Dealing with the rules of the long-term disability process can be confusing, at best, and downright frustrating, at worst. At a time when you likely need to rest and take care of yourself, you may find yourself facing a denial of coverage and knee-deep in paperwork, some of which you may not understand completely.
But a denial isn’t the end of everything. Your letter should detail the reason your claim was denied, and how to go about filing an appeal. Pay close attention to the part about appeals—you have a very limited time in which to file that appeal. Once that deadline is passed, you’ll lose your right to appeal, and you may not be able to file again.
This is when you need help. An appeal is the time to select a long term disability attorney.
The Appeals Process
From the day you receive your denial letter, you will have a specific period of time to file an appeal. This period is usually 180 days, but it may not be—read your letter carefully. Once that deadline passes, your claim will be over.
During the appeal period, you will have the opportunity to gather additional evidence to support your claim. This can include medical records, test results, letters from a treating physician, functional capacity evaluation and vocational expert reports, and other relevant information. Your attorney can help you through the appeals process, and advise you on what information to obtain in order to go forward.
What’s In Your Insurance File?
The only way to find out is to request copies of your insurance file and find out for yourself. The insurer won’t hand it over unless you ask them to.
Once you see what’s there, you’ll be able to offer additional evidence and documentation to not only support your claim, but correct any factual mistakes that may negatively impact your claim. Your attorney can advise you on what kind of information you’ll need to add to the file in order to support your claim.
Getting An Attorney Who Knows And Understands Disability Law
When you’re dealing with a disability and with an insurance company, you’re already under a large amount of stress. Many companies are known to deny benefits to people who need them without explanation. Without help, you run a higher risk of making a mistake that could see your appeal denied as well. Don’t take that chance.
You need an attorney, but not just any one will do. Just like finding a physician who can help you with a specific medical issue, you’ll need to find an attorney who understands how the disability application and appeals process works.
Remember: the insurance company already has a team of lawyers to defend itself against paying claims, and especially against any lawsuits. Hiring your own will level the playing field and increase your chances of winning on appeal. Besides—claims appeals are probably not your forte. But an attorney who works with disability law understands all the ins and outs of applications and appeals, and does it every day. Shouldn’t you have that kind of help on your side?
Long Term Disability Appeal? Call Herren Law For Help!
If you’ve been denied long term disability benefits, don’t try to handle your appeal on your own—get help today. The Herren Law Firm can help you with your application, appeals and help you through the process, and give you one less thing to worry about. Contact us today at 713-682-8194 (or use our online contact form) to schedule your free consultation. There’s no obligation, and no up-front fees. We only collect if we win your case.
