Do I Really Need a Lawyer to Help With My Disability Claim?

December 15, 2025

Share this article

Do I Really Need a Lawyer to Help With My Disability Claim?

Getting a lawyer to assist you with your disability claim may seem costly and unnecessary, but in reality it is a crucial aspect of getting your application approved. Studies have shown that applicants who are assisted by a lawyer are 3x more likely to have their disability claim accepted. Applying for disability requires organization, knowledge in the area, and an extensive amount of time. A lawyer will assist you in these areas and more.

If you havent gone through the process before you might be unaware of the amount of paperwork and time that goes into filing a Social Security disability claim. Keeping up with every deadline that a Social Security claim requires is not easy and can be difficult to navigate without the proper experience and education. Most applicants dont know how to properly fill out the necessary paperwork and correct medical documentation. These two issues are responsible for over 65% of claims getting originally denied. (Disability Benefits Center). Working with a lawyer will ensure that all your paperwork is submitted properly and on time. They can work with you and your doctors to gather the important details and medical evidence that will give your case grounds to stand on. 

One of the biggest advantages to having an attorney is the prep you will receive prior to your hearing, as well as, representation at your hearing. Burnett Driskill attorneys put together a video to help you better understand what to expect at your social security hearing. Your lawyer will be your biggest advocate to the judge, supporting you through the questioning process. They will also support you at any necessary appeals. These are extremely important aspects of getting your claim accepted and having a lawyer will make the process much easier.

The rules and regulations that The Social Security Administration have in place can be confusing, having someone who knows the application process will maximize your chances of your claim being accepted. To get in touch with a qualified attorney who wants to help you get the benefits you deserve contact Burnett Driskill at (816) 844-3401.

Recent Posts

December 15, 2025
Applying for Social Security Disability can be a long and frustrating process. As part of that process, you may need to go through a consultative exam , which helps to establish the extent of your disability. What is a consultative exam, and what can you expect from that process? Make sure you are prepared by consulting with a member of our legal team.
December 15, 2025
If you are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments, it is likely that you have faced many challenges, and these may have directly affected your financial situation. Once financial hardship takes hold, it can be challenging to regain control, and you may have creditors expecting repayment. Some creditors may even use ugly tactics, one of which is the threat of garnishment.
December 15, 2025
It i s important for disabled entrepreneurs who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) to understand how deducting impairment-related work expenses can affect SSDI calculations. These deductible expenses may reduce your countable earnings, helping you maintain eligibility for SSDI benefits while continuing to work.
Doctor in white coat, pushing patient in wheelchair down hospital hallway.
December 15, 2025
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a benefit you earn based on your work history and contributions to Social Security throughout your career. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program for individuals with limited financial resources, whose work history is not necessarily a determining factor for eligibility.
Business meeting: three people looking at red laptop.
December 15, 2025
If you are approaching retirement, you might be wondering how much you will receive in Social Security benefits. Your level of benefits will depend on how much you worked and earned in your career, calculated as average indexed monthly earnings (AIME).
December 15, 2025
Why Does the ALJ Want to Know That?    ALJ wants to know The process can get confusing. We’re here to sort it out with you. To start with, let’s look at a common question we get: Why does the ALJ want to know that? Chores  Pets  Social activities  Grocery shopping  Who you live with  Drugs/etc  Why Did the ALJ Ask Me That?  Some questions in your Social Security disability judge make sense. They will often ask about your previous work, your physical limitations, and why you feel you cant work.  But your attorney and the judge will ask other questions about your personal life, such as your social activities and the chores you do around the house. Why do they ask that?  The short answer is that the judge does not have current, full-time job performance to evaluate. He or she often determine whether you can perform a job using other clues about your abilities from your life. Here are a few examples.  Household Chores  The household tasks you can and cant do may be very informative for a Social Security judge. If you tell the judge you cant stand for long periods, but that you have no problem vacuuming the house, the judge may see that as evidence that you are more able.  Pets  You may no think that having a pet makes a big difference to your disability claim. However, if your attorney asks you about it theres a good reason. You may be able to let your dog out, but not be able to take her for a walk. You may be able to feed your cat, but not clean a litter box. These can illustrate your condition better than you think.  Living Arrangements  Do you live with a partner who assists you? Or maybe you have children or elders living with you that you     
December 15, 2025
Many employers offer benefits in addition to wages. Besides health, dental, life, and accident insurance, some employers also offer short-term and long-term disability insurance . This insurance is designed to replace some of your regular income in the event you become unable to continue performing your job due to health reasons. Short-term disability insurance is designed to replace your income in the short term usually around six months. Long-term disability insurance is designed to replace your income over the long term. Ideally, it will pay benefits until you reach your retirement age.
December 15, 2025
COVID-19 has thrown a wrench in our way of life. Not only has it affected our personal and business lives, but it has also changed the way that medical professionals work. Many visits are now done via telemedicine and telehealth, either through video or phone call. Although this is safer and more convenient, it presents some challenges in disability claims.
Show More