In an attempt to answer this question, here is what we do at Drummond Law. For starters, the fact that we are actual lawyers, as opposed to non-attorney representatives, gives us a substantial leg up on non-attorney disability representatives.
Currently, the Social Security Administration allows anybody to be a representative simply by taking a test or by being an attorney. We feel that the seven years of college including three years of law school we put in to become practicing attorneys puts us in a more qualified position to serve our clients than someone who simply took a test. On top of that, in the event that a claim is denied and it is necessary to appeal that matter to federal court, we can and regularly do appeal cases to federal court. A non-attorney representative cannot do that because they are only allowed to work with Social Security and cannot take any cases in front of a judge.
In helping our Social Security clients, the first thing we do in a client’s claim is to obtain detailed information about his or her medical and personal history. This helps us to figure out the best approach in developing the claim.
We take an active role in helping the client get the medical treatments and evaluations he or she needs. We have developed hundreds of helpful forms for doctors to fill out which mimic the Social Security disability regulations. We also keep in regular contact with our clients and get updated records to document their claim.
Unlike many other non-attorneys, and even attorney representatives, once we have access to the exhibits in the file, we do a preliminary analysis and memorandum in order to spot problems or find areas in the medical records that could be further developed. Additionally, if we have to hold a hearing for a disability claim in front of a judge, we always prepare a pretrial brief for the judge.
We then represent the client at the hearing. In the event of a denial by the judge, we represent the client through the appeals process up to and including appealing cases to federal court if warranted.
At Drummond Law, we are always accessible responsive to our clients’ needs and we don’t just disappear after you have hired us to represent you.
If you or a loved one are considering applying for Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income or need help with a current disability claim, please feel free to call us at (800) 842-0426.