How Much Does a Disability Lawyer Cost in California?

If you’re struggling to receive disability benefits, hiring a disability lawyer can improve your success. But one of the most common questions people have when considering legal representation is: How much does a disability lawyer cost? Understanding the cost structure and benefits of hiring an SSI or SSDI lawyer in California can help you make an informed decision about moving forward with your claim. Read on to learn more about what you can expect when working with a disability lawyer and how the costs are structured to work in your favor.

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Understanding How Disability Lawyers Are Paid

Unlike some other types of legal representation, disability lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis. This means that they do not require upfront payment for their services. Instead, the lawyer’s fee is contingent on the outcome of your case — they only get paid if you win. This structure makes legal representation more accessible to those seeking disability benefits, as there’s no immediate financial burden.

What Is the Typical Fee for a Disability Lawyer?

Under federal law, the fees for Social Security disability lawyers are standardized. A disability lawyer’s fee is generally 25% of your past-due benefits, also known as back pay, or capped at $7,200, whichever is lower.

This cap is set by the Social Security Administration (SSA), ensuring that you’re not overcharged. For example, if your back pay is $10,000, your lawyer would receive $2,500 (25% of $10,000). If your back pay is $30,000, your lawyer would only receive $7,200 due to the cap, even though 25% of that amount would be higher.

There may also be rare exceptions where the lawyer petitions the SSA for a higher fee, but this requires special approval and is uncommon. The SSA must find that the case involved extraordinary circumstances to allow for an exception, and you would be notified in advance if this were to happen. Additionally, the fee structure must always comply with SSA regulations to ensure fairness to the claimant.

Additional Costs and Expenses

While most disability lawyers operate on a contingency fee, there may be additional costs associated with your case. These costs are typically not included in the lawyer’s contingency fee and may include things like:

• Fees for obtaining medical records
• Court filing fees
• Expert witness fees (if applicable)

Your lawyer should inform you of any potential additional costs before they are incurred. In most cases, these expenses will be subtracted from your back pay after your case is won, but it’s important to clarify this with your attorney upfront.

Who Pays the Fees for a Disability Lawyer?

Another important question to address is who is responsible for paying the lawyer’s fees. In most cases, the fees for a disability lawyer are automatically deducted from the past-due benefits (back pay) that you are awarded once your claim is approved. This means that you do not have to worry about paying your lawyer out of pocket.

The SSA handles the payment directly by deducting the lawyer’s contingency fee from your back pay before sending you the remaining balance. Since the fees are contingent upon your success, you only pay your lawyer if your claim is approved and you receive benefits.

What Happens If You Lose Your Disability Case?

Another common concern is what happens if you lose your disability case? The good news is that because disability lawyers are paid on a contingency fee basis, if your claim is not successful, you typically do not owe any attorney fees. This arrangement provides peace of mind for clients, as it eliminates the financial risk of hiring a lawyer.

However, you may still be responsible for any additional costs (such as medical record fees) that arose during the case, even if you don’t win. It’s a good idea to discuss these possibilities with your lawyer during your initial consultation.

Is Hiring a Disability Lawyer Worth the Cost?

After learning how much it costs for a disability lawyer to handle your case, you might be wondering whether it’s worth the investment. The reality is that hiring a lawyer significantly increases your chances of winning your disability case. Studies have shown that applicants represented by lawyers are more likely to receive benefits than those who apply without legal help.

Lawyers are experienced in gathering the necessary evidence, filing paperwork, and representing you at hearings, which can often make the difference between approval and denial. In addition, a lawyer may help you secure a larger overall payout by helping to ensure all eligible benefits are considered, which can more than cover the cost of hiring them.

Free Consultations and Case Evaluations

If you’re still uncertain about hiring a disability lawyer, it’s important to know that many lawyers offer free consultations. During this consultation, a lawyer will evaluate your case and provide you with information about their fee structure and any potential costs. This gives you the opportunity to ask questions and gain a better understanding of how much it might cost without committing upfront.

Why Choose Dr. Bill LaTour for Your Disability Case?

At The Law Offices of Dr. Bill LaTour, we understand the complexities of disability claims and are committed to helping you navigate the process smoothly. With decades of experience representing individuals just like you, our disability attorneys know what it takes to increase your chances of success. Plus, when you work with our team, you don’t need to worry about how much a disability lawyer costs — Dr. Bill LaTour operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you win.If you’re struggling with your disability claim and need qualified legal guidance, Dr. Bill LaTour is here for you. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and see how we can help you secure your benefits.