Why An Administrative Law Judge Hearing Is A Good Thing
If your initial claim for Social Security Disability benefits has been denied and your appeal is scheduled for a hearing before an administrative law judge, don’t be nervous. This hearing is your best opportunity to have your claim approved. It is a smart idea, however, to have an experienced and knowledgeable Social Security Disability lawyer help you present the strongest case possible at the ALJ hearing.
The attorneys at Hanna Leung, Professional Law Corporation, in San Francisco, have helped injured parties prepare for ALJ hearings and represented clients at these hearings for more than two decades. We know what to expect. We know how to prepare for these hearings. And we know how to win injured workers disability benefits.
Your Performance Relies On Preparation
ALJ hearings are less formal than a court hearing. They are held in an office setting and designed to be non adversarial. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t be nervous — and for good reason, given the importance of the outcome. In addition to you and the judge, the hearing can include your legal counsel and typically a vocational expert.
The judge, who will be familiar with the evidence of your case, will most likely ask you about your job responsibilities, your injuries, the treatment you have received, the pain you experience, other activities you participate in, limitations you have encountered due to your injuries, why you feel you are unable to work and other questions. Generally, the more specific you can be with your answers, the better. We will help you prepare your answers for the most frequently asked questions.
The judge will probably ask the vocational expert hypothetical questions about a worker who is the same age as you and who is in the same health condition. The vocational expert’s answers may support your case or work against it. Your lawyer can cross-examine the vocational expert or any other person who testifies at your hearing.
One Is A Lonely Number At ALJ Hearings
As you can see, it is a good idea to enlist the support of an experienced disability lawyer who has been through the ALJ process and who can help you prepare for the administrative hearing process. We welcome the opportunity to serve you in this role.
We can review the facts of your case during a free consultation and provide a candid assessment of what you can expect. Contact us to schedule a meeting. We represent clients in Social Security Disability cases across the Bay Area and much of Northern California.