Why Should I Hire A Local Disability Attorney?

If you decide to hire someone to help you obtain Social Security Disability benefits, you can select either a disability attorney or a nonattorney representative.

The most obvious difference between the two is the level of education and training. To become a disability attorney like Douglas W. Hutson, you must obtain a bachelor’s degree, a Juris Doctor and admission to the state bar. Born and raised in Athens, Tennessee, Mr. Hutson earned an undergraduate degree from Tennessee Wesleyan College in 1980 at the top of his class. He graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville in 1983 and soon, thereafter, was admitted to the Tennessee and federal bars. He has remained committed to helping disabled East Tennessee residents ever since.

To become a nonattorney disability representative, you need only a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent training or work experience. You also must pass a criminal background check and a written exam, along with some other simple requirements.

How much does it cost to hire a disability attorney versus a nonattorney representative? The Social Security Administration determines the fee disability attorneys and nonattorney advocates may charge. Currently, the standard fee agreement allows your attorney or advocate to receive 25 percent of your back payment amount or $6,000, whichever is less. Expenses paid, typically for medical records, by the attorney or representative are separate and must be repaid. In Mr. Hutson’s office, these expenses are usually under $100.

Since disability attorneys and nonattorney representatives charge the same fees, why not hire a reputable local attorney like Mr. Hutson to represent you in your disability case? When you work with Mr. Hutson, you can rest assured that your case is in good hands.

• Mr. Hutson, like all licensed lawyers, is bound by strict ethical obligations and rules of conduct, unlike nonattorney representatives.
• Mr. Hutson is qualified to appeal your case all the way to the federal district court level, unlike nonattorneys.
• Mr. Hutson is bound by attorney-client privilege to keep the information you tell him confidential.
• Mr. Hutson will be the only attorney working on your case, managing it from start to finish. This is not the case with many nonattorney representatives.
• Mr. Hutson and his staff will work closely with you and your doctor. He will have a detailed prehearing meeting with you, helping to ensure a confident experience on the day of your hearing.

Schedule A Free Disability Claim Review With A Reputable Lawyer

At the law office of Douglas W. Hutson, Attorney at Law, we provide free legal consultations. In fact, we will not charge any fees until we win your case. Call 423-453-3021 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation in Athens today.