NeuroTalk Support Groups - Question about attorney fees

NeuroTalk Support Groups (https://www.neurotalk.org/)

- Social Security Disability (https://www.neurotalk.org/social-security-disability/)

- - Question about attorney fees (https://www.neurotalk.org/social-security-disability/201804-question-attorney-fees.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rrae (Post 1055371)

I felt comfortable with him from the very beginning, when he took a good amount of time to answer my Q's and explain some things. We've been emailing back and forth regarding negotiations on his contract and he's willing to change or drop a couple of clauses to fit my particular situation.
Regarding his fee agreement, he did say that the $6000 limit does get dropped if we lose the ALJ hearing and have to go to Appeals Council. If we are granted a new hearing and win, then this is where he collects 25% of backpay with no limits. He didn't mention anything about going as far as the federal court, so I'm not sure on that.

That counts for a lot.

Combine that with what we've both learned in this thread, that the basic 25% plus costs cap doesn't necessarily cover beyond the ALJ level, and it sounds like you could feel comfortable going forward with him.

Good luck !

Quote:

Originally Posted by JosieTheGirl (Post 1055712)

Hi, I'm sorry I'm not able to ascertain if you are just starting the initial application? If this is the first application you are filing, it really is best to to it without a lawyer.

...actually many reputable lawyers won't take on the case unless you are past the initial application stage. I was approved in about 6 months, no lawyer, no appeals.

It could save you a lot of money.

I'm sorry if i missed something that mentioned this.

I think that's worth saying in every thread when someone is considering a lawyer.

Spending $6000 isn't chump change for most of us.

I think it's a personal decision for each person applying. With what I know now and what I can accomplish now; I'd love to have that $6000 back. :rolleyes: The thing is that I believe NOW I could review my medical documentation, see what was lacking, and discuss my concerns with my docs, but back when I started my application, that wasn't the case. My severe pain at that time, with minimal tools to battle it, didn't leave me with the mental acuity to help with my own case. Now I have periods like that, but it's not constant. The mental and physical abilities of the applicant, or their support system, are a consideration in whether a person should attempt to accomplish this themselves or get legal assistance.......and the $$$

Quote:

Originally Posted by JosieTheGirl (Post 1055712)

I'm not able to ascertain if you are just starting the initial application?

Hi Josie. Thanks for your input. I'm actually filing my first appeal.
From what I understand at this level, only a teeeeny % get approved.
I filed my initial app by myself and got my denial within 2 months. :o not sure if that was a good sign or not?!
That's wonderful that you got approved so fast!

Quote:

Originally Posted by finz (Post 1055782)

My severe pain at that time, with minimal tools to battle it, didn't leave me with the mental acuity to help with my own case. The mental and physical abilities of the applicant, or their support system, are a consideration in whether a person should attempt to accomplish this themselves or get legal assistance.......

Now ain't THAT the truth! :rolleyes: I've had many breakdowns by trying to do too much on my own....and the pain. forget it. I can't handwrite for very long, so I type. Just the initial application forms took me a month of sundays to fill out. (or so it seemed)

Rae