Living with a disability changes everything—your job, your daily routine, your income. You may have worked hard for years, only to find out that getting help from your long term disability insurer isn’t as simple as it should be.
As Tulsa Long Term Disability lawyers, we’re here to take the burden off your shoulders. Whether you’re filing a new claim or appealing a denial, we know the system—and we know how to build strong cases that speak the insurance company’s language.
At Marc Whitehead & Associates, we have over 120 years of combined experience, and we want to make the process as easy as possible. You don’t need to travel to work with us. We work with you remotely, and you don’t pay us anything upfront. Reach out to our Tulsa disability lawyers today.
Call or text 800-562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
What Qualifies as a Long Term Disability?
Long term disability (LTD) benefits are meant to support you when a serious injury or illness keeps you from working for an extended period. But insurance companies rarely make it easy to qualify—even if your condition is clearly life-altering.
Common reasons people file LTD claims include:
- Cancer
- Multiple sclerosis
- Stroke
- Traumatic brain injury
- Severe back or neck disorders
- Autoimmune diseases
- Bipolar disorder, PTSD, or major depression
- Chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia
- Cardiac or respiratory disorders
To qualify, your condition must keep you from performing either your current job (“own occupation”) or any job in the workforce (“any occupation”), depending on the language in your policy. Some policies switch definitions after a certain period, making it even more important to know what your insurer expects at each stage.
Our Oklahoma disability lawyers can help you sort through your policy.
For a free legal consultationwith a long term disability lawyer serving Tulsa, call 800-562-9830
Filing a Tulsa LTD Claim: What to Expect
Filing a long term disability claim involves more than filling out a form. Insurance companies look for any reason to deny or delay payment, and a small mistake can lead to a major setback.
Here’s what the typical claims process looks like:
- Initial application: You’ll submit paperwork describing your job duties, medical history, treatment plans, and how your condition impacts your ability to work.
- Supporting evidence: This can include doctors’ statements, test results, imaging scans, and detailed notes about your symptoms and daily limitations.
- Vocational assessments: Some claims require evaluations from occupational experts to assess your ability to work in any capacity.
- Review and decision: The insurer will examine your file, often consulting with its own medical experts, before deciding whether to approve your claim.
Many people are surprised when legitimate claims are denied for vague reasons like “lack of objective evidence” or “insufficient proof of disability.” That’s where a Tulsa long term disability lawyer becomes a necessity.
Tulsa Long Term Disability Lawyer Near Me 800-562-9830
Why Claims Get Denied
Even with strong evidence, disability claims are often denied on the first try. Here are some of the most common reasons:
- Missing medical records: If your file lacks detail or has gaps in treatment, the insurer may argue your condition isn’t serious.
- Conflicting information: If your doctor’s notes don’t match what you said in your application, it can raise red flags.
- Surveillance or social media: Insurers may monitor your activity or take comments out of context to claim you’re not really disabled.
- Policy loopholes: Some plans have exclusions or time limits for certain conditions, like mental health disorders or pre-existing illnesses.
A denial isn’t the end of the road—it’s just another step. A Tulsa Long Term Disability attorney can help you appeal the decision, strengthen your case, and take it all the way to court if needed.
How to Appeal a Denied LTD Claim
Appealing a denial is more than just writing a letter. You’ll need to build a full legal and medical case, addressing each reason the insurer gave for turning you down.
Here’s how an appeal typically works:
- Request your claim file from the insurance company
- Identify every issue cited in the denial letter
- Collect new or missing records from doctors, therapists, and specialists
- Get updated medical opinions using language that matches the policy criteria
- Submit a detailed appeal brief with all supporting documentation
Keep in mind: under ERISA-governed policies, this appeal might be your only chance to add new evidence. If the case goes to federal court, no additional records can be introduced. That’s why it’s critical to get it right the first time.
Why You Need a Tulsa Long Term Disability Attorney
The right attorney doesn’t just collect your paperwork—they build your case from the ground up with strategy, precision, and experience.
Here’s what a skilled Tulsa Long Term Disability attorney will do for you:
- Review your policy and decode the fine print
- Gather medical records, employment history, and functional capacity evaluations
- Communicate directly with your healthcare providers to get detailed, policy-specific reports
- Handle all correspondence with the insurance company
- Submit an appeal or take legal action if your claim is denied
This process involves more than legal rules. It affects your health, your future, and your peace of mind. You need someone who sees the full picture.
How Long Will It Take to Get Benefits?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your insurer, the quality of your initial claim, and whether you have to appeal a denial.
- Initial decisions usually take 45 to 90 days.
- Appeals can take several more months, especially if additional documentation is needed.
- Lawsuits (if necessary) may take a year or longer to resolve, but often end in a settlement before reaching trial.
While the process can feel frustrating, the right legal help can move things along more efficiently—and help you avoid the delays that come with avoidable mistakes.
Talk to a Tulsa Long Term Disability Lawyer Today
You’ve already carried the weight of your condition. Now it’s time to hold your insurance company to the promises they made. Getting the benefits you deserve shouldn’t feel like an uphill battle—and you don’t have to take it on alone.
Our Tulsa Long Term Disability lawyers know how these systems work because we’ve spent decades studying them, challenging them, and helping people like you win. We wrote the book on the subject. With over 120 years of combined experience, we know what it takes to build a strong case, push back against denials, and move your claim forward.
Contact Marc Whitehead & Associates today. You won’t need to travel, and you won’t pay anything upfront. We’re ready to listen, ready to work, and ready to fight for the benefits you’ve earned.