Indiana Social Security Disability Lawyer Blog

Indianapolis Social Security disability attorney Scott D. Lewis is an experienced disability lawyer who represents individuals with their Social Security disability appeal. Some common questions an individual who is seeking disability benefits have are:

1. "Do I really have to hire a lawyer to represent me in my Social Security disability claim?"
2. "Should I hire an attorney to handle my Social Security disability claim?"
3. "Will it benefit me to have representation at my Social Security disability hearing?"
4. "If I hire an attorney, will I be able to get my disability hearing faster?"
5. "How will I be able to afford to pay an attorney to represent me with my disability appeal?"

If you have been recently denied Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you probably just read the above questions and thought to yourself that you have been thinking about these exact same concerns.  Here are the answers you have been looking for!

Do you really have to hire a lawyer to represent you in your Social Security disability claim?  Quite simply, no.  SSDI or SSI claimants are not required to have a Social Security disability attorney or representative represent them in their disability appeal.  Having representation is a client's right.  If you attend your SSDI or SSI hearing alone, most Administrative Law Judges will ask the claimant if they would like to continue their claim so they can seek representation.  Again, this is a right, not a requirement.

Should you hire an attorney or representative to handle your Social Security disability claim?  This is a personal preference.  Some individuals decide that they would like to handle their claim on their own.  Although, statistically, more disability claims are won among individuals that are represented by an attorney or representative than those individuals that are not represented at their Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing.  In fact, some ALJ's will send the claimant away from their hearing to get representation before proceeding. 

Will it benefit a claimant to have representation at their Social Security disability hearing?  Hiring a skilled Social Security disability attorney or representative has many benefits.  An experienced Social Security disability attorney like Scott D. Lewis, can assist the claimant with filing their appeals in a timely manner.  In addition, the knowledge that a Social Security disability attorney regarding the disability appeals process, can greatly benefit the claimant.  Many clients are not familiar with the medical evidence that might be needed to support the claimant's disability claim, but a disability attorney is familiar with the Social Security Adminsitration's criteria that defines disability. 

If you hire an attorney, will you be able to get your disability hearing faster?  Absolutely not!  Most claims are processed exactly the same regardless if you hire an attorney or not.  Please don't think that your attorney is able to speed up the disability process.  Unfortunately, his/her arms are tied until the SSA assigns a hearing date for the claim.  If you find yourself in dire circumstances, contact your attorney right away.

How will you be able to afford to pay an attorney to represent you in your disability appeal?  So, you are unemployed and you have no income, but you are worried about how you can afford to pay an attorney to represent you in your disability claim.  No need to worry, most Social Security attorneys are paid the same way as Scott D. Lewis.  Mr. Lewis is only paid if he wins your claim.  If your claim is denied, Mr. Lewis will charge you nothing.  To find out more, please contact the law office of Scott D. Lewis, Attorney at Law, LLC for more details.

Indianapolis Social Security Attorney Scott Lewis offers a FREE consulation to disabled individuals trying to fight for disability benefits.  For your free case evaluation, contact Mr. Lewis or his staff at (317) 423-8888.

Do you really need a disability lawyer when applying for Social Security disability benefits?  Indiana disability claimants may become overwhelmed by the Social Security disability application process. According to Indianapolis Social Security disability attorney Scott D. Lewis, this isn't very surprising when considering how frustrating the process may be.  Although everyone's disability case is unique, some common frustrations may develop from claimants having a legitimate claim denied, individuals waiting years for their benefits to be approved, or possibly feeling as though they are treated unfairly during the appeal process.  Many individuals wonder whether or not they should hire a disability lawyer to help with the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) application process.  There are some factors that you may want to consider when deciding whether or not you need to retain an attorney for your disability claim.

Majority of disability applicants are denied at the initial application stage. Those individuals who have been denied may become completely overwhelmed by the Social Security disability application process.  As a result, they find it necessary to hire a disability lawyer or representative so they do not have to face the appeals process alone. 

Once an individual has been denied SSDI or SSI benefits, the need for representation might be considered. It may be beneficial to hire a Social Security attorney to represent you through the appeals process.  Some statistics show that disability claimants who have legal representation at the appeals stage are often more successful in being approved for benefits than those who decide to go on without representation.  Social Security disability attorney Scott Lewis believes that you are entitled to a fair hearing and strives to ask all of the questions you should be asked during this process. Mr. Lewis attempts to be aware of the Social Security disability regulations that may be beneficial in your claim being approved.

If you are an individual that decides to hire a Social Security disability lawyer, you may worry about the costs involved. Understanding that you're applying for disability benefits and you don't have an income, you may be concerned with being able to afford to hire a lawyer.

