January 15, 2009 by Dirk.

You are the main witness, and usually the only witness, at your Social Security Disability Hearing. So what you have to say to the Judge is very important.Your testimony before the Administrative Law Judge:

•  should be believable; not every day is a bad day and you are able to perform some daily activities. You should not exaggerate your pain, but you also should not down play your problems either. Tell the Judge what happens to you on a typical day. It helps to reflect on what you have experienced over the past several years. It may also help to keep a journal of your limitations.
• should be descriptive; it is not helpful to use terms such as “it varies” or “it depends”. You need to be able to tell the Judge types of items you have problem lifting, or how far you can walk, and how long you can sit. You should be able to give examples of problems you have around the house, and describe your pain.
• should be clear; you are at the hearing because you absolutely cannot work a full time job. If you tell the judge you may be able to work full time or you will try to work full time then you will lose your case and not be found disabled.

If you have any questions about Social Security Disability or what happens at hearings please call Illinois Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

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January 8, 2009 by Dirk.

Sometimes people will ask me if they need an attorney for their Social Security Disability case.

You are not required to have a lawyer for your disability case. However, in some cases Social Security takes your application more seriously if you have an attorney represent you.
A lawyer can also make sure all your medical records are updated and sent to the Hearing office in time for your trial.

A lawyer can ask the proper questions of your doctor for a supportive report. 

A lawyer will also know what questions to ask the vocational expert. You must put your limitations in the best light for you to win your case.

Finally,  there is only a fee if you win the case and the fee ranges from several hundred dollars to $5,300. There is never a fee on your monthly check. Considering your lifetime benefits could total several hundred thousand dollars, the attorney fees only are 1% to 2% of potential benefits.  Not a bad return.

Questions about your Social Security Disability case? Call Illinois Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371. 

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October 31, 2008 by Dirk.

Your Social Security Disability hearing is coming up soon. Are you nervous? Most likely. You do not know what to expect and the result is very important to you.

It is not like what you see on television. There is no big courtroom. There is no jury. The only people in the room are the judge, yourself, the vocational expert and the hearing room monitor(tapes the hearing).

In order to be more relaxed you need to know that the judge is going to ask you about your symptoms, your limitations, your daily activities, your work history, your education, your ability to do chores. The hearing is going to last from 40 to 50 minutes and you are going to have to ask the vocational expert questions. The judge will usually not decide your case on the spot. The judge will take from 30 to 60 days to issue a written decision in your case.

If you have any questions about what is going to happen at your Social Security Disability hearing please feel free to call me, Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371. 

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August 31, 2008 by Dirk.

Let’s be honest. Not every client and lawyer get along.  When choosing your lawyer it is important to make sure your personalities and expectations match.  Here are some important things to keep in mind:

•  Does the lawyer return your calls within 24 hours? There really is no excuse for not returning your calls. If the lawyer is in court, then the attorney will have to get you a message and call you when available.
• Does your lawyer take your input? A Social Security disability case is really a partnership between attorney and client. This does not mean the lawyer will always agree with you, but you should at least be able to discuss your views and understand why the attorney takes certain approaches and positions in your case.
• Is this more than a business relationship? In other words, it is not just about money. There must be trust and an ability to work together to put your best case before the Administrative Law Judge. A lawyer can never guarantee you will win, but the attorney can promise to give his best effort to present your case.
• Is the lawyer familiar with the Administrative Law Judges who may decide your case? It is very important to know the judge and what he or she looks for in a disability case. A lawyer from a city or state far from your home will be at a great disadvantage.

Any questions, please call Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

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May 23, 2008 by Dirk.

I just returned from a seminar for lawyers. In Illinois, it is required that a lawyer attend 20 hours of continuing education over a 2 year period. Probably a good idea to require this. One of the speakers pointed out that a major complaint from clients is that their lawyer does not respond to their telephone calls. There are probably a number of reasons why this happens. None of them good, by the way. The lawyer is too busy, the people assisting him do not follow through, or he is too disorganized to return the calls.In any event, I understand that your case is very important to you and I am willing to return all your calls and discuss your questions. Try it out and give me a call. 

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