There are over 1.3 million lawyers in the U.S. today, but when you've been wrongfully denied a critical benefit, how can the average person figure out how to choose the right lawyer to handle your case? Many people resort to the internet, thinking that a well-phrased search will lead them to the right lawyer. Unfortunately, too many people choose the first result that pops up, not realizing that someone paid to be listed in that spot. Search terms are for sale to the highest bidder; and that lawyer may not be the best one for you. So, why does the right lawyer matter and how do you choose the right lawyer for your benefits denial case?
Why Does the Right Lawyer Matter
Finding the right lawyer and not just any lawyer is critical to the success of the claim. The right lawyer will know how to analyze the insurance company's rationale for denying benefits, identify what is needed to turn the claim around, and assist the claimant in securing the necessary evidence. The right lawyer also anticipates the insurance company's response to a claim appeal and will carefully build a record for a possible lawsuit if the appeal is not successful that is ready to go to trial on day one.
The wrong kind of lawyer may lack the necessary experience or expertise to address the client's unique issues and to know what courts are looking for to prove the insurance company's decision was wrong.
While no reputable lawyer can guarantee a favorable outcome, the right lawyer will do everything necessary to enhance the probability of success.
If You've Wrongfully Been Denied Disability, Health, or Life Insurance Benefits, How Do you Choose the Right Lawyer to Help You Get the Benefits You Deserve?
Even if you know a lawyer or know someone who knows a lawyer, any lawyer isn't good enough. You need to find the lawyer who is best suited to handle your case. You would not hire a lawyer who concentrates in divorce law to handle a criminal case; and the same rule applies when you are looking to hire a benefits lawyer.
So, what should you look for?
1. Look for a Lawyer Whose Practice is Concentrated in Handling Benefits Claims
Most disability, life, and health benefit matters arise under employer-sponsored benefit plans. In most instances, that means the claim is governed by the ERISA law (Employee Retirement Income Security Act). If ERISA and benefits is not the focus of the lawyer's practice and some other area of practice such as personal injury law is, find another lawyer. Even though Social Security lawyers handle "disability" claims, they might not be the right fit for an ERISA disability benefit case.
Our practice is focused on disability, life, health, and other benefits issues - that is all we do; and we have been handling such benefits related cases since the 1980s.
2. Look for a Lawyer Who has the Experience and a Track Record of Successfully Handling Benefits Cases Like Yours
Every case is unique, but many involve issues that recur. Don't just settle for a lawyer who claims they have handled cases similar to yours; find a lawyer who has actually litigated similar cases and achieved results. Court rulings are public records and can be looked up.
The right lawyer to hire should also have appellate court experience - a lawyer who has lost in the trial court but won in the court of appeals is a lawyer who knows their way around the courthouse and is a proven fighter for their clients who doesn't just settle cases. We like to say about...
