Although ERISA-governed long-term disability benefits are a great benefit to have, they are not helpful to you unless you qualify for benefits. As a result, you should know your rights and take measures to increase your likelihood of being granted long-term disability benefits from the beginning of the claims process. Fortunately, you can take specific steps to have a better chance of being awarded disability benefits.

First, having a supportive treating physician can be crucial to your claim. Disability claims notoriously require you to submit a great deal of paperwork related to your medical conditions. Your doctor also must fill out various forms and statements to send to your insurance company showing your inability to work. As a result, having a doctor who supports your disability claim can be a vital part of your claim.

Next, be sure to read your insurance policy carefully and ensure that you understand what it means. You should have explicit knowledge about what benefits your disability insurance policy provides you and what it excludes. You also should be aware of caps on payment of benefits, restrictions, and changes in the definition of disability after you have received benefits for some time. Otherwise, you can be in for some unhappy surprises months after you have started the claims process.

Your insurance company may require you to undergo additional testing, assessments, or evaluations by medical providers and other experts. You always should cooperate in completing these tasks as quickly as possible. Even if you find the requested tests or assessments repetitive or unnecessary, your insurance company typically has the right to request that you comply with their requirements. Otherwise, the insurance company could base the denial of your claim on your failure to cooperate in validating your disability.

Finally, hiring an experienced long-term disability benefits lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. By getting the legal advice that you need from the outset of the claim process, you may be able to provide the information and medical evidence necessary to win your claim.

Bonnici Law Group provides client-focused representation throughout the ERISA claims process. We are here to consider the evidence in support of your ERISA long-term disability claim and evaluate your application. Next, we can develop the most effective strategy for fighting any denials of coverage that you may receive. Allow us to handle your legal needs while you focus on your physical and emotional health. Contact the ERISA long-term disability attorneys of Bonnici Law Group at 858-261-5454 or help@bonnicilawgroup.com.