Suffering from a serious injury or coming down with an illness that prevents you from working is one of the most stressful things you can face. Many people have long-term disability insurance from their employer, or they have purchased a policy on their own. This policy can provide the regular payments you need to make ends meet and take care of your family even when you cannot work.
However, you may not want to try to navigate this claims process on your own. These insurance companies have a lot to gain by denying your claim. Making even a minor misstatement, accidentally leaving a blank on a form, or missing a deadline can prevent you from getting the money you need. A long-term disability lawyer can help.
The long-term disability team from Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C., can help you file your claim and navigate the process to try to get the payments you deserve. In some cases, we may be able to help you claim disability with another program or file a workers’ compensation claim. We offer free reviews of your situation and can help you understand what you need to do to get your claim approved. Call us today at 631-600-0000 to get started.
What Are Some Common Issues With Long-Term Disability Claims?
People often run into issues when they attempt to file their long-term disability claim on their own. It is no guarantee that an attorney well-versed in disability benefits can get your claim approved, but a lawyer who knows the process and tactics the insurance company uses can reduce the risk of making a mistake that jeopardizes your benefits.
Often, an insurance company denies benefits for vague reasons or because it claims it does not have enough proof. Your insurer may also try to trick you into reducing the value of your claim or triggering a denial.
Sometimes, insurance companies act in bad faith. While this is illegal, that does not stop it from happening in every circumstance. This could include:
- Requiring you to provide unnecessary documentation above and beyond the required information;
- Delaying processing your claim for an extended period of time;
- Refusing to pay out the full benefits outlined in your policy; or
- Denying your benefits without a valid reason.
How Should I Deal With the Insurance Company?
We recommend reaching out to us for a consultation before you begin the process of filing your claim. This gives us the best chance to manage your claim every step of the way. We can ensure your benefits remain protected through the entire process.
Often, after you contact the insurance company about filing a claim, an adjuster will reach out to you with questions about your injuries or illness, your current abilities, and your ability to work. While this is a normal part of the claims process, it does little to help support your claim.
Your insurer may also attempt to have you sign forms that allow the company to conduct investigations into parts of your life unrelated to your claim. Running a credit check or looking into your bank account information is unnecessary for an insurer to determine if you suffer from a long-term disability that prevents you from working. However, this does not stop these companies from trying to obtain this information. If your insurer finds you recently went on vacation or spent money on a new bicycle, it may call into question how disabled you really are.
If we are managing your claim and handling all communications on your behalf, we can advise you on what information is necessary and which requests are irrelevant to your claim. It pays to be cautious when dealing with any insurer. If you have any doubts about whether you should provide information or sign a document, do not hesitate to seek the advice and guidance of a long-term disability attorney.
What If I Received a Denial of Long-Term Disability Benefits?
Even if your long-term disability insurer already denied your claim, there is a chance we can help. Reach out to us right away so we can begin the appeals process. Often, you only have a few months to file an appeal before your case closes.
The insurance company is counting on the fact that you do not know how to navigate the appeals process, that you are stressed out, and that you will not fully understand the requirements you must meet to get your benefits. For most people, this puts their benefits at risk. With the help of an attorney who knows how this process works, the appeal often goes much more smoothly.
We can look into your case and identify all possible medical evidence and records that support your claim. We will provide your insurer with this information before any deadlines pass. Then, when the date of the appeals hearing comes, we will represent you throughout the process and fight for the full benefits you deserve.
Remember, you or your employer have likely paid the premiums that should give you access to this coverage. Not only do you need the regular income to make ends meet, you also deserve the benefits you paid for.
How Can I Talk to a Long-Term Disability Lawyer About My Case?
If you have a long-term disability that prevents you from working to pay your bills and support your family, Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C., can help you recover the benefits you deserve. No matter if you have a personal policy or a group policy through your employer, we can navigate the claims process for you and help you secure the payments you need.
Call us today at 631-600-0000 for a free consultation.
