6 REASONS TO GET A DISABILITY ATTORNEY

61 million Americans are disabled. That's abut 1 in 4. Some disabilities are more severe than others. Some interfere with the ability to perform daily activities, while others may not.

The US Social Security Administration may pay a monthly benefit for a disability that prevents an individual from performing full-time work. However, the approval process with Social Security is slow, awkward, and just plain difficult. Once you get denied, there are no good options left.

6 REASONS TO GET A DISABILITY ATTORNEY NOW

1. A free case evaluation can help determine whether you meet the rules for a disability benefit. An experienced advocate knows what it takes to qualify and how to proceed with the best chance of success.

2. You can get help with filing the initial claim. A typical disability application contains about 40 pages of forms and hundreds of questions. Completing the application fully and accurately is the first important step. Your attorney will help you with that - to sure it's right.

3. Your attorney will be sure to order all of your medical records and other evidence required for a proper adjudication of your claim. This not only saves you countless hours of chasing records but also saves you potentially hundreds of dollars of out-of-pocket expenses. Doctors do not give away their records; they charge big money to copy and provide them--in some cases up to $1 per page.

4. You will have professional guidance in stating the legal theory of your case: Do you meet a published Listing, a Medical-Vocational Rule, or is there another approach to getting a fully favorable decision? Also, your attorney will push for maximum back pay or retroactive benefits.

5. You will have an attorney/advocate ready if you need to go to court before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). 6 out of 10 cases will go to court before a favorable decision is reached. Do not attempt this on your own!

6. Your advocate's services are FREE if you don't win your case and collect back pay. Fees are strictly governed by the government and you can only be charged a fee if you win with retroactive pay or "back pay." Otherwise, legal representation is free of charge to you. Your attorney will help you obtain the maximum back payment possible under the law. This can mean thousands of dollars of lump-sum money in your pocket right away, plus your regular monthly payments for as long as you remain disabled (or up to full retirement age, at which time you will get retirement benefits).

What's the first step? If you think you may be disabled under federal law, contact a disability advocate/attorney for a free consultation. The Forsythe Firm in Huntsville offers immediate consultations without cost or obligation. It never costs you a cent to get a professional opinion. Call the Forsythe Firm (256) 799-0297.