A large percentage of workers will suffer from a disabling condition at some point during their working lives. Experts estimate that the percentage of workers who are currently in their 20s who will suffer disabling conditions during their careers is as high as 25 percent. One option that you have to protect yourself in the event that you become disabled and are unable to return to your former job is long-term disability insurance. The attorneys at Osterhout Berger Disability law are proud to offer help to St. Augustine, Florida residents with their long-term disability claims.
Appealing a Denial
Insurance companies attempt to reduce their losses by denying claims. If you receive a denial of your long-term disability claim, it is important that you act quickly. Many initially denied claims are approved when they are appealed. Companies have their own appeals process, and you must exhaust your remedies with the company’s process before you will be allowed to seek redress in the courts. If you are denied, you will receive a letter notifying you of the company’s decision and why it denied your claim. The letter will also include information about how you can appeal the decision and the time frame within which you must file your appeal. Make sure to request a complete copy of your file and review its contents along with your policy. You should not submit your appeal without first reviewing both your policy and your file. The evidence that the company is relying on in order to deny your claim is contained in your file, and you and your experienced lawyer at Osterhout Berger Disability law will need the information.
Do’s and Don’ts
There are some things that you should do and things that you shouldn’t do with your long-term disability claim and appeal. You should make sure that you file your appeal within the stated time frame. If you don’t, you will be unable to file a claim for benefits later for the condition that has disabled you. You should also make sure that you keep all of your medical appointments and follow all of the treatment recommendations while your claim or appeal is pending. This helps to build evidence that demonstrates that your condition causes you to suffer functional limitations and that you are actively seeking treatment for it.
It is important for you to try to submit as much favorable evidence for your file as possible during your appeal. If you exhaust all of the internal appeals, your subsequent legal claim in court will be forced to rely on the contents of your file at your company. By placing as much favorable information into your file as possible, it will increase the likelihood that the company will approve your claim, obviating your need to file a lawsuit against it. Your attorney may ask you to submit to medical examinations and objective tests to help your claim. If you have been approved for social security disability or workers’ compensation benefits, submitting proof of those benefits will provide strong evidence that your long-term disability claim should likewise be approved.
Getting the Benefits you Deserve
It is a good idea to speak to one of our experienced attorneys at Osterhout Berger Disability law immediately after you receive your denial letter. If you are getting ready to submit your initial claim, it may be smart for you to go ahead and get help from us at the claim stage. Getting help from our knowledgeable long-term disability lawyers may help you to improve the chances that your claim will be approved. Contact the long-term disability lawyers at Osterhout Berger Disability Law today to schedule your consultation.