Do You Need a Lawyer to Receive Long-Term Disability Benefits?

Long-term disability (LTD) insurance protects you from losing your income if you become unable to work due to an injury or chronic health condition. You may choose to participate in a group plan offered through your employer or purchase insurance on your own.

While this type of insurance benefits many people, filing a claim can be complicated, and having one denied can make a difference in whether you can pay your bills each month. A long-term disability lawyer may be able to help you in several different ways.

Lawyers Help You Understand Your Policy Better

Insurance policies can be challenging to understand, but a lawyer can help you figure out the terms of your policy and what your long-term disability will qualify you for, as well as any deadlines, restrictions, and conditions the policy contains.

If they determine that you meet the policy’s conditions for benefits, they can also advise you about what evidence the insurance company will need to support your claim. They’ll also note any potential pitfalls as you file your claim and help you avoid them.

Lawyers Ensure You’re Compliant with Disability Laws

The federal law regulating long-term disability claims, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), applies if you’re claiming your long-term disability benefits through your employer. It’s a complicated system of statutes and often favors insurance companies, making it challenging to navigate on your own.

For example, if your initial claim is denied, a lawyer can examine your case and help you appeal it in court or avoid common mistakes that get a claim denied in the first place.

You may also need to submit certain paperwork at specific times throughout your filing process, which a lawyer can help you collect and submit before the deadline, keeping your case on track.

Lawyers Hold Insurance Companies Accountable

Insurance companies may try to deny your claim or argue that your disability is more minor than it is in reality. Or, they may drag their feet processing your claim or fail to follow all government regulations. A lawyer who understands the nuances of insurance law will make sure the insurance company is following the rules when processing your claim.

Your disability attorney will document any violations of your rights by the insurance company and may even pursue legal action against them if they don’t comply. Once an insurance company realizes you have a legal advocate on your side, they’ll often process your claim quickly to avoid a lawsuit or going to court.

Long-Term Disability Lawyers Work for You

Handling the long-term disability claims process, especially if you’re recovering from an injury or managing a chronic, painful health condition, can be difficult on your own. The claims process is lengthy, and responses from the insurance company may be filled with legalese that you don’t understand. Your disability lawyer takes the legal burden off your shoulders, allowing you to heal.

At Roeschke Law, LLC, we handle the entire disability claims process for you, from completing the initial filing to gathering the appropriate evidence and hiring expert witnesses to examine you or testify on your behalf.

We’ll also handle communication with the insurance company, including drafting responses for you and making sure that they’re in complete compliance with federal guidelines. Our legal team is committed to getting you the benefits you’re entitled to.

Living with a long-term disability is difficult, but getting your monthly benefits doesn’t have to be. Call us at Roeschke Law in Phoenix, AZ, today or complete our online contact form to discuss the circumstances of your case or appeal.