Many people depend on long-term disability for financial stability due to serious injuries or health complications that prevent them from working. Yet, many of these claims are denied. If that happens, contact Marc Whitehead & Associates. Since our founding in 1992, we have helped disabled individuals from coast-to-coast fight for and win their long-term disability insurance benefits. We have developed a proven approach that gives our clients the best chance of being approved. Our team of attorneys for disability appeals is dedicated and knowledgeable of the complex systems that govern this industry. Feel free to schedule a free, no-obligation case analysis with us.
Common Reasons Long-Term Disability Claims Are Denied
Approval for long-term disability (LTD) is a complex process. Many people struggle to understand what conditions or illnesses are covered or excluded. Here is a list of the most common reasons a claim is denied:
- Your injury or medical condition does not meet the insurance company’s definition of “disability.” Every plan is different, so it is vital that you carefully read and understand the language in yours. For example, some define “disability” based on your ability to perform the duties associated with your regular job, commonly referred to as “own occupation.” On the other hand, some plans adopt a broader definition of “disability” to include “any occupation” that you can perform to earn an income.
- The insurance establish not receive sufficient documentation and evidence of your injuries that establishes you cannot work due to your injury or condition. Instead of having your doctor complete the forms the insurance company sends, make sure that they also write a letter explaining why your specific diagnosis prevents you from working.
- The insurance company discovers evidence that refutes your claim. They are known to hire private investigators to follow long-term disability claimants. They attempt to find evidence that your injuries or conditions are not as severe as you have reported. Your daily activities and social media presence may be monitored, and one inconsistency can be costly.
- You missed a deadline. Many policies require that you file your claim within 60 days of your diagnosis. Failure to meet this deadline can result in a denial, and you have 180 days to appeal it.
- A medical assessment that contradicts your doctor’s findings. The insurance company may require you to undergo an Independent Medical Exam (IME) with a doctor that the insurance company chooses. The doctor conducting the IME may be someone the insurance company frequently utilizes because they typically provide assessments that enable the insurance company to deny a claim.
- The policy does not cover your injury or condition. Some long-term disability insurers will deny you if your condition is the abuse of alcohol or drugs, your injury was self-inflicted, you were injured while committing a crime, or you had a pre-existing injury.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
At Marc Whitehead & Associates, we understand that a denial of your long-term disability claim is stressful. However, we take pride in the fact that we have been making insurance companies keep their promises for over 30 years across our national service area. If you have questions, call us today to schedule a free consultation with a disability insurance claim attorney. In addition, we work on a contingency basis, so there are no upfront legal fees.