Long-term disability is available to workers and offers coverage for injuries or illnesses that are not work-related. While filing a claim should be a straightforward process, it can quickly lead to anxiety and frustration without the help of long-term disability lawyers.
You have to fill out paperwork, go to doctors, specialists and therapists, and maybe even deal with an appeal.
If you or a loved one need help filing a claim or dealing with insurance company denials, we can help.
Call or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with an experienced lawyer.
What is Long-Term Disability?
Long-term disability insurance provides financial support for anyone who becomes disabled and can no longer work. Specific conditions and durations vary state by state, but as a general rule of thumb, a long-term disability is one that lasts for an extended period of time.
Your insurance plan may offer benefits for two years until retirement age, but the duration will depend on your policy.
SSDI provides coverage for as long as you’re unable to work, but you need to have a disability or blindness and an adequate work history.
Who Qualifies for Long-Term Disability?
Your plan will outline the qualifications necessary to claim long-term disability. You’ll need to be unable to work for an extended period of time, and common conditions that may be included in your plan include:
- Certain cancers
- Crohn’s Disease
- Epilepsy
- Fibromyalgia
- Lupus
- Lou Gehrig’s Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Severe neck and back injuries
- Parkinson’s Disease
If you’re unsure whether you qualify for long-term disability under your existing plan, we would be happy to review the plan for you and help you better understand your benefit options.
You will need to provide proof of your disability from medical professionals and how it renders you unable to work. If you’re unable to provide the necessary documentation, your claim will be denied.
What Happens if My Long-Term Disability Claim is Denied?
If your long-term disability claim is denied, you can generally appeal the decision. Claims can be denied for a number of reasons:
- Errors in your application or an incomplete application
- Lack of medical evidence to support your claim
- You don’t meet your insurer’s definition of a long-term disability
To start the appeals process, you may need to file an internal appeal with your insurer. Generally, you have 180 days from the date of your denial to file this appeal.
Appeals are complicated. They must be complete and contain all of the new evidence that you want to present to support your claim.
You have a limited window of time to file an appeal and it must be comprehensive. An experienced disability lawyer can help you navigate the process, ensuring you provide ample medical evidence and meet all deadlines.
Why Choose Disability.Law?
If an injury or illness leaves you unable to work for an extended period of time, long-term disability can provide much-needed financial support. But the process of filing a claim can be confusing and overwhelming.
The experienced and knowledgeable long-term disability lawyers at Disability.Law can guide you through the process. We assist clients across the nation and are proud to have 400+ Google reviews from satisfied clients.
Contact us today to schedule a free, comprehensive consultation.