According to statistics, up to 5% of all US employees experience short-term disabilities every year. Considering the circumstances of such cases, neither long-term disability insurance claims, worker’s compensation insurance, nor insurance sickness benefit are able to cover them financially.
What remains is to file a short-term disability claim. But what if it gets denied? Read more to find out what short-term disability insurance claims are and how to appeal a short-term disability denial if needed!
What is a Short-Term Disability Claim?
A short-term disability claim is usually filed in light of an illness or injury that wasn’t sustained at work.
It has to be a condition that would prevent the worker from properly doing their job. Insurance coverage for a period of (usually) 3 to 6 months is requested here, during which the employer won’t be able to work.
In order to file the claim, the worker needs to complete and submit a claim form signed by both their employer and their doctor. They would also need to include additional documentation and materials to support the disability claim – medical reports, job reports, etc.
Appealing a Short-Term Disability Denial: The Steps
Oftentimes, the claim can end up denied by the insurance company. There are several steps to take in such scenarios.
Going Back to Work
The first thing you can do is try to go back to work. Many times, the injury at hand will not be as serious, so the insurance company will deny your claim for a good reason. You can also try going back to work to prove that you truly aren’t able to do your job. If you see that you can’t keep on functioning as normal, appealing a short-term disability denial is the step to take.
Discover the Reasons for Denial and Study the Circumstances
Contact the insurance company and try to discover why your principal claim was denied. Perhaps some documents were lacking, or the proper appeal steps weren’t followed.
As soon as you settle this, do some research regarding denial appeals; how much time do you have to contest the denial? Usually, you need to file your second claim within 60 days.
Collect Extra Evidence and Submit Your Appeal
If needed, collect extra evidence for your conditions – extra medical documents, a second doctor’s opinion, coworker or employer statements, and similar. Once you have everything set, double-check and submit your appeal via the approach outlined by the insurance company.
Seek Professional Help
The best way to file a short-term disability claim without worrying you’ll miss a step is to turn to a professional provider – and Haffner Law meets you halfway!
An LA-based provider, we offer legal assistance to clients who need to see the disability claim filing process through. Our insurance and personal lawyers will guide you through every step of the process and mediate between you and the insurance company to ensure your claim and/or denial appeal are conducted as per the provided conditions.
Learn more about our legal services and call us or send an email – we got your back!
