Questions to Ask a Disability Lawyer Before Hiring Them

Tens of millions of people live with disabilities in the US. Each one of them has their own story and their own unique situations and circumstances. Some of them are born with disabilities, others acquire them over time. Each one is unique, but they can face many of the same challenges throughout their lives.

Because of these challenges, there may come a time in your life, or the life of a disabled love one, when you need to call on the help of a disability lawyer. Highly trained and specialized in the field of disability law, these kinds of lawyers can assist with a wide range of cases and situations, but they’re not all equal.

Some disability lawyers are much more experienced, successful, and approachable than others, and it can feel intimidating to try and find the right one. One of the top tips for hiring disability lawyers is to make the most of any consultations you can get, asking key questions to find out more before deciding if a lawyer is the right person for you.

How Much Experience Do You Have?

When a recruiter is interviewing a candidate for a job, they often begin by asking about the candidate’s history and experience, trying to find someone who understands the role and will be able to dive right in, using their existing talents and knowledge to succeed. The same logic applies when looking for a lawyer.

Ideally, you’ll want to find a disability lawyer who has a lot of experience. The most experienced lawyers know the ins and outs of their profession better than anyone. They’ve taken care of dozens or hundreds of cases in the past and will know what to expect, as well as providing you with more peace of mind as the case proceeds too.

Have You Handled Cases Like Mine Before?

It’s not always enough to find a lawyer with experience. You sometimes need to dig a little deeper with your questioning and try to find a lawyer who has relevant experience, connected specifically to the needs and demands of your case. This is why it’s often recommended to ask a lawyer if they’ve handled cases like yours before.

This is especially important in the world of disability law, as disability cases can vary wildly from person to person, often influenced by the different types of disabilities in play. For example, a case involving someone who is blind may be very different from a case in which a person suffers from an educational disability.

How Much Will I Have to Pay?

Many people want to know about the costs of legal fees, retainers, and so on but are often worried or hesitant to ask. Don’t make the same mistake, and don’t agree to work with any lawyer until you know exactly how much you’ll be expected to pay for their services and how you’ll be asked to make those payments.

Lawyer fees can vary quite a lot from firm to firm and case to case, so it’s vital to ask this question and get an idea of how much you’ll need to pay. This will be of particular importance to individuals who are already on a limited budget and having to cover other costs associated with their disability, like medical or rehabilitation fees.

How Do You See the Case Progressing?

Ultimately, the reason people contact and hire lawyers in the first place is because they want to be successful in their cases. So it’s only natural that you should ask your lawyer how they think the case will progress and whether or not they believe you have a good chance of winning, as well as what options might be available to you in the future.

Some people worry about asking such a direct question, but lawyers hear it often and will be happy to share their views. They may not be able to predict the future with absolute certainty, so they can’t say for sure if a case will be won or lost, but they can call on their own knowledge and experience to give you an informed opinion.

Conclusion

Finding the right disability lawyer doesn’t have to be a challenge. It’s all about taking your time, making the most of consultations, and doing the proper preparation, rather than simply rushing right in and hiring the first firm you find. Before attending your next consultation, be sure to note these questions down and prepare others you feel will be important.