Long-term disability insurance is supposed to be the financial safety net you need if you become unable to work due to an injury or illness. But here is a frightening fact: having a legitimate disability or illness does not guarantee that your claim for long-term disability benefits will be approved.
Many legitimate disability claims are denied by insurance companies for illegitimate reasons, lack of medical evidence, or mistakes in the application. The disability claims process is complex, and denial of a claim can be overwhelming—especially when you are already dealing with financial pressure and the stress of your illness or injury that is preventing you from working. The insurance company knows this. It wants you to give up and walk away without benefits due to the stress and frustration of it all.
Don’t walk away from your benefits claim before getting legal advice. You can appeal the denial with the help of an experienced long-term disability lawyer who will make your claim stronger and provide you with the support you need.
Why is it important to hire a long-term disability lawyer?
Its never a fair fight to go it alone against an insurance company. The insurance company would rather deal with an unrepresented claimant because its easier to delay, deny claims and point to red tape when working with an unrepresented person. The insurance company is forced to take your case seriously and provide adequate reasons for a claims denial when you are represented by a long-term disability lawyer.
How does being represented by a long-term disability lawyer help?
There are many benefits to working with a long-term disability lawyer if your claim has been denied. The insurance appeals process is complicated and time-consuming. When you have an experienced long term disability lawyer on your side, it will reduce your stress and frustration and get your appeal resolved as quickly as possible. Another major benefit: you no longer have to communicate with the insurance company from the moment you get legal representation. All communication from the LTD insurer must go through your lawyer.
Being represented by a skilled LTD lawyer will also significantly increase your appeal’s chance of success. The outcome of your claim depends on how well your appeal is put together. An experienced disability claims lawyer will make your appeal stronger by:
Reviewing your application and the denial letter;
Pinpointing the reason(s) for the denial of your claim;
Evaluating the likelihood of your appeal’s success;
Analyzing the details and definitions in your insurance policy to look for loopholes, rule out any technicalities and ensure your appeal meets policy requirements;
Gathering medical evidence and information to support your appeal;
Securing expert medical evidence if needed;
Preparing and filing your appeal in a timely manner (there are strict deadlines that apply to the appeals process);
Negotiating with the insurance company to try to reach a speedy and fair settlement of your case;
Filing a lawsuit against the insurance company on your behalf; and
Taking your case to trial if the insurance company continues to unfairly deny your claim.
When should you consult with a disability insurance lawyer?
It is never too early to consult with a disability insurance lawyer. A lawyer who specializes in disability insurance claims can provide you with valuable advice and assistance at any stage. For example, you can consult with a disability insurance lawyer before filing a claim. At that stage, your lawyer can:
Review your medical records and help gather additional medical evidence to support your disability;
Analyze your insurance policy to help you understand definitions and requirements, and avoid any limitations or exclusions;
Ensure your claim forms are properly filled out with no mistakes that could lead to denial of your claim; and
Ensure your claim is submitted on time.
If you have already submitted your application and received a denial letter from the insurance company, you should consult with an experienced long-term disability lawyer as soon as possible, and in any case, before you file an appeal of your disability claim denial. Insurance appeals and lawsuits are governed by strict deadlines. Missing a deadline may mean your claim or right to appeal is lost forever. Most disability claim lawyers (including Ludwar Law) offer a free, no-obligation initial consultation to discuss your claim or your appeal. You have nothing to lose and will not be out-of-pocket to get a knowledgeable lawyer’s opinion on your case.
Don’t wait until your claim or appeal has been denied
Disability lawyer James Ludwar provides clear advice and practical solutions to clients with long-term disability claims. Clients of Ludwar Law Firm appreciate being able to talk to our team who will explain the process, their options, and what they can expect throughout the process. Our legal expertise has helped Alberta and Saskatchewan clients win even difficult claims involving depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia. If you have questions about filing a claim, have already started the process of making a disability claim, or need advice to appeal the denial of your claim for long-term disability benefits, Ludwar Law Firm can help you get the benefits you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation.
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