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Preszler Law Can Help Appeal Long-Term Disability Benefits Claim Denials
Long-term disability benefits, or coverage for lost wages during long-term infirmary, are meant to protect you in the event of an unexpected injury or illness. They are very valuable assets on which many individuals and families rely when unable to return to work.
Unfortunately, many long-term disability claims are denied upon the initial application. Should this occur, it’s important to consult a lawyer as soon as possible to discuss how best to handle your application.
Common Reasons for Disability Claim Denials
Many claims are denied simply because the application was incomplete or the applicant made inadvertent errors when filing out the forms. When you receive a letter of denial, one of the first things to do is carefully re-read your application.
Did you answer all the questions completely? Did you submit all necessary documentation? If you find a discrepancy or missing information, often simply correcting your errors and resubmitting your application will be enough.
Another reason long-term disability benefit claims can be denied is because your condition may not meet your insurance company’s definition of disabled. Your injury may be considered severe enough or may not be expected to qualify as long-term. Have a lawyer review your policy and your medical reports to determine if your application accurately and sufficiently explained your injury.
Finally, disability claims are commonly denied because the applicant failed to submit to the insurer’s request for a medical examination. Obtaining this exam and resubmitting the application can help the claim move forward.
Steps to Take if Your Claim Has Been Denied
If your claim has been denied, the first step will be to contact a disability lawyer to discuss your case. A lawyer will be able to review your application, determine your eligibility and walk you through the appeals process.
Next on your agenda will be to start collecting all information and evidence that supports your claim.
This includes:
- medical reports;
- treatment notes;
- specialists’ prognoses; and
- proof of lost wages.
Your lawyer can work with the insurance company to begin the appropriate steps for appeal. If for some reason the appeal is unsuccessful, your lawyer can discuss the possibility of filing a lawsuit to attempt recovery.
Improving the Chances of a Successful Claim
You may improve your chances of a successful claim by sticking to the claims and appeals processes, moving forward quickly and avoiding the temptation to give up, and securing legal counsel to assist you.
If you have been wrongly denied of long-term disability benefits, our team at Preszler Injury Lawyers can help. We will scour your records, work to collect compelling evidence, and help you make appropriate appeals swiftly and convincingly.
After reviewing your case, if we determine that more evidence is required to substantiate your claim, we can collect further supporting documentation such as:
- medical specialist testimony;
- vocational expert testimony; and
- statements from your employer about your job performance.
Preszler Injury Lawyers Can Assist with Disability Claim Denials in Ontario
For legal counsel in Ontario, contact Preszler Injury Lawyers to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation: 1-800-JUSTICE®.
