Our Charlotte Social Security Disability Attorney Gives Testifying Tips

The Bridgman Law Offices will be glad to offer tips on testifying before an ALJ. Call our Charlotte Social Security disability attorney at (704) 815-6055.

If you are testifying before an administrative law judge, our Charlotte Social Security disability attorney has several recommendations on what to do in court to improve your odds of an approval.

Refrain From Argumentative Behavior

First, do not argue with the administrative law judge or compare your case to anyone else’s. Since you are not a legal professional, you may not understand all of the legal nuances that are involved in your case. Your role is to simply state the facts, explain your symptoms and talk about your limitations. In addition, you should describe what you do each day and give practical examples of how your disability has affected you. Your lawyer will argue your case for you. Avoid using wording similar to “I worked my entire life….” or “I can’t work at all now.” Do not do the judge’s job for him or her, but allow the ALJ to reach their own conclusions. Do not tell the judge that you would work if you could. Some people will extreme disabilities do work, such as Nick Vujicic, who runs an international ministry and has spoken before millions of people despite having no arms or legs. A Social Security disability case focuses on your personal capabilities. For this reason, the judge does not want to hear about someone who is less disabled than you and who is receiving benefits. Do not compare your case to anyone else you know or have heard about. Do not say that you know people who receive benefits even when nothing is wrong with them or claim that you could get benefits if you were an alcoholic or use any other comparison in court. This kind of wording will likely hurt your case.

Manipulating The Judge

Do not bring up your financial situation, bill collectors calling, or the threat of foreclosure. The judge isn’t interested in your sad story, which could even backfire.

Contact Our Charlotte Social Security Disability Attorney

The professionals at the Bridgman Law Offices will be glad to offer additional tips on testifying before an ALJ. For further information, call our Charlotte Social Security disability attorney at (704) 815-6055.