There are a few important steps involved in filing a long-term disability claim. As a first step, you need to file a claim with your insurance provider, providing detailed information about your disability. If your claim is approved, it goes through a review process. In the event that your application is denied, you may appeal the decision through stages such as reconsideration and, if necessary, a court hearing.
Let’s go over each one of the three stages in detail so you can better understand the process and feel more confident in your decision-making.
The initial step in pursuing long-term disability benefits is the application stage. Here, claimants provide information about their medical condition, work history, and related details. The medical evidence required to validate your claim is often complex and is pivotal in determining the success of your long-term disability benefits application.
You bear the responsibility of demonstrating your disability and must present compelling evidence of how your medical condition significantly affects your ability to work. When assembling your claim, be sure to include as much relevant evidence as possible. Evidence might include:
- Medical records and diagnoses from healthcare professionals
- Any relevant tests, imaging, or lab results
- Employment records and performance evaluations highlighting the challenges your condition poses to your ability to work
Once your claim for long-term disability LTD benefits is received, your LTD insurance carrier will initiate a thorough investigation. This phase involves a comprehensive examination of medical records, supporting documents, and other evidence provided by the claimant.
They will review your medical records and may contact your physicians and other medical providers for more information. They may also reach out to your colleagues, coworkers, or other individuals to validate or challenge your claim of disability. It is not uncommon for some insurance companies to even employ tactics such as hiring an investigator to carry out surveillance on their claimants. Claimants should be aware of potential tactics, and ensure their documentation is comprehensive for a smooth process.
If your claim is denied, you can appeal your claim to have the decision reconsidered. Time is limited as claimants have only 180 days to appeal. This may seem like a generous amount of time; however, it takes time to recover additional medical records/testing and employment records to better support your claim.
It is critical that we have uncovered all possible evidence to prove the validity of your disability. You have only one opportunity to appeal, and if you proceed to sue the insurance company, you might not be allowed to submit additional evidence. During this complex phase, we have observed many LTD applicants make mistakes that ultimately jeopardize their chances of securing LTD benefits. That’s why it’s essential to have an experienced lawyer you can trust to leave no stone unturned, like our lawyers here at Marc Whitehead & Associates.
Let a Long-Term Disability Lawyer Help You
Navigating the intricacies of long-term disability claims can be a daunting task. Insurers will look for any reason to deny your request for benefits. If you need to file a Long Term Disability claim or you are wanting to appeal a denied claim, hiring an LTD disability attorney is your greatest chance at success. The legal team at Marc Whitehead & Associates can:
- Carefully assess your claim and gather all necessary documents/evidence
- Obtain expert opinions from healthcare or vocational experts who can support your claim
- Handle appeals and fight court battles if needed
When the appeals process becomes necessary, having a lawyer by your side can substantially enhance your chances of overturning a denial and securing the benefits rightfully owed to you.
Consult with a Long-Term Disability Attorney
If you’re facing challenges due to a disability, don’t hesitate to reach out. To learn more about your rights and how we can assist you in pursuing the benefits you rightfully deserve, reach out to the long-term disability denial attorneys at Marc Whitehead & Associates for a complimentary case evaluation.
We’re so confident in our ability to help you that if, during the first 30 days of our relationship, you are not 100% satisfied with our professional level of legal representation, if you are not 100% satisfied with the customer service you receive, if you are not 100% satisfied you made the right choice for any reason, you can walk away anytime within the first 30 days and owe us nothing with no questions asked.