Up to a quarter of all workers who are currently in their 20s will suffer injuries or illnesses that leave them disabled during their working years. Long-term disability insurance offers protection for you if you become disabled and are unable to continue with your job. The experienced lawyers at Osterhout Berger Disability Law proudly help residents of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania with their long-term disability claims.
Appealing a Denial
Insurance companies have an incentive to maximize their profits while minimizing their losses. One of the ways in which they do both is by denying claims that are filed with them for long-term disability benefits. If your claim is denied, it is important that you understand the importance of appealing your company’s decision. Many claims that are denied by the companies are approved after the claimants file appeals. Long-term disability appeals are filed with your company because the insurance companies have in-house appeals processes. These must be exhausted before you will be allowed to pursue legal remedies through a lawsuit.
What to Do and What to Avoid
When you are applying for benefits or are appealing a denial, there are several things that you should do and some things that you should avoid doing. When you initially file your claim, it is important to submit all of the evidence that you need to clearly demonstrate that your condition prevents you from performing the tasks of your job. This makes it very important for you to see your doctor regularly for treatment and that you follow all of the recommendations. You should also try to build as much objective evidence as possible such as by getting lab tests, x-rays, MRIs and others. Your doctor should write a professional opinion about how your condition limits your ability to perform the duties of your job and the activities of your daily life.
If your company denies your claim, read the letter carefully. The letter will tell you why the company made its decision, and it will explain how to file your appeal along with the deadline for filing it. Do not miss the appeals deadline. If you do, you will not be able to ever try to recover benefits from your policy for your disabling condition. Keep all of your communication about your claim with the company in writing, and make certain to send documents to the company using return receipt, certified mail.
Getting the Disability Benefits you Deserve
In order to get the benefits that you deserve, it is important for you to get help from an experienced disability attorney at Osterhout Berger Disability Law. Our knowledgeable attorneys are able to offer you assistance at all stages of your claim from the initial claim through the entire appeals process. We work to build your claim file with your company, stacking it with as much favorable evidence as possible. We do this because you will be limited to using the evidence that is contained in your file with the company if you later need to file a lawsuit in court.
When you are working with your lawyer, it is important that you work with him or her closely. You should always be honest with your attorney and with others about the severity of your pain and injuries. If you exaggerate, the insurance company may decide that you are malingering, making it much more difficult for you to win approval. You will be expected to continue seeing your doctor and getting treatment while your appeal is pending.
Long-term disability insurance can offer a vital financial safety net for you when you are injured and become disabled. One of the experienced attorneys at Osterhout Berger Disability Law will work closely with you to try to secure the benefits that you deserve. Contact us today to tell us more about your case.
