Common Mistakes

Common Mistakes in Disability Cases

Obtaining disability benefits is like threading a needle through a very small eye. Unless you do it just right, you may be out of luck.

Don’t Make These Common Mistakes

There are countless ways to make mistakes in a disability claim. Over the years, the attorneys of Chermol & Fishman, LLC, have seen many sad cases of people who were denied benefits despite the fact that they were legitimately disabled.

There are certain types of mistakes we see over and over again. The three most common are:

• Not having a lawyer: You are not required to have an attorney to represent you in a Social Security disability claim, but the Social Security Administration’s own statistics show you are far more likely to have your claim approved if you have an attorney handling your case. We have dedicated our lives and our careers to this area of the law. We understand all the nuances of the law and the pitfalls to avoid.
• Not filing an appeal after a denial: A significant percentage of initial applications for SSD and SSI benefits are denied, frequently for a technicality or misunderstanding. Our lawyers have a successful record of obtaining benefits for disabled people after their initial claims have been denied. We have successfully represented clients in all stages of the reconsideration, review and appeals process, all the way up to federal court.
• Not establishing a record of medical treatment for the condition: If you claim you are disabled, the Social Security Administration expects to see a record of medical treatment for your conditions. If you have not established a record of treatment — for whatever reasons — your chances of obtaining disability benefits are decreased. We understand that more trips to a doctor or physical therapist are not going to help improve many medical conditions. However, a record of regular treatment for your condition is essential to the success of your disability claim.

Call for Social Security Disability Claim Help

Don’t risk losing the benefits you are entitled to receive or having approval of your benefits delayed by months or even years. Let the attorneys of Chermol & Fishman, LLC, in Philadelphia, help. To discuss your claim, please contact us today by e-mail or call (215) 464-7200. The initial consultation is free, and we never charge a fee until we win your case.