Insurance companies are notorious for almost always initially denying claims. As a profit-making company, it is in their best interest to pay out as little as possible to policyholders. This conflict of interest can make it incredibly difficult to get a valid claim approved.
Even the most well-supported long-term disability (LTD) cases can result in a denial. By enlisting the help of a seasoned disability lawyer at Haffner Law and taking the following steps when filing your claim, you can increase the chance that you’ll see a favorable result.
Request a Copy of Your Policy
When you first submit your request for the insurance documents, make sure you send your request via certified mail with a return receipt so that you know your request has been received. You might also be able to obtain the policy by accessing it in your insurer’s online portal.
Once you have the policy and eligibility requirements, examine them thoroughly with your LTD lawyer so that you are aware of the criteria necessary for approval. This could include how many hours per week you were required to work, medical exclusions, and how long you needed to be working for the company before becoming eligible.
Be Wary of the Insurance Company
As previously stated, an insurance company does not have your best interests in mind. They have one goal: to make money. And they are not making money by issuing you long-term disability benefits. A couple of crafty insurance practices include asking you to make a statement and using their own “unbiased” medical professional for a health evaluation.
Making a statement will almost always work against you. When you fill out your application, you will be able to write detailed descriptions of what your restrictions are and the ways the injury is affecting your life. Any opportunity the insurer has to use your words against you will almost assuredly be taken advantage of.
The other common strategy insurers use is asking you to participate in a “consultative exam.” These doctors either work directly for your insurance company—and are therefore not independent—or have experience working with insurance companies and were hired by your insurer to complete your exam.
The best way to make this exam work in your favor is to be completely honest about your medical issues without exaggeration and to make note of how long your exam was to give a basis for how thoroughly your injuries were examined.
You can take charge of your claim by working with a long-term disability lawyer to strengthen your case. We will make sure to include all relevant medical documentation, communicate with the insurance company on your behalf, and settle for nothing less than what you deserve during negotiations.
Get Help from a Los Angeles LTD Attorney
At Haffner Law, our long-term disability lawyers could mean the difference between a win and a loss in your pursuit of LTD benefits. Our team of dedicated professionals is determined to help you secure the compensation you need to support yourself while you recover from your injuries.
Call us today at 1-844-HAFFNER (423-3637) or fill out the form below to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our experienced disability attorneys.
(This is an attorney advertisement by Joshua Haffner)