Do I Need An Attorney?
You do not need an attorney if you are satisfied with how your case is proceeding.
You do need an attorney if your application has already been denied and you are considering giving up because fighting the government is too overwhelming.
Some of the things a Texas Social Security Disability Lawyer can do to improve your odds of winning are:
- Gather medical and other evidence.
- Analyze your case under Social Security Laws and Regulations.
- Contact your doctor and explain Social Security Regulations in order to obtain a report consistent with those regulations.
- Refer you to additional doctors (usually specialists) for further medical reports to answer questions raised by Social Security Regulations.
- Send you to a vocational expert for a report on your ability to work.
- Suggest that Social Security send you to a doctor for a conclusive examination.
- Obtain documents from your Social Security file.
- Review actions taken by the Social Security Administration.
- Ask that a prior application for benefits be reopened.
- Seek waiver of a time limit.
- Insure the presence of a crucial witness or documents at your hearing.
- Advise you how best to prepare yourself to testify at your hearing.
- Protect your right to a fair hearing by objecting to improper evidence.
- Cross-examine adverse witnesses at your hearing.
- Present an opening and closing statement at your hearing to help you obtain benefits.
- Submit a written summary of the evidence and legal argument in support of your claim to the Administrative Law Judge deciding the case.
- Review, suggest changes or make legal objections to written questions which are sometimes sent to a doctor by the Administrative Law Judge after a hearing requesting an additional medical opinion.
- If you win, make sure that Social Security correctly calculates your benefits.
- If you lose, request review of the hearing decision by the SSA Appeals Council.
- If necessary, represent you in a federal court review of your case.