How To Appeal A Long Term Disability Denial
If your Long Term Disability claim was denied by an insurance company, you may still be able to get the benefits you need. At Fields Law Firm, our Long Term Disability lawyers can review the details of your claim and identify the reasons it was denied. We know what it takes to build successful appeals, and we’re here to help you get the disability benefits you need.
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What is involved with appealing Long Term Disability claims after being denied disability benefits?
If you have been denied Long Term Disability benefits, you may be wondering what your rights are and what options you have. Typically, when disability insurance companies deny claims, a letter outlining their decision and reasoning is sent to you. This decision also usually outlines what rights you have and the next steps you may be able to take, such as appealing Long Term Disability claim denials.
Insurance companies often deny benefits entirely or cease benefit payments after a period of time. If your Long Term Disability claim is denied or if your Long Term Disability payments are stopped, the insurance company typically allows you to appeal this decision. This is widely known and most commonly referred to as an Administrative Appeal.
Administrative Appeals are typically filed directly with the insurance company, and the insurance company reconsiders your claim. Often times, the insurance company will have your claim independently reviewed to determine whether benefits should be paid.
In determining your claim, the insurance company usually refers your claim to various medical providers, such as nurses and doctors, as well as other experts. Depending upon your policy and laws that apply, the insurance company may be required to issue a decision within a set time frame.
Should I write my own Long Term Disability appeal letter?
At Fields Law Firm, our Long Term Disability lawyers have the greatest chance of success if we are involved in your case early on. This allows us to gather information and support for your claim prior to filing any appeals with the insurance company. This is especially helpful in the event that a lawsuit must be filed, since there are strict limitations on whether additional information can be added later.
There are also important deadlines for filing Long Term Disability appeals, and preparing a strong appeal takes time. If your claim is denied after an Administrative Appeal, the next step would be to file a lawsuit against the insurance company in court.
It is highly recommended that you have an attorney on your side long before you have to file a lawsuit in court. In fact, it is most helpful to contact an attorney immediately after you have been denied to not only discuss the issues with your claim, but to also help you with filing the Administrative Appeal. If you need help getting your benefits, call Fields Law today. We can help you get the disability benefits you need.
How Fields Law Firm Can Help With Appealing Long Term Disability Claims
When filing appeals, the attorneys and staff at Fields Law Firm will attempt to gather as much support and information as we can, which includes obtaining key medical evidence and information such as treatment records, narrative reports, opinions, and/or assessment forms. At times, we may also obtain information from experts to support your case.
Appealing your Long Term disability claim is an opportunity to correct issues that caused your initial claim to be denied. A strong and compelling appeal includes any information that may be missing from your insurance claim, including:
- Diagnostic Tests
Claims are often denied when the insurance company believes there’s a lack of objective medical evidence. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), blood tests, and other diagnostic tests can serve as valuable proof of your medical condition.
- Missing or Additional Medical Evidence
If important medical records were overlooked when you filed your initial claim, we can include them with your appeal.
- Expert Opinions
Your doctors know your medical history, ability to work, and treatment status better than anyone else. We will request a written opinion from one or more of your treating physicians to help prove the severity of your disability to insurance company claims examiners.
Once all the supportive information for your case has been received, we submit a formal appeal to the insurance company outlining the facts in your case, your disability, why you should be entitled to disability benefits, and any other legal matters at issue.
