Millions of Americans each year experience the feelings of frustration and helplessness that come with being disabled and unable to work. Although your condition may slow you down and stop you from living life the way you did before you became injured or ill, that doesn’t mean that you have to give up – in fact, one of the first things you should do is file for SSDI, or Social Security Disability Insurance. This federal program provides benefits to Americans who have worked into the Social Security system for a number of years, and who now are disabled and unable to support themselves. However, receiving these benefits isn’t a guarantee; you have to prove that you truly are disabled, which requires the services of a disability lawyer.
You may be overwhelmed and wondering where to start. To choose an SSDI disability lawyer in Chicago, follow these five steps:
1. Consider your needs.
If you’re looking to hire a disability lawyer, you’re probably very budget-conscious; look for attorneys who charge reasonable rates, and don’t feel hesitant to ask for a quote. Also look, if possible, into attorneys that may specialize in the type of disability you have (for example, work-related injuries vs. illnesses).
2. Know where to look.
There are numerous places you can look for lists of disability lawyers. The Illinois State Bar maintains a certified lawyer referral service, which can recommend attorneys who have passed the bar in your state. You could also turn to advertisements, public interest groups, or client-attorney matching systems.
3. Take the advice of family and friends.
One of the best ways to find and choose an attorney is through the referrals of family, friends, co-workers, and acquaintances. They can not only point you in the right direction, but can also give you a straightforward opinion on the attorney and let you know if he or she is really what you need.
4. Look at prior cases.
After narrowing your search to a few attorneys in your price range and local area, look at their prior cases; you’ll want an attorney who has not only worked extensively with disability law, but who has had a relatively high success rate.
5. Meet with the lawyer.
Don’t make any decisions without meeting with the attorney for a one-on-one consultation regarding your case. Be prepared with questions that will help you decide whether or not to hire him or her. Visit Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates Ltd. for more information.
