The Melbourne Long Term Disability lawyers at Herbert M. Hill, P.A. can help if you have questions or concerns about your recently denied claim. Read on to get answers to three crucial questions about denied Long Term Disability claims.

In most cases, individuals file for Long Term Disability benefits when their Short Term Disability benefits expire. Insurance companies have specific Long Term Disability forms for applicants to submit. These documents ask for precise details such as:

  • Demographic information
  • Disability specifications
  • Healthcare and medical information
  • Employment documentation 
  • Statements from employers
  • Applicant-signed authorization for a release of information
  • And more

Even the most carefully-completed forms can be denied, and applicants who are denied benefits often have many questions about why their claim was denied and how it can be appealed. Here are three common questions Melbourne Long Term Disability lawyers receive surrounding these determinations: 

#1 What Should I Do If I Receive A Long Term Disability Denial Letter?

If your claim has been denied, you can file an appeal. Be sure to file an appeal before the deadline listed on your insurance company’s Long Term Disability benefits denial notice. Most individuals and group plans governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) give an applicant 180 days from the date on their letter to appeal an initial denial determination. 

An applicant must adhere to the 180-day deadline to be able to sue an insurer in federal court. For this reason, you should pay special attention to specified deadlines when filing and appealing a Long Term Disability claim. If you hire a Long Term Disability lawyer, they can help ensure that deadlines are met and sufficient evidence is gathered to support your claim in court.  

#2 Why Has My Long Term Disability Claim Been Denied?

Long Term Disability claims can be denied for several reasons; however, understanding why your claim was initially denied can help you prepare and present the best possible case at the administrative level or beyond. Here are several common reasons that claims are denied: Melbourne long term disability lawyers

  • Insufficient Or Missing Medical Evidence: It is essential to include all medical evidence supporting your Long Term Disability claims. Failure to include documentation of regular medical treatment, medical practitioner’s statements, and sufficient medical records can lead to a denied claim.
  • Disabilities That Do Not Meet A Policy’s Definition of Qualifying Conditions: Each policy has a precise definition of what qualifies as a disability. Be sure to examine the qualifying conditions and those excluded from coverage carefully.
  • Document Inconsistency With Disability Claim: Sometimes video surveillance is used to justify a Long Term Disability denial decision. The best way to ensure there are no documented inconsistencies in your case is to follow a physician’s advice and physical restrictions closely and completely.
  • Failure To Meet Deadlines: Claims are often denied due to missed deadlines throughout the filing and appeals process. It is also important to note that medical evidence should be submitted and on file before each stringent deadline.

#3 Can Melbourne Long Term Disability Lawyers Help Me Get A Claim Approved?

While legal representation from Melbourne Long Term Disability lawyers will not automatically ensure that a claim or appeal will be approved, it can help build a strong case. 

For example, experienced Long Term Disability lawyers are familiar with legal procedures within the claims submission and appeals process and can ensure that all deadlines are sufficiently met. A Long Term Disability attorney can also gather all necessary medical documentation and evidence to support your claim.

Need Help? Contact Our Law Office Today

The law office of Herbert M. Hill, P.A. is located in Orlando, and our attorneys practice Long Term and Short Term Disability law throughout the state of Florida. Our team has decades of experience, and we can assist you with questions about your denied claim. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.