Facing long term disability denial? A disability lawyer may be able to help

Get legal help with your long term disability insurance claim or denial

If your long term disability insurance claim was denied, you may still have legal options. A long term disability attorney may be able to review your policy, help you understand your rights and guide you through the appeals process. Fill out the form on this page to learn more about your options.

Long term disability benefits are designed to replace income if a serious illness or injury prevents you from working. But the claims process can be complex, and many people experience a long term disability denial even when they believe their claim is valid.If your claim was denied or your benefits were stopped, you may still have options. A long term disability attorney may help you:

• Review your long term disability insurance policy
• Identify potential errors in your claim
• Gather medical evidence to support your claim
• File an appeal before important deadlines expire

Insurance companies often deny claims for technical reasons, missing documentation or disputes about whether a condition prevents someone from working. A disability lawyer can review your claim and help determine your next steps.

Submit your information now for a free case review.

The law firms responsible for the content of this page are: Marc Whitehead & Associates; Houston, TX; 713-228-8888; disabilitydenials.com and LegaFi Law LLC (an Arizona law firm), 888-4-LegaFi, www.legafi.com.

What is long term disability insurance?

Long term disability insurance is a type of coverage that provides income replacement if you become unable to work because of illness or injury.

Most long term disability policies replace 60% to 80% of your income and may provide benefits for several years or even until retirement, depending on the terms of the policy.

These policies usually include a waiting period known as the elimination period, which must pass before benefits begin. This waiting period may range from several weeks to a year.

For many people facing serious health challenges, long term disability insurance benefits can provide essential financial support while they focus on treatment and recovery.

The application process for long term disability benefits

Applying for long term disability insurance benefits involves several steps.

Step 1: Complete the elimination period. This waiting period begins when your illness or injury prevents you from working. The elimination period can last anywhere from 30 days to one year depending on the policy.

Step 2: Submit your long term disability claim. Once the elimination period ends, you can file a claim with your insurer. Claims typically require:

• Medical records
• Physician statements
• Employment documentation
• Proof of disability

Step 3: Wait for the insurance company’s decision. After reviewing your claim, the insurer will decide whether to approve benefits. If your claim is denied, you may need to file an appeal or seek legal assistance from a disability lawyer.

An experienced long term disability attorney may help strengthen your case and improve your chances of approval.

Why are long term disability insurance claims denied?

Insurance companies deny long term disability insurance claims for many different reasons. Understanding why your claim was denied can help determine your next steps and whether you may be able to appeal a long term disability denial.

Common reasons for a long term disability denial include:

• Insufficient medical evidence: If your documentation does not clearly show how your condition prevents you from working, the insurer may reject your claim.
• Missed deadlines or paperwork errors: Filing late or submitting incomplete forms can delay or derail your claim entirely.
• Disputes over the definition of disability: Insurers may argue that your condition does not meet their policy’s specific criteria for “disability.”
• Surveillance or social media activity: Insurance companies sometimes use surveillance or social media posts to claim you are not as disabled as reported.
• Pre-existing condition exclusions: Some policies exclude coverage for conditions that existed before the plan began.
• Claims reviewers deciding you can return to work: Insurance reviewers may conclude that you can perform your job or another type of work, even if your doctor believes you cannot. These decisions may rely on internal medical reviews rather than direct examinations.

Even legitimate claims can be denied. In some cases, insurers may interpret medical records differently or argue that a person can still perform some type of work.

A long term disability attorney may help review the denial and determine whether the decision should be challenged.

How to appeal a long term disability insurance denial

Being denied long term disability benefits can be frustrating, but it is not always the end of the road. Many initial claims are rejected, and you have the right to appeal.

The first step is carefully reviewing the denial letter from your insurance provider. This letter explains why the claim was denied and what information may be needed to support an appeal.

Evidence that may strengthen an appeal includes:

• Comprehensive medical records
• Detailed statements from your doctors
• Functional capacity evaluations
• Expert opinions about your work limitations

A long term disability attorney can help you organize this information and prepare a strong appeal package that directly addresses the insurer’s reasons for denial. Having legal support during the appeals process may make a major difference in the outcome.

When should you contact a long term disability attorney?

You may want to contact a long term disability attorney if:

• Your long term disability insurance claim was denied
• Your benefits were terminated early
• Your insurer claims you can return to work
• Your appeal deadline is approaching
• Your medical condition prevents you from working for 12 months or longer

An experienced disability lawyer may help review your policy, gather evidence and ensure your appeal is filed correctly.

Working with a long term disability attorney 

A long term disability attorney can guide you through the appeals process and help you build the strongest case possible. Legal support may improve your chances of overturning a denial and securing the benefits you’re owed.

A long term disability attorney may be able to:

• Clarify confusing policy language and requirements
• Help gather and organize relevant medical and vocational evidence
• Prepare a thorough appeal package
• Represent you in court, if necessary

Time is critical when appealing a denied long term disability claim. Contacting a disability lawyer early in the process can help protect your rights and keep your claim on track.

Fill out the form on this page to see if you qualify for a free case evaluation.