Diagnosed in 2007
Finding Legal Resources
Multiple Sclerosis and Your Rights
A complex and unpredictable disease, multiple sclerosis can affect your life at home, work or in the community. You may need to exercise certain legal rights to function at your best. These rights may relate to:
- Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) protections
- Employment
- Family law
- Health insurance coverage
- Healthcare and estate planning
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) - Fair employment practice agencies in your state
- Disability rights centers or legal aid
- Have you exhausted all other options for resolving the issue?
- Are there community resources that could help you address your legal issue? These may include:
- How would you describe your concern? What type of lawyer can help with it?
- Do you need advice on what steps to take on your own or do you need representation?
- Can you pay for an attorney or are you looking for pro bono (donated) services?
- Have you visited the lawyer’s website to see if they are the right fit? What is their level of experience? Their areas of expertise?
- Have you checked the attorney’s references to make sure that they are competent and ethical?
- What is their fee?
- How are they paid?
- Do they charge by the hour?
- Do they work on a contingency basis (meaning, they only get paid if you win your case)?
- Does the practice require a retainer?
- How long does the attorney expect it to take to resolve your case?
- Does the lawyer have experience working with people with disabilities or people living with MS?
- Would you work with other people in their practice? Do those associates have similar experience working with someone with MS?
- Is the law office accessible to you?
- Does the attorney or the staff offer virtual meetings if it’s inconvenient for you to visit their office?