Table of Contents
Any medical condition or combination of conditions could potentially qualify you for long-term disability benefits, so long as you meet the definition of disability outlined in your policy and the condition is not explicitly excluded from coverage. However, some of the most common causes of long-term disability are:
To meet the definition of disability, you must provide the claim adjuster with proof of disability through lab and test results, X-rays, MRI scans, surgical reports, and notes from doctors who have treated you. Many claimants expect it to be easy, but many claims are denied due to insufficient evidence or misunderstood policy terms.
Appealing a denial or termination of your long-term disability claim can be overwhelming without the right experience, knowledge, and resources. If you need to file a lawsuit against the insurance company, that will only complicate matters further. We recommend that you talk to an experienced Tallahassee disability lawyer before moving forward after a denial.
We Help with Long-Term Disability Appeals for Claimants in Tallahassee
We are often asked, “Can you represent me even though you are not in Tallahassee?” The answer is absolutely! We represent long-term disability claims nationwide because most are governed by a federal regulation called ERISA. Under ERISA, there are no jury trials or extensive in-person proceedings.
Instead, the process involves paperwork, brief writing, and mail correspondence. This means we can effectively handle federal court cases anywhere in the country. Although our office is in Pensacola, we have successfully appealed long-term disability denials for clients in Florida and across the country.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Long-Term Disability Denial
- First, you should carefully read the denial letter from start to finish. The insurance company must reference the specific section of the policy on which the denial was based, describe what additional material or information is necessary, and explain what specific steps you must take to submit an appeal.
- Next, you need to request a free copy of your claim file. You must submit your written request for the file immediately, as it will take some time to obtain and review it. The claim file should also include your disability insurance policy.
- Then, you need to obtain evidence to support your claim. Review all of the evidence in your claim file and obtain any evidence not already in the file. You must “stack the record” with evidence because, in most cases, you cannot submit any new evidence during a federal court lawsuit, no matter how relevant.
- Finally, prepare and submit your appeal. Your letter should clearly state that you are appealing the denial or termination of your claim. It should also state the basis for your appeal and include a list of the evidence you will submit. If you had to have help preparing your appeal or if it took a significant amount of time, be sure to mention that fact in the appeal.
Get a Free Case Evaluation with a Tallahassee Disability Lawyer
In summary, you should not let our geographic location keep you from contacting us to see what we can do to help you. Ortiz Law Firm offers a free case evaluation for claims that have been denied or terminated. Call us at (888) 321-8131 to discuss your legal rights with a Tallahassee long-term disability lawyer. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss your legal rights with you.