Do You Know What You're Doing?

A client asked me an interesting question today that made me think.  The conversation was actually rather comical, and it forced me to ponder about how we help in cases of disability.

After speaking with this prospective client for a little under an hour, we finally got to the point where the prospective client asked "so what is it that you do, exactly?" 

My response was simple, as I've made the statement thousands of times: "We will help you get the claim filed, make sure that all your doctors records get to the SSA as soon as possible, and make sure that the SSA understands our theory of your case about why you are disabled."

This answer was followed by, basically, the same question again.  So I went into greater detail. "We will work with you to get forms completed properly, see to it that your doctor helps us where needed, and answer any questions you have throughout the process.  We'll prep you for a hearing if your case goes that far."

The prospect still felt that those answers were not enough to explain all that we do.  To be honest, all of our clients are entitled to a thorough explanation of our services before they sign a contract.  It's their right. So when I was asked again- a third time-  about what we do, I really had to stop and think about a different way to explain our services. 

Finally, I think we both felt satisfied.  My answer: "We make sure that anyone involved in your case does what they are supposed to, when they are supposed to do it, and that they do it correctly.  If something is not done correctly, we will correct it. We'll follow through where others don't, and make sure that every relevant piece of information is included to see that you get benefits as quickly and and as efficiently as possible."
 

I've been representing disability applicants for 17 years now.  I don't believe I had ever been grilled so thoroughly by a client (or as politely, I might add), about our efforts here at Schad and Schad.  As the newly signed client was leaving, I asked whether or not I had answered their question about our duties.  The reply? "Oh, you answered that question the first time I asked it.  I just wanted to make sure that you knew what your job was."

It was a light moment.  Worth sharing.