If you are reading this article, there’s a good chance your long-term disability case was denied. The good news is that the law gives you an opportunity to appeal the insurance company’s decision. This process requires you to provide additional information for the insurer to review.
While there is a low probability that an appeal will reverse the insurance company’s decision, discussing the matter with an experienced lawyer could ensure that you provide the right information and ensure that you get disability benefits. The lawyer understands the specific conditions that qualify for LTD and the mistakes you must avoid.
1. Not hiring an attorney
The value of seeking the help of an experienced attorney cannot be overemphasized. Most claimants feel overwhelmed, as they spent much of their time and energy trying to cope with their disability. The process of filing a long-term disability claim or appealing an insurer’s decision is complex, takes time, and it’s rarely a priority.
Waiting for too long to hire an attorney or failure to hire one means that the process will take longer than expected. Besides, you are likely to make mistakes that might cost you more than your long-term disability benefits. In addition to making sure that your claim is handled smoothly, an attorney can advise you on other related issues.
2. Exaggerating symptoms
The denial rate for long-term disability claims among the public and private sectors has been considerable publicity for quite some time. In an effort to give your claim an extra punch, you might be tempted to exaggerate the symptoms of your disability. Probably you have been battling with the disability for some time, and you fear that the insurance claim adjuster may not understand why you’re unable to work.
Note that exaggerating your symptoms will ultimately result in your claim being denied. Nearly all disability insurance companies have been handling disability claims for many years and can spot inaccuracies easily.
3. Giving in
You’re unable to work due to a disability. You have gone through the complicated process of filing a disability claim, only to realize that your insurer denied your claim. It is easy to accept defeat. Unless you have experience in handling these cases, you will feel overwhelmed by the entire process and intimidated by the insurance giant.
You shouldn’t give in if you firmly believe that you have a valid claim. Consult with an experienced lawyer, and appeal the insurer’s decision. Lawyers know the information you must provide and the specific pitfalls to avoid during the appeal process.
4. Not trusting your lawyer
Most attorneys welcome the input and active participation of the claimant. But that doesn’t mean everything you say or believe in is the best way of doing things. Failure to give your attorney enough room to maneuver might jeopardize your disability claim.
Appreciate the value of your lawyer, and he or she will follow your disability claim through to resolution. Remember, your lawyer will always act in your best interest.
