Steps to Take When Denied Long-Term Disability Coverage

Being denied long-term disability can be an extremely difficult piece of news to process, largely because it’s tied into the physical pain you deal with on a daily basis. With something that personal, it can be nearly impossible to stay objective about what steps to take next. If you’re tired of fighting, it may even be tempting to accept the decision and move on. But if you’re denied long term disability insurance coverage, you may find your next options are few and far between.

If you’re at a loss, consider how a long term disability lawyer may be able to help. You may have an excellent chance of having your decision overturned and not even realize it. This kind of coverage is not given freely by insurance companies, and applicants may need to take just a few extra measures to get their request approved. Here are a few steps you can take if you’ve been denied for disability.

First Step: Hire a lawyer to understand your denial letter

You first need to understand exactly why you were denied coverage. A long term disability lawyer Toronto can help you decipher exactly what caused the administrators to say no. Perhaps they felt you didn’t present sufficient evidence for your injuries, or that your treatment was still ongoing. They may believe that you have the ability to switch careers with additional training, even if this is not the case. Once you know the reasons, your lawyer can build a defense that addresses the stated concerns.

Look for the deadline

You have options when it comes to an appeal, but you don’t have an unlimited time in which to take action. Your deadline can help you and your lawyer decide how to prepare in the time allotted. For some cases, it makes sense to appeal your denial through the insurance company, but in others, it would be more efficient to take legal action immediately. Knowing the timeline gives you a good idea of how to juggle your own schedule, especially if the appeals process takes a while.

Know your Employment Rights

Your employment rights in Toronto are specific for the city and may vary based on industry and position. If you have questions about your rights, a disability lawyer can help you figure out how to use the rules to your advantage. A lawyer is trained to look for advantages that you may have missed. They can also examine your policy to determine if certain clauses apply to your situation.

Gather all documents required for the appeal

From medical documents to witness statements, you may need a lot of additional information if you hope to win your appeal. When people have been injured, it’s understandably difficult to round up all the paperwork they need. It takes a lot of time and effort to deliver this information, a task that’s nearly impossible when your body is trying to recuperate. A lawyer can ensure all your ducks are in a row, so you don’t miss a thing.

Ask your doctor for his written opinion

Your doctor has already weighed in on your condition, but you may need to get additional clarification from them if you want to win your appeal. Their medical opinion is a huge component of whether you get the coverage you need or not. For long-term disability, a doctor essentially has to state that you’ve received as much treatment as you can possibly receive, and that you’re still unable to perform certain duties. If there’s no chance for you to regain or learn certain skills, this is something that the deciding panel needs to take very seriously.

“An experienced lawyer can demystify the long-term disability claims experience, and help you to decide the best steps to move forward.”

FAQs

Before hiring a disability lawyer, it helps to have all the information in front of you.

How do I appeal a long term disability denial?

Appealing a denial starts with understanding why you were denied and then finding the evidence that refutes the reason for denial. Getting a lawyer’s help can be a great way to collect the documents needed to overturn the decision. A long term disability lawyer can give you a better idea of how your case can best be appealed.

How long does it take to get long term disability approved?

The length of approval will depend on the insurance company and the type of policy. It may take as little as a month or as long as a year. Some administrators will actively slow the process down in an attempt to delay paying, If you choose to appeal through the insurance company rather than the courts, you may end up waiting a lot longer than you ever imagined.

What are the criteria for long term disability?

The criteria for long term disability depends on the disability plan or insurance policy you’re covered under. Some employers and unions offer group disability plans or you may have purchased an individual policy of your own. Illness and accidents are generally covered and may or may not overlap with workers’ compensation benefits.

The length of approval will depend on the insurance company and the type of policy. It may take as little as a month or as long as a year. Some administrators will actively slow the process down in an attempt to delay paying, If you choose to appeal through the insurance company rather than the courts, you may end up waiting a lot longer than you ever imagined.

What are the criteria for long term disability?

The criteria for long term disability depends on the disability plan or insurance policy you’re covered under. Some employers and unions offer group disability plans or you may have purchased an individual policy of your own. Illness and accidents are generally covered and may or may not overlap with workers’ compensation benefits.