Are you no longer employed because you are suffering from a severe back injury that limits your ability move without pain? You can replace a portion of your lost income with social security disability (SSD) benefits with the assistance of a lawyer to help you get approved. Discover below what a lawyer can do to make applying for SSD benefits a smoother process and what he or she will charge per hour.

What Can a Lawyer Do to Assist with the SSD Benefits Process?

The severity of your back injury will be one of the main things that your lawyer will focus on. He or she will gather the evidence required to prove to the Social Security Administration (SSA) that your condition is considered long-term. The injury must be expected to last for no less than a year for you to receive SSD benefits. The lawyer will also research your condition to explain to the SSA why it is difficult for you to work, such as by detailing how your joints and spine are affected.

To help your lawyer, you will have to hand over a copy of your medical records that are related specifically to the back injury. Documentation from the physician treating your injury will be required as well to show the SSA what kind of treatment plan you are on. Keep in mind that although you are being treated, the SSA has the right to ask you to undergo additional testing by an appointed physician. You may be able to pass up any additional medical testing with the help of a lawyer. He or she will explain to the SSA that you have enough evidence of the injury already.

It can be hard getting approved for SSD benefits without the help of a lawyer. A lawyer can also help you get a denied application for SSD benefits overturned if the decision was unfair.

What is the Hourly Rate of an SSD Lawyer?

The hourly rate charge on average by lawyers is as low as $90 depending on the complexity of the case. A more complex case might cost up to $500 plus. You may have to pay a retainer fee upfront that is used as security for the lawyer based on how many hours he or she expects to spend on your case. Your rate per hour will be taken out of the retainer fee. Get in touch with an SSD lawyer like those at http://asmlegal.net/ so you can get paid while your back is in bad shape!