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From Paper Trails to Power Moves: How to Build a Disability Appeal That Actually Gets Results
When a disability insurance claim is denied, it’s not just a bureaucratic setback—it’s a threat to your financial stability, health security, and peace of mind. Fortunately, a denied claim doesn’t...
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I worked as a teacher for 15 years. I was in a car accident and despite 3 surgeries, I remained in constant pain. I filed my claim for disability insurance...
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At Disability Insurance Law Group, our nationwide long-term disability insurance claims lawyers know delays and denials can have profound and far-reaching consequences for policyholders, affecting their financial stability, health, independence, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life.
Unfortunately, insurance companies are not known for handling disability claims promptly, fairly, and compassionately to minimize the negative impact on policyholders. Instead, policyholders experience feelings of frustration, anger, anxiety, and depression as they navigate the wait or appeal process to receive the benefits they are entitled to under their policy.
Here, we discuss the most common reasons long-term disability policyholders nationwide experience benefit delays and denials, the processes behind those decisions, and how we can help. If you have questions about your unique long-term disability insurance policy or claim, contact our skilled nationwide attorneys today to discuss your case during a free consultation.
What are the Most Common Reasons Long-Term Disability Insurance Claim Decisions are Delayed?
Understanding why insurance companies delay paying benefits for long-term disability insurance claims helps policyholders manage their expectations and take proactive steps to address any issues that may arise during the process.
Common reasons that may lead to delays in long-term disability insurance claim decisions include, but are not limited to:
Incomplete Documentation.
Requests for Additional Information.
Mandatory Waiting Periods.
Pending Medical Records.
Independent Medical Examinations (IME) Requirement.
Pending Investigations.
Insurance companies conduct thorough reviews of disability claims, which can involve assessing medical records, conducting investigations, and consulting with medical or vocational experts, which can prolong the process. In addition, the complexity of the claim and review process, workflow management, and staffing levels can affect the speed at which disability claims are processed and decisions are made.
What Can I Do About a Long-Term Disability Insurance Claim Delay?
If your long-term disability insurance claim is being delayed, you can take several steps to expedite the process.
The first step is typically contacting the insurance company to inquire about the status of your claim and ask if any outstanding issues are causing the delay. If the insurance company requests additional information or documentation to support your claim, provide it immediately. Sometimes, a simple inquiry and response can prompt the company to prioritize your claim and give an update on its progress.
When you contact your insurance provider, keep a record of all communication, including phone calls, emails, and letters. Note the date, time, and content of each interaction. This documentation can be helpful if you need to escalate your concerns or file a complaint later.
If you believe the insurance company unreasonably delays your claim, we can review your case, guide you through the claims process, and advocate on your behalf.
We can help ensure that your claim is adequately prepared and supported by sufficient evidence to expedite decision-making. Contact our dedicated lawyers today to learn more about how we can help, starting with a free consultation.
What are the Most Common Reasons Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims are Disputed or Denied?
Disability benefits can represent significant financial liabilities for insurance companies. By disputing claims from the start, insurance companies may seek to minimize their financial obligations and avoid paying benefits for claims they believe do not meet the policy requirements. Unfortunately, this happens more often than it should.
Common reasons long-term disability insurance claims may be disputed or denied include, but are not limited to:
Your policy defines disability narrowly or has stringent requirements for eligibility.
Your policy defines disability as the inability to perform the duties of your “own occupation” or “any occupation” for which you are reasonably suited.
Administrative errors, such as incomplete claim forms, missing documentation, or failure to meet deadlines for submitting information requested by the insurance company.
Incomplete medical records, a lack of diagnostic testing, or unclear or persuasive opinions from treating healthcare providers.
Your disability is related to a pre-existing condition or occurred during a waiting period.
Surveillance footage contradicts your reported limitations or activities of daily living.
Providing false information on your claim application or exaggerating the severity of your disability.
If your claim has been disputed or denied, our national long-term disability insurance claims attorneys at Disability Insurance Law Group can help you resubmit your claim to provide the supporting documentation necessary to move forward or appeal the decision and potentially overturn the denial.
Contact our skilled long-term disability insurance claims attorneys nationwide today by calling 954-417-3272 or contact us online to schedule a completely free and confidential case assessment so we can put our over 50 years of combined experience to work for you.
Do You Need Legal Counsel? We Invite You To Contact Us For A Free Consultation.
Fill out the form and we’ll be in touch with you shortly, or call us now at 954-989-9000.