As a worker in Daytona, Florida, electing to purchase long-term disability insurance can be a smart choice. This type of coverage is meant to protect you in the event that you suffer a disabling injury or illness that prevents you from returning to your job for a lengthy time period or permanently. Some insurance companies try to dispute or deny the valid claims of injured workers. The experienced disability lawyers at Osterhout Berger Disability Law proudly assist Daytona, Florida residents with their long term disability claims and denials.
Appealing a Denial
If your company decides to deny your initial disability claim, it will send you a notice in the mail. This letter will include information about why the company made its decision and the process that you can follow in order to appeal its decision. Make certain that you read this letter carefully, and do not ignore it. If you fail to appeal the denial within the specified time period, your ability to later seek benefits for your disabling condition will be foreclosed. You must also first exhaust all of the remedies that your company has available for you internally before you will be allowed to file a lawsuit in court.
Do and Don’t
Upon receiving a denial, it is important that you understand what you should do as well as what you shouldn’t. Avoid the urge to fire off an appeal without first requesting a copy of your complete file from your insurance company. When you receive your file, read everything that it contains. All of the information that the company used to reach its decision will be contained inside. Once you’ve received your file, bring both it and your letter into one of the experienced attorneys at Osterhout Berger Disability Law.
Try to avoid talking to the insurance company about your claim on the telephone or in person as much as possible. Insist that all of the communication is sent in writing. When you send documents or letters, keep copies of what you send, and send the information by certified, return-receipt mail so that you have a record of its receipt. Do not stop seeing your doctor, and make certain that you keep all follow-up appointments that are recommended to you. Do not miss your deadline that is listed in your letter. If you wait too long, you will not be able to file an appeal.
Getting the Benefits you Deserve
In order to increase your chances of success, you may benefit by seeking the help of an experienced disability lawyer at Osterhout Berger Disability Law. Your attorney may ask you to do certain things and to refrain from others, and it is very important that you heed the advice that you receive. You may be asked to submit to additional tests or medical evaluations. Make certain to keep all of these appointments. Your lawyer may try to supplement your file with as much favorable evidence as possible. This is because any appeal that you might ultimately have to file in court will have to be based only on the information that is contained in your file. Your attorney’s goal will be to provide enough evidence to convince your company to approve your appeal internally so that you do not need to litigate it through the court process.
The experienced team at Osterhout Berger Disability Law is focused on helping our clients to recover the benefits to which they are rightfully entitled. In order to facilitate the process, it is important that you are honest and avoid exaggerating your symptoms or pain. If you do, it may backfire and hurt your ability to recover benefits.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced and dedicated lawyers.
