When you’re hurt and can’t work, Long Term Disability insurance can help you replace your lost wages so you can keep paying your bills and taking care of the people who depend on you. It’s a beacon of hope to help get you through a difficult time.
Unfortunately, the application process can be confusing. Or, your claim may be denied, and you might not understand why. An Oklahoma City Long Term Disability lawyer can be your advocate to help you make sense of the process and get the benefits you’re entitled to.
At Marc Whitehead & Associates, our Oklahoma City Disability lawyers have over 120 years of combined experience fighting for the rights of injured people. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and find out how we can help you.
Call or text 800-562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
What Is Long Term Disability?
Long Term Disability (LTD) insurance is meant to replace your income if you can’t work due to a serious illness or injury lasting an extended period. Typically, LTD policies will cover 50% to 80% of your usual income and can extend for several years.
Long Term Disability begins following an elimination period, typically ranging from 30 to 180 days, after short-term benefits or sick leave has been used up.
Many employers offer LTD as part of their benefits package, but you can also purchase your own plan. LTD policies typically have two main definitions: own occupation and any occupation.
Own Occupation
Own occupation Long Term Disability insurance provides benefits if you can’t perform the duties of your specific job, regardless of your ability to do other work. It secures your income according to the responsibilities of your current profession, rather than any job you could handle.
Any Occupation
Any occupation Long Term Disability insurance pays benefits only if you can’t work in any job you’re reasonably suited for by education, training, or experience. It’s harder to qualify, as you must be totally disabled from all types of work, not just your previous job.
For a free legal consultationwith a long term disability lawyer serving Oklahoma City, call 800-562-9830
How Do You Qualify for Long Term Disability?
To qualify for Long Term Disability benefits, you must meet specific requirements outlined in your insurance policy. If you aren’t sure if you qualify, our Oklahoma City Long Term Disability attorneys may be able to help you understand your policy and apply for benefits.
Qualifying conditions may include chronic illnesses such as cancer, mental health disorders, or catastrophic injuries suffered in accidents. Medical documentation is required to prove the severity and duration of your disability.
Insurance companies may also request independent medical evaluations or other information from your doctor.
Oklahoma City Long Term Disability Lawyer Near Me 800-562-9830
What if You Are Denied Long Term Disability?
If your Long Term Disability application is denied, you have the right to appeal. The denial letter should clearly outline the reasons your claim was denied, such as insufficient medical evidence or failure to meet the policy’s definition of disability.
You may need further documentation to strengthen your case. This could include updated medical records, doctor’s letters, test results, or statements from employers regarding how your condition affects your ability to perform your job.
Our Long Term Disability lawyers in Oklahoma City can help. We understand the legal and medical language involved and know how to prepare a strong appeal. Don’t take chances with something as important as your benefits.
How Our Attorneys Can Help
When it comes to Disability benefits, we wrote the book on the subject. Our attorneys possess the knowledge and experience to guide you through this challenging time. Some of the ways we may be able to help you include:
Completing Your Application
Our attorneys can assist you with your Long Term Disability application and strengthen your claim. We can evaluate your insurance policy, explain your legal rights, and help you understand your options.
We can review your medical records and ensure your documentation clearly supports your disability. If necessary, we may gather expert medical opinions and detailed reports to reinforce your case.
By supporting your application with strong evidence and completing forms accurately, you can increase your chances of approval and avoid common mistakes that can lead to a delayed or denied application.
Appealing a Denial
If your claim is denied, our attorneys can guide you through the complicated appeals process. We may assess your medical records to identify potential omissions, recommend additional testing, or gather expert medical and vocational opinions to support your case.
We may also gather further evidence concerning your Residual Functional Capacity. This assessment evaluates tasks you can still do physically and mentally, despite your disability. It plays a crucial role in determining your disability status.
We’ll ensure you meet strict appeal deadlines, supplement your claim, file your appeal promptly, and calculate back benefits.
Settling Your Claim
Your insurance provider may present the opportunity to settle your claim for a large lump sum payment. This might be helpful if you need an influx of cash to cover expenses or debts. A settlement gives you immediate control over your money.
However, once you settle, you lose the security of Long Term Disability benefits, including your healthcare. There may also be tax implications that reduce the amount you actually receive.
Our attorneys can help you weigh the pros and cons of taking a settlement, then negotiate on your behalf for compensation that will make a difference in your life. We understand insurance company tactics and know how to counter them.
Contact an Oklahoma City Long Term Disability Attorney
When you can’t work, and you have a long road ahead of you until life might get back to normal, Long Term Disability insurance offers peace of mind. But when the insurance company you were supposed to be able to trust denies your claim, it can be devastating.
You can count on us when the insurance companies let you down. Our Oklahoma City Long Term Disability attorneys can help you appeal a denial, negotiate a settlement, or simply understand the application process.
Since 1992, our team at Marc Whitehead & Associates has stood for those the insurance companies left behind. Get the benefits you paid for. Contact us today and schedule a free consultation.