If you are suffering from an illness or injury that impairs your ability to work, do you need a long-term disability lawyer to assist you with your benefits claim?
What are some common types of conditions that qualify for long-term disability benefits, and in what situations can a long-term disability lawyer assist you with your claim? Our long-term disability lawyers will answer those questions below.
What are long-term disability benefits?
Long-term disability benefits (also referred to as “LTD” benefits) are intended to provide you with income if you are unable to work due to an illness or injury. Many people have long-term disability coverage through their employment by way of a group plan. In other cases, individuals purchase private disability insurance coverage. Obtaining benefits from an insurance provider under such policies can be difficult because there are often very specific requirements that you, your job, or your disability must meet to qualify for coverage.
What are common types of conditions that qualify for long-term disability?
A disability claim may arise from a medical condition or from an accident or injury. For example:
If you have a condition such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, or chronic pain, you may be eligible for a disability claim.
Injuries that qualify for LTD coverage include injuries to the spine or injuries to the head or neck. However, depending on the nature of your work, you may be eligible for coverage for an injury to any part of your body if that injury prevents you from doing your job.
Many health issues other than the ones listed above may make you eligible for a disability claim. If you would like to know whether you have a claim, contact us at 1-855-852-5100 to arrange a free initial consultation with one of our experienced long-term disability lawyers.
The four situations in which a long-term disability injury lawyer can assist
Dealing with insurance companies can be complicated and stressful, particularly when you are suffering from a disabling medical condition or injury. So in many cases, it is in your best interests to hire a long-term disability benefits lawyer to decipher the fine print of your insurance policy and maximize the benefits you obtain, allowing you to focus on your health and well-being. That being said, here are some specific situations where a long-term disability lawyer can assist you:
If you are unsure about what information to put on your claim form and want to avoid a mistake that could jeopardize your claim.
If your long-term disability insurer has denied your claim.
If your long-term disability insurer has advised you that your benefits are ending on a certain date, but you do not agree that you are able to return to work.
If your long-term disability insurer has terminated your benefits.
How our long-term disability lawyers can help you
Your insurance policy will specify what qualifies as a “disability”, but figuring out whether you have an insurable disability can be difficult. For example, under some policies the term “disability” or “disabled” requires you to be unable to perform any work, not just your job. A long-term disability lawyer will read the fine print of your insurance policy to see how it defines disability and advise you on whether you have a claim under the policy. A long-term disability lawyer can also help you gather evidence to support your claim. You will need to provide medical records and a medical opinion to prove that you meet the disability requirements. A long-term disability lawyer will work with your doctor(s) or psychiatrist to ensure they are providing the insurance company the information needed to pay disability benefits. The insurer may also require you to be assessed by a doctor of their choosing – if that becomes necessary, a long-term disability lawyer can help protect your rights and interests through that process. A long-term disability lawyer is also invaluable if your LTD insurer denies your claim for benefits (for example, if the insurer determines that your condition does not meet the definition of “disability” in the policy, if there is not enough evidence to satisfy the insurer of your medical condition, or because the claim was not filed on time). An experienced long-term disability lawyer can compile the evidence and medical records necessary to help you appeal the denial.
Supportive Legal Guidance & More: From Injury to Recovery
Bronson Jones & Company lawyers have extensive trial experience and extensive experience in negotiating fair settlements for long-term disability claims. We have also developed an extensive network of medical and occupational specialists, therapists, rehabilitation specialists, and others to help you recover and deal with the impact of your illness or injury on your physical health, family life, finances and future. Reports from these experts may be essential in the development of your case. If you or a loved one requires assistance with a long-term disability claim, call any of the 13 Bronson Jones locations in the Lower Mainland for our expertise and advice. All of our cases are handled on a contingency (percentage) basis and you don’t pay until we collect.