Surprisingly, hiring a Social Security Disability attorney may be considered to be very affordable. Most Social Security disability lawyers are paid up to 25% of what you receive in Social Security disability back payments, and in 2011 that amount cannot exceed $6,000. So, what does this mean?   For example, if your past due award is $20,000, your disability attorney would receive 25% of that amount, which is $5,000. The Social Security Administration (SSA) would then pay your attorney by taking the fee directly from your past due award. 

On the flip side, many people worry what will happen if they don't win their case.  How will they be able to pay their legal fees?   Don't worry!  In the case of Mr. Lewis, an individual that does not win their disability case does not pay him for his representation.  There is no financial burden on the claimant if they do not win their claim.  To say the least, this may also gives your lawyer quite a bit of incentive to represent you effectively.

In the end, whether or not you decide to hire a lawyer to handle your SSDI or SSI claim is up to you. It is a personal decision that only you can make. At the law office of Scott D. Lewis, Attorney at Law, LLC, Mr. Lewis strives to make the appeals processes go as smoothly as possible for his clients.  He offers a free consultation to individuals that are unable to work due to a disabling condition or a combination of disabling conditions.  If your initial Social Security disability claim has been denied, contact Lawyer Scott Lewis at (317) 423-8888 for your free case evaluation. 

Did you know that the Social Security Administration (SSA) can look at all of your disabling conditions combined when making a disability determination?  Indiana disability attorney Scott Lewis tries to get his clients to disclose to him all of their conditions that have an impact on their ability to work.  After questioning his clients, many times Mr. Lewis finds that there are several conditions that when combined create a total picture showing his client is in fact disabled.

For instance, you may have had back surgery and are experiencing pain and/or discomfort that may be preventing you from working so; you have filed a Social Security disability claim.  Upon further review of your medical records, Mr. Lewis notices you are also suffering from depression, diabetes, and asthma.  If these other conditions are severe enough, it may be wise to include these conditions in an argument as to why you are unable to work.  While your back may keep you from being able to sit, stand, or walk for any length of time, your depression may make it difficult to concentrate on work related tasks, your diabetes may involve neuropathy causing numbness and tingling in your extremities, and your asthma may cause shortness of breath in certain circumstances.  So, by considering a combination of all of these impairments, it may be clear you are unable to maintain substantial gainful activity. 

Just stating that you have additional problems is probably not going to be good enough to win your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim.  Medical records from qualified treating medical professionals specializing in the area where your disability exists is usually the best supporting documentation to help prove your disability claim.  At times, general medical practitioners may work to help support your disability claim, but many times an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) wants to examine records from a specialist in the area of the disabling condition you are claiming is keeping you from working.

Indianapolis Social Security disability attorney Scott D. Lewis and his staff can be reached at (317) 423-8888 to provide a free consultation to those individuals seeking SSDI or SSI benefits.  If you are experiencing a disabling condition that is keeping you from working, call today to speak with Mr. Lewis and his staff.

At the Indiana law office of Scott D. Lewis, Lawyer Scott D. Lewis and his staff take great pride in assisting disability claimants with their Social Security disability claim. Indiana disability claimants applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits often struggle with the disability claims process.  Many disability claimants become overwhelmed with the amount of paperwork, the timelines set by the Social Security Administration (SSA), or simply become frustrated because they were denied disability benefits. As most SSDI or SSI claimants file their initial disability application on their own or with assistance from family or friends, there are many benefits to hiring an experienced disability attorney or representative to assist you in the disability appeals process. 

Once a Social Security disability claimant has been denied SSDI or SSI benefits, he/she must file an appeal in order to continue to fight for the benefits that he/she may deserve.  As the disability claimant begins the appeals process, he/she may find it to be confusing or frustrating, and may want the help from an experienced individual to assist with the appeals process.  At the law office of Scott D. Lewis, Attorney at Law, LLC, Mr. Lewis will happily assist you with your claim if you hire Mr. Lewis as your attorney.  Lawyer Scott Lewis has experience in representing individuals with a variety of disabling conditions.  Although each client's situation is unique, Mr. Lewis and his staff have the same goal for every disability claim they handle.  They strive to be timely in all of the necessary SSA appeal filings, they attempt to gather all supporting medical records from medical providers, and they do their best to give quality personal service. 

