Long-term disability insurance policies can be complicated, with numerous conditions that can be difficult to understand. Because all long-term disability policies, even those from the same insurance carrier, are different, it's critical that you understand the terms of your personal policy. The criteria of disability you must fulfill to obtain benefits, the amount you will get in monthly payments, and the duration during which you will receive payments will all be determined by your policy. Certain restrictions or conditions may apply to your policy.
Here are our top 3 reasons why we advise those who are struggling with receiving long-term disability benefits, to contact our law firm to help you navigate the process.
Depending on your specific plan, different regulations may apply to your claim. If you have long-term disability coverage through your company, the federal legislation ERISA, or the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, would most likely apply to your claim. ERISA is a complex section of the law that favors insurance companies and can be difficult to navigate for claimants. There are further laws that apply expressly to ERISA-governed LTD claims, so having an experienced attorney on your side can be beneficial.
Under the terms of your policy or by state or federal law, an insurance company is required to follow certain regulations. There are restrictions that limit how long an insurance provider can wait to approve your claim or appeal. However, insurance companies may not always follow these standards, and unless a claimant is familiar with long-term disability law, they are unlikely to notice when one is broken.
Long-term disability lawyers are familiar with the standards that govern insurance companies and can ensure that they are treating your case properly and in accordance with the law. This can help to avoid unnecessary delays in claims and appeals. We understand how an insurance company can try to put its own interests ahead of yours. A lawyer will investigate the ways in which your insurance company may be violating your policy's terms. If your case goes to court, you'll have documentation of the infractions, which the court can utilize to hold the insurance company accountable.
When handling a long-term disability claim on your own, it's easy to make mistakes. Failure to thoroughly comprehend your policy, particularly your definition of disability, is a common misunderstanding. You may not give all of the necessary evidence to fulfill your definition of disability if you do not completely grasp it, which could result in claim denial. Other errors include using incorrect terminology on your claim form or failing to comprehend that your insurance policy may not cover some components of your medical condition(s).
It's also an error to rely on your insurance provider to collect proof for you or to fail to keep track of your claim at all times. Deadlines may be missed, or critical information may be overlooked. An attorney can assist you in keeping track of your claim, communicating with relevant contacts, and ensuring that you understand and follow all of your policy's requirements.
The assistance of an experienced long-term disability attorney may be critical to the success of your long-term disability claim. When you are coping with a serious health condition, navigating the long-term disability procedure for the first time might be difficult. An attorney can assist you every step of the way to ensure that you do not make any mistakes that could result in the loss of your benefits. We understand that this is a stressful procedure, and we wish to relieve you of the burden by obtaining the benefits to which you are entitled.