Filing for long term disability insurance can be a complicated and confusing process. Most applicants don’t know how to correctly fill out the necessary paperwork and submit all of the needed medical documentation. This is the main reason why over 65% of disability claims are originally denied. While hiring a lawyer is not required in order to initiate the application process, hiring one may be a wise decision! In this blog, we’ll be discussing whether or not you need a lawyer for long term disability and how it can affect the results of your claim. 

Do I Need a Lawyer for Long Term Disability?

If you’ve been injured or became ill and can’t work, it may be in your best interest to work with a long term disability lawyer. Long-term disability insurers have great interest in the outcome of LTD claims because the more disability claims they approve, the less profit they collect on premiums.. So they will be looking for ways to deny you because the fewer LTD cases they approve, the greater their profit margins will be. However, by working with an experienced long term disability attorney, your chances of getting your claim approved can increase dramatically. Below we’ll go over why it makes sense to hire a long term disability lawyer:

Working With a Long Term Disability Lawyers will Increase your Chances

Long term disability lawyers understand the application process. They know the best methods needed to increase your chances. They’ll help you present your case in a way that your disability is apparent and not a matter of conjecture. They’ll assist you in obtaining the necessary medical documentation from your doctors, present it in the best way possible, and handle all correspondence with the insurance company so you don’t have to worry about dealing with the constant barrage of letters and calls any longer.

A Long-Term Disability Lawyer Will Help You Avoid Common Mistakes

It can be easy to make a mistake when you handle long term disability claims on your own. A common mistake seen is people not understanding their definition of disability and not providing all the necessary evidence needed to satisfy it. This usually results in a claim denial. Other mistakes include inaccurate terminology and language on your claim form or realizing that your policy may not cover certain aspects of your medical conditions and disabilities. 

It’s also a common mistake to rely on your insurance company to gather evidence for you or keep track of your claim along the way. Claims adjusters routinely ask for the same documentation multiple times and deny receiving paperwork previously submitted. Deadlines can be missed and/or vital pieces of information left out. It is also vital that you communicate with your insurance company or doctor along the way, letting your doctor know that the insurance company may be reaching out and that it’s vital that they try and speak with them. Failing to do so typically results in missed requests for information. A long term disability attorney can help you keep track of your claim and communicate with the necessary contacts to ensure that your policy requirements are met, as well as provide you with forms to give your doctor to complete answering questions regarding your ability to work and asking for disability ratings. 

Representing Your Appeals

If your original claim gets denied, your attorney will be there to represent you during a necessary appeal. Appeals usually have a 180 day limit and while that sounds like a long time, there is a lot of information that must be gathered and presented within that time. An attorney can help you collect and submit the key medical evidence needed, and make legal arguments based on past cases why your claim should be reversed. All and all, having a long term disability lawyer will greatly benefit you whether you’re just starting your LTD claim or you’ve been denied. They have experience and know the best ways to navigate through the process and overcome obstacles. 

Legal Fees are Delayed Until the Case Resolves

Many people wonder how they can afford a lawyer when they are not working and living off of their savings. The good news is that many lawyers, including Bonnici Law Group, take cases on a contingency basis, meaning that no fees are due until the case is finished – so there’s no risk or out-of-pocket expense while the attorney works on your case!

Consult With a Long Term Disability Lawyer

If you’ve been unable to work because of a medical condition, you need to talk to a disability lawyer to get your disability claim underway! At Bonnici Law Group, we have years of experience helping our clients get their long term disability claims approved! With the help of our experienced team, we’ll handle the complicated process and greatly increase the chance of getting approved! Remember, you will not have to pay us a single penny unless your claim is approved! Give us a call at (619) 259-5199 or click here for a free consultation!