When you can no longer work due to injury, illness, or another disabling condition, it can feel like your entire world has been turned upside down. The physical challenges are difficult enough without having to worry about losing your income and financial security.
That’s where the disability team at Marc Whitehead & Associates comes in. As experienced Tennessee disability lawyers, we understand the overwhelming uncertainty you’re facing – and we’re here to be your legal advocates throughout the entire process.
Our battle-tested lawyers have been taking on the big insurers for over 30 years. We know their games inside and out, and we never back down from a righteous fight on behalf of our clients.
Why You Need a Tennessee Disability Lawyer
Insurance companies are highly motivated to find any reason to deny or terminate valid long term disability claims. Their tactics for avoiding paying out well-deserved benefits are unscrupulous and designed to take advantage of people already suffering.
Disability Insurance Fine Print Works Against You
The dense legal language in insurance policies is intentionally complicated and filled with traps, exclusions, and narrowly defined terms that work in the insurer’s favor. On your own, it’s nearly impossible to fully understand your contractual rights and the benefits you’re truly owed.
Our lawyers have in-depth knowledge of these policies and regulations governing claims. We know precisely what definitions, medical evidence requirements, and administrative procedures must be satisfied.
With this knowledge and our resources, we can forcefully counter any bad faith denial reasons and ensure your claim is properly valued.
Common Reasons for Long Term Disability Claim Denials
Even when valid claims are filed providing objective proof of disability, insurers routinely issue denials based on:
- Contesting whether you meet their strict definition of “totally disabled”
- Nitpicking perceived gaps or inconsistencies in your medical records
- Disregarding opinions and statements from your own treating doctors
- Hiring insurance company doctors to review files and dispute your condition
- Claiming you have the ability to perform “sedentary” or other types of work
- Asserting your condition is a pre-existing exclusion under the policy
Your Tennessee disability attorney is adept at anticipating and proactively preventing these unfair denial tactics by building an airtight claim file from the start.
Denials Based On Improper Claim Handling
Unfortunately, insurance companies also employ underhanded practices to frustrate and exhaust claimants, including:
- Repetitively losing documents and requesting duplicates
- Endlessly delaying responses and decision timeframes
- Continually raising new denial reasons with every appeal filing
- Forcing claimants through redundant medical exams and evaluations
- Adding made-up requirements beyond the written policy terms
Our team knows how to counter these bad faith delays and improper processes firmly. We fight to ensure they honor their policies.
We Can Help You if Your Disability Claim Was Wrongfully Denied
Our firm is experienced with private insurance denials, Social Security disability denials, ERISA disability denials, and Veterans disability denials.
Both group disability plans under ERISA law and individual insurance policies have very specific processes for appealing denied claims. Missing any mandatory steps or submission deadlines can legally bar your claim for good.
At Marc Whitehead & Associates, we take the following actions:
- Collect all medical records, test results, physician notes, etc.
- Obtain supporting statements from your treating doctors
- Identify exactly which definitions of disability must be satisfied
- Draft comprehensive appeals with compelling legal arguments
- Forcefully rebut every stated reason for denial or termination
- Ensure strict adherence to all appeals process requirements
- File lawsuits in federal court if disputes cannot be resolved
Don’t attempt to appeal a denied claim alone against the big insurance companies. Their legal teams search for any procedural misstep to dismiss valid cases swiftly. Let us be your advocates and protect your rights.
Contingency Fees for Financial Peace of Mind
The last thing you need during this difficult time is the added stress of paying upfront legal costs. That’s why our Tennessee disability lawyers work on a contingency fee basis when your claim has been denied. There’s no payment whatsoever due from you unless we successfully recover benefits in your case.
What Conditions Qualify for Long Term Disability Benefits?
There’s a wide range of physical and mental illnesses, injuries, and other impairments that may potentially qualify someone as disabled. Each policy is different and will have varying parameters defining disability. In general terms, however, common conditions include:
- Musculoskeletal disorders (back, neck, joint, muscle issues)
- Cardiovascular/heart conditions (heart attack, stroke, etc.)
- Cancer and side effects from treatment
- Neurological disorders (MS, Parkinson’s, neuropathy, etc.)
- Mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, PTSD, etc.)
- Spinal cord injuries (paralysis)
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Loss of limb, vision, hearing impairment
However, disability claims are often approved or denied based on minute details and specific policy language. We can work to frame your medical evidence in the way that best satisfies the required definitions and criteria.
Contact Our Tennessee Disability Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Don’t take on the big insurance companies alone after having your claim for disability benefits wrongfully denied or terminated. The stakes for your future are too high not to have a relentless legal advocate on your side.
Our legal team at Marc Whitehead & Associates has spent decades battling major insurers and winning substantial disability claim payouts for clients across Tennessee. We provide no-cost case evaluations for claim denials to assess your specific situation and legal options.
Take the first step and call our Tennessee disability lawyers today to schedule your free consultation. We’re ready to be your fierce legal partner in the fight for the disability income benefits you paid for and deserve. Contact us today.
