneys before hiring them to handle your case.
What Is a Disability Attorney Initial Consultation?
All disability attorneys and law firms offer what’s known as an initial consultation.
The initial consultation is a face-to-face meeting with the lawyer who might fight your disability case.
This first meeting is typically free, and you are not bound to hire the attorney’s services.
The point of this appointment is for you to get to know the lawyer better and their professional background. It is also an opportunity for the attorney to learn about your case, and they can help you.
What Takes Place at The Initial Meeting?
At the initial consultation, nothing paramount will happen.
As mentioned, this is a session for you and the lawyer (or law firm) to get to know each other better.
The lawyer will ask about your disability, medical background, and work history. They’ll also inquire on whether you have filed for disability benefits already or if this is your first attempt.
Be prepared to answer all their questions as thoroughly as possible. They will use all that information to determine if they can help you win your case.
Don’t forget that this is also your opportunity to interview them.
Before choosing who will represent your best interest for disability benefits, you want to ensure you are hiring someone with experience and skills.
Use the meeting to determine if they are the best candidate to fight for your benefits.
9 Questions to Ask a Disability Lawyer at The Initial Meeting
The initial consultation allows you to learn more about the lawyer, their experience, and their work ethic, as well as how they can help you win disability benefits.
Don’t let this opportunity slip away. Go prepared. Brind the following questions with you to make the most out of the initial meeting with your potential lawyer:
- Do You Specialize in Disability Benefits Cases?
You can skip this question if you have only researched disability law firms, which we highly recommend.
Disability law is an intricate world. You’ll want to work with an attorney who knows the ins and outs of the complex disability claim process.
- What’s Your Experience Handling Claims for My Condition?
Once you have ensured they have experience with disability claims, ask them if they ever handled a case for your health condition.
While it’s not absolutely necessary that they’ve handled your disability condition before, if they did—and were successful—that’s an added bonus.
- How Long Will The Process Take?
Disability claims timelines significantly vary. Some can take months, while others take years.
Still, ask the attorney to use their experience to set a probable timeframe. This will help you set realistic expectations.
- How Do You Plan To Obtain Medical Evidence?
Strong medical evidence is what makes winning cases.
One of the core advantages of working with a disability lawyer is that they will gather and organize medical proof for you. That includes medical records, tests and diagnoses, letters from your doctor or specialists on your condition, and whatever the attorney considered relevant to support your claim.
Ask them how they intend to obtain that evidence and if there are any additional costs associated with this task.
- What Are The Fees And Costs for Your Services?
Generally, disability law firms work on contingency—they only charge you if they win your case.
That means no up-front fees.
However, the lawyer may charge you for extra services during the claim process—for example, the cost of printing medical records.
- Who Will Take Charge of My Case?
Many disability law firms have several lawyers working on different cases. You want to know who will be the attorney overseeing your case.
Ask the person you are interviewing if they will handle your case. If not, inquire about who will and request their credentials.
Understanding who will manage your case will help you make a more informed choice and ensure it receives the attention it needs.
- What Happens If My Claim Is Denied?
About 70% of disability claims face rejection at the first instance.
It’s crucial that claimants don’t throw in the towel and keep fighting for their benefits.
Discuss the reconsideration or appeal process with the lawyer. Learn how they’ll support you if you reach that instance.
- How Often Will You Communicate With Me?
Inquire about how often you will receive updates about your case.
Will they communicate with you? Or is it your responsibility to reach out to keep up with your case?
Will they contact you via email, phone, or text messages? How can you get in touch if you need to speak with them?
- What Can I Do To Help My Case?
While it doesn’t seem like it, there might be plenty you can do to enhance your chances of winning.
Your lawyer might recommend sticking to your medical treatment, seeing a healthcare specialist, or gathering certain documents.
Looking for An Experienced Disability Attorney?
Most disability attorneys offer a free initial consultation. Take that meeting as a chance to know the lawyer and see if they are a match for your case.
Claimants who work with an attorney have 3 times more chances of securing disability benefits. However, you must hire the right legal professional.
Use the 9 questions in this guide to find a lawyer who helps you win the benefits you deserve.
