Tampa SSD and SSI Lawyer Discusses Best Practices While Waiting for a Hearing
If you’re awaiting an upcoming administrative law hearing to determine your disability eligibility, there are several tasks you can complete to help prepare for this important milestone in the life of your application. First and foremost – relax. An administrative law hearing may seem daunting and overwhelming at first, however, the process is much less formal than a traditional civil trial in a courtroom. What’s more, your Tampa SSD and SSI attorney will be there with you every step of the way to ensure you receive a fair hearing and that your entire story is thoroughly presented to the judge.
Preparing Thorough and Highly-Detailed Testimony
Much like a traditional trial, you will not generally be permitted to refer to notes during your testimony. Therefore, it may be helpful to prepare ahead of time the important details you would like to cover to make certain you do not leave anything out during your hearing. When preparing for your testimony, consider the following questions the judge will likely ask during the preceding:
- How has your injury impacted your daily lifestyle (e.g., can you still socialize with friends? Take trips? Etc.)
- What was the nature of your employment prior to your injury? Were you highly mobile at your job, or was it more of a desk job?
- How has your injury directly impacted your ability to continue working?
In addition to these questions, you will also be allowed to introduce testimony from knowledgeable witnesses about your injury. Your witnesses should be limited to those who are in direct, daily (or near daily) interaction with you and can fully attest to the limitations and restrictions you are experiencing as a result of your injury. The more specific, fact-oriented detail you can provide, the better.
Contact a Tampa SSD and SSI Attorney Today
It is generally not advisable to attend your SSD hearing unaccompanied by an experienced SSD and SSI lawyer. If you are anxiously awaiting your first hearing and would like advice as to what to expect, we encourage you to give us a call today. For competent and compassionate representation, call Fernando V. Narvaez Attorney, at Law at 727-914-4999.