Table Of Contents
For many people, becoming sick, injured, or disabled is a highly stressful situation that brings worries about financial stability. If you have a condition that requires you to stay out of work for several months, long term disability benefits can help you provide for yourself and your family. However, the process of filing a claim for benefits or disputing a denial can quickly get complicated.
Whether you are filing the initial application for long term disability or plan to appeal a denial, a Pinellas Park long term disability insurance lawyer can help you gather the evidence you need and correctly submit the necessary documents. Most importantly, your lawyer has the experience and knowledge to advocate for your rights in every legal situation.
If you are experiencing difficulties with a long term disability claim, the disability dispute attorneys at Herman & Wells can guide you through the legal process and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Employers frequently provide or offer employees long term disability insurance coverage. It is designed to provide a portion of income when employees have to stay out of work for a long time for an illness, injury, or disability. Many types of conditions may prevent you from working. If you are unsure about whether your condition will make you eligible, an experienced long term disability insurance attorney in Pinellas County can evaluate your case.
Filing for long term disability should be a seamless process that allows you to submit an application and start receiving benefits soon thereafter. Unfortunately, the process is rarely that simple. You need medical evidence to support the claim, and disability claims are frequently denied, requiring an appeal. Distinctive parts of the disability claims process include:
The application for long term disability must be filled out to exact specifications and include information about your condition provided by a doctor. You may also need to gather medical and financial information to submit with your claim. Once you submit the claim, the insurance company will have 45 days to consider it for approval. They can ask for extensions, but they can take no longer than 105 days.
Unfortunately, disability claims are frequently denied by insurance companies. Reasons for denial can include improperly filled-out forms or the insurance company’s dispute about what qualifies as a disability. If you receive a letter of denial, it is crucial to gather as much evidence as possible to support your claim of disability. You cannot file a lawsuit until after an appeal is denied, and the evidence you provide with the appeal will be the only evidence reviewed by the judge if the appeal is denied.
If your appeal is denied, you can file a lawsuit. Disability cases are typically handled in federal court and considered by a judge instead of a jury. Most cases do not include a trial. The judge will consider written information from both sides to consider your eligibility for long term disability.
Our Pinellas Park long term disability insurance attorneys at Herman & Wells can guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your claim is properly filed and supported with strong evidence.
Gathering medical evidence and accurately filing documents is a large part of the process of filing a long-term disability claim. Unfortunately, the documents can be confusing, leading to mistakes that result in a claim denial.
Consulting a Pinellas Park long term disability insurance lawyer early in the process is the best way to make sure you accurately handle the process of filing for long term disability. Contact Herman & Wells today to speak with an attorney committed to helping you get the benefits you need and deserve.