Getting approved for benefits you’re owed can be an incredibly stressful battle against big insurance companies. As Mississippi long-term disability lawyers with over 30 years of experience, Marc Whitehead & Associates know the challenges you’re facing – and we’re here to advocate for your rights.
Insurance providers are motivated by profits, not getting you the support you need. They’ll go to great lengths to deny legitimate disability claims through loopholes and tactics that take advantage of people already struggling. A Mississippi disability lawyer can protect your rights.
You paid for this disability coverage, and you deserve to receive it when you can no longer work due to injury or illness. Don’t take on the big insurance providers alone. We can help level the playing field and make them live up to their obligations under the law. Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Understanding Your Long Term Disability Insurance Policy
anaging long-term disability insurance coverage is a complex process that might trap the unwary. Insurers write the terms, definitions, and approval procedures precisely to limit rewards for claims and favor denial.
With our lawyers on your side, you can cut through the legalese and fight for the benefits you deserve.
Policy Definitions Are Critical
One of the biggest reasons disability claims are denied is because the insurer argues you don’t meet their definition of “totally disabled.” These definitions are often narrowly worded in a way that favors the insurance company.
Your long-term disability (LTD) policy will contain a specific definition of disability that must be satisfied. An experienced Mississippi disability lawyer understands how to properly assess whether you meet the definition and can forcefully counter any insurer arguments that you don’t qualify as totally disabled.
Submit Adequate Medical Evidence
To have your claim approved, you must provide comprehensive, objective medical evidence from treating doctors documenting your disabling condition(s). This should include:
- Diagnostic test reports
- Clinical notes detailing symptoms/limitations
- Statements from physicians on your inability to work
- Records showing recommended treatments followed
Insurance companies will seize on any gaps or inconsistencies in the medical proof. Our long-term disability attorneys in Mississippi know what specific evidence is required and can gather fully substantiated documentation.
Follow the Proper Appeal Process
Both employer-provided group policies under ERISA law and individual disability insurance plans have strict administrative processes that must be followed when appealing a denial or termination. Missing any deadlines or procedural steps allows the insurer to deny your claim.
Your long-term disability lawyer will ensure all appeals paperwork is properly filed, required evidence is included, rebuttals to the insurer’s reasoning are provided, and no technicalities are missed to avoid mistakes that can put your claim at risk.
Common Reasons for Disability Claim Denials
Even with a severe impairment, insurers use various tactics to avoid paying out disability benefits:
- Video surveillance or social media posts taken out of context
- Hired external doctor file reviews contradicting treating physicians
- Disregarding favorable evidence from your health providers
- Strictly interpreting the definition of disability in their favor
- Making unsupported assumptions about your capabilities
- Capitalizing on any procedural errors in the claims process
Unfair Claim Handling Practices
Here are some of the unfair claim-handling practices insurance companies frequently employ:
- Requesting an excessive amount of documentation
- Frequently “misplacing” or “losing” submitted paperwork
- Delaying responses and decisions for months
- Changing reasons for denial after each appeal submittal
- Repeatedly asking claimants to undergo redundant medical exams
- Adding extra policy requirements not stated anywhere
An experienced Mississippi long-term disability lawyer is essential for:
- Anticipating and pushing back on these bad-faith tactics
- Building a comprehensive, air-tight claim file from the start
- Ensuring you are treated fairly
- Firmly standing up to the insurance company’s delay and denial strategies
- Getting you the benefits you deserve
Why Hire Marc Whitehead & Associates?
When selecting an attorney to handle your claim, experience, resources, and unwavering dedication on your behalf are paramount. At Marc Whitehead & Associates, you can expect:
- Over 30 years of helping people battling major insurance providers
- A legal team headed by a board-certified trial attorney
- Proven track record of recovering significant claim benefits for clients
- Contingency fees, so no upfront costs, and we only get paid if you win
- Resources of a full disability law firm supporting your case
- Attorneys who leave no stone unturned in pursuit of your total benefits
- Free initial case evaluation
We are experienced in:
- Handling claims governed by ERISA and individual policies
- Assisting with Social Security Disability & SSI claims
- Fighting denied Veterans’ disability compensation appeals
- In-depth policy interpretation and contractual analysis
- Federal court litigation against insurers if needed
If a big insurance company has denied, delayed, or terminated your rightful long-term disability income protection, our legal team is ready to advocate for you.
Contact a Mississippi Long Term Disability Attorney for a Free Consultation
If you are facing challenges with your long-term disability claim, reach out to us for a free case evaluation. At Marc Whitehead & Associates, protecting your interests is the top priority when dealing with major insurers. We know the ins and outs of complicated policies and procedures inside and out.
Our Mississippi long-term disability lawyers are here to provide you with the support and guidance you need. Let us help alleviate some of your stress and uncertainty by advocating for your rights. We will gather strong medical evidence, navigate every requirement, and file through appeals against denied claims.
If the insurance company still refuses to pay after appeals, we’re ready to continue the fight for your benefits through litigation. Contact us today to learn more about how our experienced disability lawyers can assist you in obtaining the financial support you need.
