Lynnwood, Everett and Seattle Social Security Benefits Attorney
Under Social Security law, if you are unable to work for at least 12 months due to injury or illness, you may be eligible for benefits that can cover lost income as well as medical expenses. Common questions that many people have are "When should I see a Social Security disability attorney?" and "Should I hire a lawyer before I file a claim, or is it best to wait until my claim has been denied?"
At the law office of Hickman Menashe, P.S., we bring more than 45 years of combined legal experience to people throughout the Seattle area. We offer caring and compassionate counsel, emphasizing individualized attention and personal service. Because of our strong reputation, we are AV rated by our colleagues in the legal profession under Martindale-Hubbell's Peer Review Rating System*.
Why Hire a Social Security Disability Attorney?
If you are ever confused about your rights regarding Social Security disability benefits, you can contact a lawyer. Our attorney will always give you a clear and honest assessment of your chances of success, as well as your rights and responsibilities.
While we are always happy to talk with you, and we will do so at no charge, it may not always make sense for you to hire an attorney early in the process if the primary value it will add will be to ensure that paperwork is prepared and filed on time. If you feel that you need help with these tasks and don't have a friend or other advocate who can help you, we will speak to you honestly about the pros and cons of hiring an attorney at the initial or reconsideration stages of the process so that you can make an informed decision.
At Hickman Menashe, P.S., we usually help clients once they have reached the hearing level of the appeals process. This is the point in the process when claimants have a chance to have their case heard by an administrative law judge and our advocacy can add the most value. We also help clients with appeals to Social Security's Appeals Council, after a case is lost at the administrative hearing level.
Because the disability determination process is complex, you may not understand the reasoning behind the denial you received from Social Security, and therefore you likely won't know what kinds of additional evidence and information will make your case stronger. When your claim has been denied, despite your best efforts to provide Social Security with complete and competent evidence of your disability, you need an attorney to protect your rights and help you get the benefits to which you are entitled.
Contact Our Office
For a private meeting with a Lynnwood area Social Security disability lawyer, contact our office online or call us at 425-744-5658 in Lynnwood (for client convenience we have a second office in Bellevue, Washington).We offer flexible appointments for your convenience. We will make home and hospital visits, if necessary. Our offices are handicapped accessible.
We represent Social Security claimants on a contingency fee basis. We will only charge legal fees if we recover compensation for you.
*AV Preeminent and BV Distinguished are registered certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the confidential opinions of members of the Bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell ratings fall into two categories: legal ability and general ethical standards.
