When you need to make a claim for long-term disability benefits through your employer-sponsored long-term disability plan, you may assume that you will be able to fill out the appropriate paperwork and get your benefits. Unfortunately, the process of filing for benefits doesn’t always go that smoothly. You may receive an unexpected denial of benefits, be required to undergo a functional capacity evaluation, or your doctor may need to submit more information to your insurer. Plus, there are strict deadlines by which you must appeal a denial of the decision. By having a California long-term disability attorney on your side from the beginning of the claims process, you can ensure that you fulfill all requirements necessary to get your benefits in a timely manner.

Furthermore, most employer-sponsored benefit plans are subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). This means that there is a very specific set of rules that employers must follow in administering these benefits plans, including with respect to the denial of long-term disability benefits and the appeals process. If you do not have the benefit of an experienced long-term disability attorney from the outset of this process, you may hurt your ability to obtain the benefits that you need for support while you are unable to work due to a disabling condition.

For instance, one little-known feature of the appeals process is that if you file a lawsuit against your insurer based on the wrongful denial of benefits, you cannot submit any new medical evidence or information to the court for consideration. This means that it is essential to submit all supporting medical evidence during the claims and administrative appeals process; otherwise, you risk the court not having all the available evidence in support of your claim during its review.

Bonnici Law Group has the experience and knowledge that you need as you fight back against a denial of your long-term disability benefits. We know how to help you build a strong claim for benefits supported by medical evidence and obtain the best outcome possible in your case. Do not hesitate to contact Bonnici Law Group at 858-261-5454 or help@bonnicilawgroup.com.