Mr. Lewis advises those individuals that are unable to work due to a disability that it may be in their best interest to consult an experienced Social Security disability attorney or representative to discuss their disability claim.  Scott D. Lewis offers a free consultation to individuals seeking SSDI or SSI benefits.  This no cost, no obligation case evaluation typically educates the disability claimant on the SSA's claims process, the appeals process, and the hearings process.  Regardless if you suffer from physical conditions such as back problems, or mental conditions such as depression, Mr. Lewis and his staff are prepared to answer best any questions or concerns that you may have regarding your claim or the claims process.  Don't pass up this free consultation; you may be just a phone call away from having some clarifications regarding your disability claim.  Call today at (317) 423-8888 for your free case evaluation!

Most Indiana Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claimants initiate the disability claims process by filing their initial application for benefits on their own or with assistance from a family member or friend. Unfortunately, some statistics report that nearly 80% of disability claims are denied at the initial application level. Indianapolis Social Security disability lawyer, Scott D. Lewis, has experience in the disability appeals process.  Mr. Lewis offers a free consultation to those individuals that are unable to work due to a disabling condition or a combination of disabling conditions. 

Once the Social Security Administration (SSA) denies your disability claim, you may want to contact a qualified Social Security disability lawyer or representative to discuss your Indiana disability benefits claim.  Although optional, Mr. Lewis recommends having legal representation at your disability hearing.  An experienced disability attorney or representative can be trained in presenting and arguing disability cases in front an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) and may be trained in questioning the vocational expert or medical expert that may potentially be at your hearing.  Indiana disability claimants may argue their own case in front of an ALJ, but some statistics show that disability claims that are argued by a disability attorney or representative are more likely to win.

Once Social Security disability attorney Scott Lewis and his staff receive a copy of the claimant's Social Security file, he and his staff carefully review it. Reviewing the file will inform him what the disability examiners at the initial and reconsideration levels looked at when the claim was denied at those levels. This also gives Mr. Lewis an idea of how strongly or not your own treating doctors support your case. Additionally, reviewing your file allows Mr. Lewis and his staff to identify whether or not certain evidence from some of your medical sources was simply not gathered. Many times, Indianapolis disability lawyer Scott Lewis finds an incomplete medical record and attempts to retain needed medical records.  At the law office of Scott D. Lewis, his staff attempts to take the necessary steps in order to gather any additional medical records, or updates, that should be presented to the SSA to support your claim. Medical records are gathered from your doctors, hospitals, and clinics and then submitted to the hearings office for the ALJ to review prior to your hearing date. Because everyone's disabling condition is unique, Mr. Lewis prepares for the hearing by carefully reviewing and familiarizing him with the individuals medical history so that he is properly prepared to respond to the ALJ's questioning.

Although disability attorneys and representatives are not doctors, they have a certain level of experience when it comes to evaluating medical records in the context of disability determinations.   If you have been denied disability benefits, call Attorney Scott Lewis to discuss your disability claim at (317) 423-8888.  During your free consultation, you can decide if you would like representation at your disability hearing.  Mr. Lewis strives to fight for the disability benefits that you may deserve!

If you are an Indiana disability claimant trying to make ends meet while struggling through the Social Security disability process, chances are you do not have the extra money to pay for up front attorney's fees.  At times, individuals entering the Office of Disability, Adjudication and Review (ODAR) or commonly known as the hearing office make statements that they do not have an attorney with them because they cannot afford an attorney.  These individuals are unaware that Indiana disability lawyers like Scott D. Lewis represent Indiana disability appeal claimants on a contingency basis.

What is a contingent fee agreement?  In the case of Indiana Social Security disability lawyer Scott Lewis, it means you will pay no up front costs and you will only pay a fee if Mr. Lewis wins your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim.  The fee agreement is based on Mr. Lewis being paid on a percentage of your past due lump sum amount and cannot exceed a certain monetary figure set by the Social Security Administration (SSA).  On the other hand, if Indianapolis Social Security lawyer Scott Lewis is unsuccessful in winning your Social Security disability claim, there is no percentage paid, no maximum amount, and therefore no fee for his legal services.

If disability attorney Scott Lewis wins your claim, the Social Security Administration generally takes his fee directly out of your past due lump sum that you are owed by the Social Security Administration.  Why would the Social Security Administration owe you a past due amount?  The Indiana Social Security disability appeals process can be very lengthy.  By the time you are awarded Social Security disability benefits, you may have accumulated money that you are due considering the date you first became disabled or in some cases your date of application.  Indiana Social Security disability claimants should be aware there are many factors that may affect the amount of money you receive in a past due award including amending (changing) your onset date.

Attorney Scott D. Lewis does not only provide a contingent fee agreement, but also a FREE consultation. Indianapolis disability lawyer Scott Lewis and his staff strive to spend the time necessary to discuss and evaluate your Indiana Social Security disability claim.  By calling (317) 423-8888, you can speak directly with Mr. Lewis and his staff.  Indiana disability attorney Scott Lewis provides assistance to individuals suffering form epilepsy, leukemia, diabetes, fibromyalgia, schizophrenia, and many other disabling conditions.  Call today for your free case evaluation!    

