Common Mistakes to Avoid at Your Greenville Social Security Disability Hearing

1. Do not try argue your own case.

Let us do our job as your Greenville disability lawyers. We will make the arguments. You are responsible for testifying to the facts, and that is all you should be doing. When prompted, describe your condition, estimate your limitations, and outline your daily routine. Give examples of the difficulties your injury has caused you. But do not make any arguments for yourself.

2. Don’t try to draw conclusions for the judge.

Even worse than trying to make arguments for your lawyer is trying to draw conclusions for the judge. Don’t say that you would be working if you were able, and don’t harp on how much you want to work. Your desire to work is not the issue in a Social Security disability hearing. Besides, such comments may backfire and draw unwanted comparisons between you and disabled people who are able to work.

3. Don’t compare yourself to other people with disability benefits.

It does not help your case when you bring up other people who have disability benefits, regardless of how you think their disabilities compare to yours. Never say anything like “I know someone who is much less disabled than I am, and the judge gave him benefits” or “You’ll grant benefits to alcoholics and you won’t grant them to me?”

4. Don’t try to elicit the judge’s sympathy.

Judges have heard it all: your financial situation is dire, the bank is going to foreclose on your house, etc. Such overwrought gestures never help your case and may well backfire. Your claim will be decided on the basis of the facts of your medical limitations, not how much you need the money or how deserving you are.

If you have been denied Social Security disability benefits, a Greenville disability lawyer at the Dennison Law Firm may be able to help you win your case on appeal. For a free evaluation, please call us at (866) 342-5770.