Usually your long term disability insurance benefits will only kick in if you can prove to the insurance company that you're disabled and unable to perform the duties of your full-time job. Often proving that you're disabled is a multi-step process. Knowing what your insurance company will expect from you when you file a claim will help the claims process go more smoothly.
How can you prove to your long term disability insurance company that you're disabled?
One of the most important ways that you can prove that you're disabled is through visits with your doctor. Your insurance company will ask your doctor to write a statement or perhaps fill out a form stating that you are disabled and unable to perform your full-time duties at your job. For this reason, it's very important to maintain regular contact with your doctor and keep all appointments while your claim is being filed.
In addition, a claims adjuster from your long term disability insurance company will conduct an independent review your medical records. This will also have an impact on your claim, but often the physician's assessment carries the most weight with the insurance company.
What can you do if your doctor will not support your claim for long term disability?
If your physician does not support your position and will not back up your claim, you can get a different doctor. In fact, if you hope to win your case, finding a physician that supports your claim will be critical. Visit a variety of specialists and personal physicians until you find the one who will help you.
What can you do if your insurance company denies your claim?
You have a right to see the file from your insurance company. If some of the feedback in the file is inaccurate or if the insurance company has incomplete information, you can build a powerful case when you file your appeal by providing information that will contradict the insurance company's position.
As you build a case to appeal the decision, some guidance will be helpful. It's at this point that many people hire a long term disability attorney for assistance. A skilled attorney can help you sort through the denied claim page by page to determine which paperwork will best support your appeal. Your attorney and his or her staff can help you gather information that will build up your claim and prove that you are disabled.
For more information, talk to a disability lawyer like Scott E. Shaffman Attorney At Law.
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