May 7, 2019 | Blog |

Filing a disability insurance claim is a complex process that can have life-changing results, and hiring the right lawyer is crucial to your claim. However, not all disability lawyers share the same priorities or approaches. If you are filing a disability insurance claim, you’ll want to make sure that you hire a lawyer who is qualified, communicative, and considerate.

We’ve compiled five essential questions to ask a disability insurance lawyer to help you decide whether they are right for you.

1. Where Is Your Office Located? 

While this may seem like a basic question, it’s essential to ensure that your lawyer has a local office. If you can’t tell from the firm’s website whether or not they have an office near you, this should be one of the first questions you ask when you reach out. Some big-box disability firms market their services nationwide, and you may never meet their lawyers face-to-face.

Not only is it beneficial to meet with your lawyer in person, but a lawyer with experience working on cases in your area will be more familiar with the judges, attorneys, and local idiosyncrasies that may impact your claim. They might also have professional relationships with local insurance adjusters. All of these things may give you an edge in your disability insurance claim.

RELATED ARTICLE: Do You Know the Deadline for Filing Your ERISA Claim?

2. Do You Specialize in Disability Insurance? 

Interpreting and applying disability insurance laws isn’t a simple task. However, not all disability lawyers focus on long-term and short-term disability—and you definitely don’t want a lawyer that dabbles in ERISA claims. For example, a lawyer who specializes in Social Security disability might not understand the nuances of a short-term disability insurance claim.

When you are trying to get the benefits you need to support you and your family, you want someone with as much experience with your type of claim as possible.

3. What Percentage of Your Disability Insurance Claims Settle Out-of-Court? 

One thing to look for in a disability insurance lawyer is someone with a track record of settling claims before they get to court. Some lawyers will try as many of their cases as possible, hoping to build their reputation with published court decisions.

In contrast, at Bryant Legal Group, we pride ourselves on our practical approach to our cases, and we don’t litigate for the sake of litigation or our egosOur lawyers will only take your claim to court as needed to get you the benefits you deserve.

RELATED ARTICLE: Building a Comprehensive Application for Disability Benefits

4. How Does Your Fee System Work? 

Attorney fee structures for disability insurance claims can vary. Some lawyers will agree to a contingency fee, while others may suggest an hourly rate. Depending on your circumstances, one fee structure may be a better deal than another.

You must understand how a lawyer’s fee structure works before you hire themTo do this, you should carefully review their written fee agreement and ask questions about its termsIf a lawyer refuses to provide a written fee agreement, this is an indicator that you need to look elsewhere.

RELATED ARTICLE: Common Reasons for Denial of Short-Term Disability Benefits

5. How Do You Approach Client Communications and Meetings? 

Knowing how a lawyer approaches client communication will show you whether or not you will be a good personality fitSome lawyers are hands-on, quickly answering texts and emails. Others may be slower to respond or rely on their support staff for client communications. If a lawyer’s communication style does not mesh with yours, you should continue your search for an attorney.

It’s also useful to ask how the lawyer would like you to contact them if you have questions. Knowing if they prefer calls to emails will help create more efficient communication.

Typically, you should plan on meeting with your lawyer in person at least once and should receive frequent updates or requests for additional information while your lawyer investigates and negotiates your claim. A lawyer should never accept or reject a settlement offer without your approval.

Bryant Legal Group: Chicago Disability Lawyers  

At Bryant Legal Group, we put our clients’ needs above all else. Our attorneys have decades of experience representing clients in disability insurance cases. We are committed to providing professional and results-oriented service along with personalized advocacy.

To schedule a consultation, call us today at (312) 586-9128 or complete our online form. One of our team members should promptly respond to your query.

The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.