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If you suffer an injury that hinders you from working for an extended period, you could be eligible for long-term disability benefits under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) plan. ERISA is an employer-sponsored plan that’s meant to protect your rights to benefits like pension plans, health insurance, disability insurance, other retirement plans, accident death & dismemberment insurance, life insurance and so on.
If your application for the benefits is denied, then it’s in your best interest to hire a qualified ERISA lawyer to help you file an appeal and enhance your chances of getting accepted. However, since not all ERISA lawyers are created equal, you’ll need to do some thorough research upfront to ensure you are settling for the best option; otherwise, you might end up losing your rights altogether.
To help point you to the right direction, here are some few tips for choosing the right disability lawyer:
Look at specialization and experience
The market has no shortage of lawyers, but that doesn’t mean you should settle for any option that comes your way. A good lawyer for you is one who specializes in ERISA law and has evidence of their past work to back them up. In addition to specialization, the lawyer should also have adequate experience representing cases of similar magnitude as yours.
Certification and licensing
Another great way to tell whether a lawyer is the right choice for you is by looking at their certifications and licensing. Certification highlights their training and academic background while licensing shows that they are legit.
Reviews and testimonials
Find out what the past clients are saying about the ERISA attorney – like whether they are happy or not so happy with the services they received. The good thing about past clients is that they give you a firsthand account of what to expect. You can also check out third-party reviews – often from authority sites – that rank lawyers according to their experience, qualifications and case outcomes.
Industry Reputation
Don’t leave the lawyer’s reputation to chance because it can either make or break your case. A good lawyer is widely known for his or her quality representation. They have a track record of representing their clients successfully and following through with their promises. The best way to determine reputation is by checking the reviews and testimonials, and also getting referrals from trusted sources.
Availability
Another great attribute to watch out for when looking for an ERISA lawyer is their availability. It’s one thing for the lawyer to be good, and another for them to be available to represent you. It beats logic to hire a high-flying lawyer who doesn’t have time for you. So, if you feel like another number, you may want to continue looking for an attorney who will have enough time to represent you.
Cost
Last, but not least is the cost – find a lawyer who has the qualities above, but whose services fall within your budgetary preferences. Most ERISA lawyers charge on a contingency fee basis, so often you won’t need to make any upfront payment.
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