Indiana Social Security disability attorneys can help disability claimants who are unable to work due to an impairment or a combination of impairments lasting or expecting to last a minimum of twelve (12) months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) determines eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, processes claims, and administers the benefits program. A Social Security disability lawyer or representative may help guide clients through what can be a rather confusing disability claims process and disability appeals process.   Indianapolis disability attorneys may also assist the claimant with resolving any problems that arise with the SSDI or SSI claims and benefits.

You're disabled and unable to work because of this disability and you have applied for Social Security disability benefits, but find out that you have been denied.  You want to appeal this decision made by the SSA, but think that it would be helpful to hire a disability lawyer to represent you in this claim.  Many Indiana Social Security disability applicants are unaware that they have a right to representation in their Social Security disability claim.  Although it is not required to hire a disability attorney, you may find it to be beneficial to have representation for your disability appeal. 

How do I find an Indiana Social Security disability lawyer?  Indianapolis disability claimants may find themselves struggling with where and how they will ever find a disability attorney that may be able to properly represent them in their disability case.  Disability claimants will find that there are multiple ways to find themselves the representation that they desire.  Indianapolis Social Security Disability Attorney Scott D. Lewis advertises his services in a variety of ways to serve Indiana residents, such as:

• Television Commercials
• Internet
• Telephone Book
• Billboard
• Referrals

Mr. Lewis's goal is to be accessible to disability claimants when they need it.  Some disability claimants may find it difficult to utilize the internet when searching for a disability lawyer.  For those individuals that utilize the internet, common search terms may include, but are not limited to:

• Indiana Social Security disability lawyer 
• Indiana Social Security disability attorney
• Indianapolis Social Security disability lawyer 
• Indianapolis Social Security disability attorney
• Disability Attorney in Indianapolis
• Disability Lawyer in Indiana
• Social Security Attorney in Indianapolis
• Social Security Lawyer in Indiana

Ultimately, it is the disability claimant's decision on who he/she hires to represent them in their disability claim.  Indiana disability claimants should realize the preceding information is only for guidance in obtaining an Indiana Social Security disability lawyer or representative and all claimants should investigate the credentials of a Social Security disability attorney or representative that they are most comfortable with.  To alleviate any questions you may have when hiring Indianapolis disability attorney Scott Lewis, a free consultation is always offered.  Indiana Social Security lawyer Scott Lewis can answer most questions by telephone and can make appointments for in person consultations.  Scott Lewis handles a wide variety of claims, including degenerative disc disease, fibromyalgia, cancer, depression, and arthritis.  If you have any questions, contact (317) 423-8888 for a free consultation today!

When the Social Security Administration (SSA) has turned down your Indiana Social Security disability claim and now you are wondering how you can afford to hire an Indiana disability attorney.  Financially, it may not be as difficult as you think.  Indianapolis Social Security Attorney Scott D. Lewis receives many calls asking how he gets paid if he is hired to represent an individual on their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim.

Currently, Social Security Attorney Scott Lewis' fee agreement is contingent on him winning his Social Security disability clients claim.  This means if he does not win the claim, he does not ask his client for any money.  Another advantage is there are no up front costs to the client. Mr. Lewis finds that most of his Indiana Social Security disability clients are struggling to keep their heads above water with medical bills and providing food & shelter for themselves and their families.  The thought of paying a Social Security disability lawyer up front is not even an option for most disability claimants.

Indianapolis Social Security Disability Attorney Scott Lewis gets paid a percentage of the Social Security disability claimant's past due award and it is capped at a certain amount determined by the Social Security Administration (SSA).  The Social Security Administration takes this fee directly out of any past due benefits the Social Security disability claimant is awarded. When Indianapolis Social Security Attorney Scott Lewis wins his clients claim, he will also ask to be reimubursed for medical records expenses he has incurred to support the Social Security disability claim.

Indiana disability claimants should also be aware Mr. Lewis offers a FREE consultation. Just by picking up the phone and calling Mr. Lewis at (317) 423-8888, you can get an evaluation of your Indiana Social Security disability case.  Indianapolis Disability Lawyer Scott D. Lewis and his staff strive to answer questions to help alleviate the concerns of the disability claimants.  Indianapolis disability lawyer Scott Lewis sees cases involving cancer, diabetes, asthma, depression, arthritis, and many other conditions that prevent Indiana residents from working.  Call today for your free case evaluation!