Your Personal Injury Lawyers
How a Lawyer Can Help Your Long-Term Disability Claim
A serious injury or unexpected illness may make it difficult or impossible for an individual to continue working. You may qualify for long-term disability benefits if you suffer from a debilitating health condition. Such insurance benefits are intended to address the economic burden of your being unable to earn steady income.
Unfortunately, a fair payment of long-term disability benefits is not a guarantee. You may have difficultly accessing your owed benefits – even if you have paid all of your insurance premiums and you are unable to work due to disability. A lawyer in Ontario may prove to be an important ally when seeking long-term disability benefits.
Below are four key ways a lawyer can help you during the course of your long-term disability claim.
1. Your lawyer may be able to help you to make sense of a policy
An individual who is not fluent in insurance industry lingo may have a difficult time deciphering a long-term disability insurance policy. Such policies often are worded in a confusing and overly complicated manner. A claimant easily may misunderstand his or her rights or owed benefits in such circumstances.
A disability benefits lawyer can assess the details of a policy to determine the full extent of your rights and responsibilities. He or she can explain clearly the parameters of a policy to ensure you understand your options. This may prevent you from overlooking owed benefits. It also may prevent you from inadvertently harming a claim.
2. Your lawyer may be able to help you build evidence for your claim
A successful long-term disability insurance claim must prove the existence of a disabling condition. In fact, a lack of necessary evidence is one of the key factors in the denial of long-term disability benefits.
Your lawyer will understand the types of evidence necessary to build a convincing claim and the steps to obtain such evidence as:
- Medical records
- Physician statements
- Employer statements
- More
Your lawyer also will have the experience to organize evidence in an efficient and compelling manner.
3. Your lawyer may be able to handle communications on your behalf
A lawyer can act as the liaison between you and the insurance company representatives. Your lawyer can ensure:
- The insurance company’s requests for information are answered in a prompt manner
- All information relayed to the insurance company is thorough and accurate
- All reconsideration requests are made in a timely manner and with proper supportive evidence
Bear in mind that everything you say to an insurance adjuster or company representative has the potential to harm your claim. Allowing your lawyer to handle all communications on your behalf lessens the chances of inadvertently harming your claim.
4. Your lawyer may be able to appeal a denial of benefits
You have the right to appeal the denial of long-term disability benefits or request a reconsideration of the insurance company’s decision. A lawyer can assist you with this process. Take advantage of a free case consultation with an Ontario-based lawyer to learn more about your claim and filing an appeal.
Call the Preszler Injury Lawyers at 1-800-JUSTICE® to set up a consultation.
