Long-term disability insurance can provide financial support for those who are unable to work due to a long-term medical condition. Unfortunately, your insurance company may deny this coverage when you need it most.
Since its inception in 1992, Marc Whitehead & Associates has been dedicated to assisting disabled individuals across the United States in securing the benefits they need. Our established methodology ensures our clients have the highest likelihood of obtaining their deserved benefits.
Our long-term disability lawyers assist with all stages of the claims process and will use their experience and resources in your case. Call or fill out the online contact form to schedule a free consultation.
Long-Term Disability Situations Where We Can Help
Dealing with long-term disability is challenging, and there are many situations where having a long-term disability insurance lawyer can make a difference.
Here’s a look at the situations where our expertise can help:
Initial Application
Involving an experienced disability lawyer during the initial long-term disability claim application stage can change the outcome of your case. We will help you file your application correctly within the allotted time limit and oversee your case from start to finish.
Having an experienced long-term disability claims lawyer by your side during this stage is critical to building a strong case that supports your claim for benefits.
By advocating for your rights as a disabled policyholder, a knowledgeable attorney can benefit you at each step of your case, increasing your chances of a favorable outcome.
Claim Denial: Group Disability (ERISA)
Our firm will help you with every aspect of your denied claim under a group plan. The administrative appeal process, which is subject to intricate ERISA law, is the most crucial stage in any group claim.
You can only file a lawsuit once all claim appeals have been exhausted. This lengthy process is much easier when you partner with experienced long-term disability claims lawyers who are well-versed in appealing and litigating ERISA disability insurance cases.
Claim Denial: Individual Disability (Non-ERISA)
Our long-term disability law firm works directly with medical professionals, business executives, and high-income individuals nationwide to protect their benefits from wrongful denial under private policies.
Whether this means appealing the denial, negotiating a settlement, or litigating the matter in court, you need a long-term disability appeal attorney with experience in state insurance and contract laws, tort law, and consumer protection laws.
Common Reasons for Denials
Claims can be turned down for several reasons, including a lack of enough medical evidence, a pre-existing condition, and misunderstandings about the period of time you must wait.
Additionally, actions captured during video surveillance of the claimant might negatively impact the claim. During a free, no-obligation case evaluation, one of our seasoned attorneys can let you know whether you have a case.
Getting a knowledgeable disability insurance attorney involved from the start can significantly increase your chances of securing the maximum amount of money available.
Benefit Protection Services™
Once benefits start, insurers will require you to provide monthly proof of your inability to work. Through our Benefit Protection Services™, we take the burden of monthly LTD handling off your shoulders to ensure you receive continuing payments for years to come.
Lump Sum Buyout
While it may sound appealing, a lump sum settlement offer from the insurance carrier can either be risky or beneficial for you. Buyouts and lump-sum settlements require experienced legal analysis and guidance.
Our experienced disability attorneys will ensure you understand the pros and cons of each option so you can make an informed decision.
Total vs. Residual Analysis
Your disability policy likely has a provision for total and residual disability. There is a significant difference between total disability and residual or partial disability, and you should never assume that your insurer will correctly qualify you.
An experienced long-term disability attorney can review your policy’s terms and explain how it applies to your situation.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-562-9830
You Can Fight Back if Your Insurance Company Says No
An experienced attorney will review your case, gather relevant evidence, build a strong legal argument, and fight tirelessly on your behalf.
If you received a denial letter from your insurance company, our law firm is here to help. A long-term disability denial attorney who files the necessary paperwork accurately will:
- Represent you at negotiations and hearings.
- Navigate the appeals process.
- Negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
- Provide guidance and support every step of the way.
In short, they will increase your chances of a successful appeal.
Whether you have already been denied long-term disability benefits or are just now filing and need assistance with your initial application, Marc Whitehead & Associates will help you demonstrate to the court that you are, in fact, disabled under the terms of the policy and seek a court order for regular payments.
Additionally, we will help in the event your payments have been delayed, or you have been under-compensated. If you have been fired or laid off and intend to file a long-term disability insurance claim, we can effectively help you in that situation as well.
Insurance Companies Can Deny Valid Insurance Claims
It has become common practice for insurance companies to systematically deny valid claims as a means of containing costs and increasing profits.
Our disability insurance attorneys represent disabled claimants in all 50 states against long-term disability insurance companies that provide group and private insurance.
We understand how LTD insurance works and why insurers deny benefits. Our goal as attorneys is to protect you from insurance companies’ abusive tactics and recover all the money you are entitled to receive.
What a Long-Term Disability Denial Attorney Can Do for You
An experienced long-term disability claim attorney from our legal team can help you in the following ways:
- Aid you in filing out all insurance company forms.
- Evaluate your insurance claim and advise you on applicable laws and your options.
- Review your medical records and make suggestions for any additional testing required to prove your case.
- Supplement your disability file with additional medical records.
- Gather medical reports and opinion evidence regarding your disability.
- Consult with a vocational expert to obtain opinion evidence to challenge an insurance company’s denial.
- Obtain and develop evidence regarding your “residual functional capacity,” which is the key to your claim.
- File your administrative appeal quickly and effectively. Correctly calculate your back benefits.
- File a legal brief arguing the legal, medical, and vocational issues in your case.
- File a lawsuit in federal court if necessary.
- Conduct discovery in the Federal Court case, such as filing interrogatories and requests for production as needed, as well as taking all necessary depositions.
- Respond to motions for summary judgment and try your lawsuit.
If you have been denied LTD benefits, you should not sign anything from the insurance company without first consulting with us.
Free Consultations and Contingency Fee Payment Structure
We welcome your telephone call or the opportunity to speak with you in person to answer any questions you may have about your case without charge, no matter how long it takes. After talking to us, you are under no obligation to hire us as your attorney.
Our law firm represents individuals nationwide who are appealing private disability claim denials, filing initial applications for LTD benefits, and other matters.
If you choose to hire us to represent you, keep in mind that the majority of our cases are handled on contingency, meaning we don’t get paid until you do. This allows us to start on your case right away, regardless of your financial situation. We will discuss our exact fees with you during your initial consultation.
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Nationwide Representation from Attorney Marc Whitehead
Marc Whitehead has been practicing law for over 30 years, focusing exclusively on disability law. Under his leadership, our firm files applications and appeals denials for long-term disability insurance policies, Social Security disability, and veteran disability.
He has authored books on each of these topics and presented nationwide. Marc is double board-certified in Social Security and personal injury and leads our dedicated team in championing the rights of injured clients.
Marc is a certified practice advisor with Atticus, in addition to his legal work. This organization provides business training and management skills necessary to build and maintain a profitable practice.
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Contact Us for a Free Consultation
If you were denied long-term disability benefits, contact us right away. Becoming disabled can have a devastating financial impact by stripping you of your ability to make a living. We don’t take this situation lightly, and our attorneys are here to help.
When you file a disability claim for benefits, and your insurance company denies it, you need strong legal representation when appealing. Our long-term disability insurance denial lawyers are committed to standing up for injured workers.
Call Marc Whitehead & Associates today to speak to an experienced long-term disability lawyer about your case.
Call or text 800-562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form