The benefits of hiring an LTD lawyer that will make your long-term disability application process easier
Applying for long-term disability (LTD) can be an exhaustive process for the average person. The process can be a little complicated and not as straight-forward as filling out, say, a typical job application. LTD applications can be time-consuming, and they come with strict deadlines. Insurance companies will try and find anything they can as a reason to deny your claim. One small mistake, missed box, or inaccuracy could mean that you have to start all over again. Being prepared, proactive, and enlisting the help of an LTD lawyer can significantly improve your odds of submitting a successful claim. Whether you’re currently experiencing application fatigue or if you want to prevent it, there are significant benefits to hiring an LTD lawyer that you should consider.
An LTD lawyer may help you save money
Insurance companies are not your friend; they do not want to help you; they want to make money. The unfortunate truth is that these companies will intentionally make applications challenging to complete. They especially will not go out of their way to make sure you fully understand your legal entitlements or coverage. By hiring an LTD lawyer, they will be able to go over your insurance company’s policy and thoroughly explain everything to you so that you know what you’re entitled to. An LTD lawyer also knows the right and wrong things to say; saying the wrong thing or not saying the right things could cost you big time.
In the case that your claim is denied, an LTD lawyer can appeal for you
If your claim is denied, trying to fight your insurance company on your own would be fighting a losing battle. When appealing a denied claim, you will need to provide additional information to support it – but what if you’ve given them all the information you have? An LTD lawyer will know where to look and who to contact to get the additional documents and information you need. They will be able to secure expert witness testimony, file a lawsuit if necessary, and fight for your rights – an insurance company’s worst nightmare.
Do you need an LTD lawyer to handle your claim?
No, you don’t need an LTD lawyer to help you with your claim or file a claim. However, if you choose to file your claim yourself, some risks and oversights become more likely. Missing a deadline, not submitting the proper medical reports or supplemental documentation, or improperly filling out the application are all things that could jeopardize your claim.
As mentioned, insurance companies, unfortunately, do not have your best interest in mind, and negotiating with them by yourself is next to impossible. Regardless of how legitimate your disability is, they will try to find any reason to deny it. Often, the likelihood of an approved claim comes down to the quality of the application. So, while hiring an LTD lawyer to handle your case isn’t necessary, it can save you a lot of time and stress in the long run and increases your chances for LTD approval.