You file a long-term disability (LTD) claim, and your insurance company denies your benefits request. At this point, you’re confused about why your claim was denied, and you have no idea what to do from here. Talk with a long-term disability lawyer in Pennsylvania, and your attorney can get to the root of your denial and appeal on your behalf.
J. Price McNamara: Disability, Life, AD&D Insurance Attorneys has over 30 years of combined experience on our team. We know how frustrating it is to have an insurer deny your LTD benefits claim. Our insurance claims lawyer in Pennsylvania can guide you through the appeals process. To get started, schedule a free case evaluation.
Why Now Is the Time to Appeal Your Denied Long-Term Disability Claim in Pennsylvania
An appeal is an opportunity to disprove your insurance company’s case against you. If your appeal is successful, you’ll have access to LTD benefits that serve you well for an extended period. Alternatively, if you do nothing, you could miss out on such benefits in spite of the fact that they may be rightfully yours.
Your long-term disability attorney in Pennsylvania can share FAQs and other resources regarding LTD claim denials and appeals. They can explain what the process to appeal a denied claim entails. If you’re ready to appeal, your lawyer can help you do just that.
At J. Price McNamara: Disability, Life, AD&D Insurance Attorneys, we make it easy to calculate the value of your long-term disability claim. If you’re unsure about why your LTD claim was rejected or are interested in appealing your denial, we’re here to help. Contact us today.
For a free legal consultation, call (225) 201-8311
How to Appeal a Denied Long-Term Disability Claim
Your Pennsylvania long-term disability lawyer knows the challenges that can come up if you appeal a denied claim. They can address these challenges and put you in a great position to get your denial reversed. As part of your lawyer’s efforts, they can walk you through the appeals process, which consists of these steps:
- Review your denial letter. This will explain the reasoning behind your insurance company’s decision to deny your claim.
- Ask for your claim file. Find out what evidence your insurer used when deciding on your claim.
- Gather evidence. Obtain medical records, a functional capacity exam (CE), letters of support, a vocational assessment, and other evidence, as your collection of proof can help you show your insurer that your claim is valid.
- Submit an appeal letter. Write a letter that details why your insurance company’s denial is incorrect and the evidence you’re providing to disprove their decision.
If your long-term disability insurance policy is available to you via your employer, it may be governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Based on ERISA, you may have 180 days from the date of your denial letter to appeal.
Factors to Consider When You Appeal a Denied LTD Claim
You may wonder if you can get long-term disability for mental health or have other concerns or questions regarding your LTD claim denial. Your LTD lawyer can provide insights into your claim and why it was denied and help you make informed decisions when you appeal. In addition, your attorney may encourage you to account for various factors relating to your appeal, such as:
- Your denial letter: This provides information about why your insurance company is choosing not to give you LTD benefits. As such, your lawyer can use this information to lay the groundwork for your appeal.
- Your claim file: It is understandable that you would want your insurance company’s claim file, as this has information about how your insurance company came to its decision on your claim. The file can help you and your attorney collect evidence to strengthen your appeal.
- Your functional limitations: In your appeal, it may be beneficial to address your functional limitations clearly. By explaining how these limitations make it tough to work, it may be difficult for your insurer to justify your claim denial.
- Your communications with your insurer: Make sure that all of your communications with your insurer about your LTD claim and appeal are in writing. This creates a paper trail, which may serve you well as you try to prove that your claim is warranted.
Outside of these things, it pays to have an LTD attorney who has received many positive client testimonials on your side. Your lawyer can help you avoid mistakes during the appeals process. They can also discuss common reasons why insurance companies will deny LTD claims with you.
Click to contact our insurance claim lawyers today
Why an Insurance Company Will Deny a LTD Benefits Request
Unfortunately, submitting a long-term disability claim doesn’t guarantee that your benefits request will be approved. Your lawyer can give you information about why insurers will dispute claims. Some of the reasons why your insurer may deny your LTD claim include:
- You didn’t provide sufficient medical evidence, or the majority of your proof is subjective.
- You didn’t follow your doctor’s treatment plan.
- Your insurance company has its own doctor review your case and conduct an independent medical exam, and this medical professional’s findings contradict those from your treating physician.
- You’re dealing with a pre-existing condition.
- Your condition doesn’t meet your insurer’s definition of a disability.
- You are subject to policy limitations or exclusions.
- Your claim submission is incomplete, or it doesn’t include accurate information.
- You didn’t file your claim on time.
Regardless of the reasoning behind your insurance company’s denial, your lawyer remains committed to your case. Your attorney may explore every legal avenue in the hopes of disputing your denial. They may commit substantial time and resources to your appeal and make sure that your legal needs are met as your claim dispute moves forward.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Trust Us to Help You Get Your Denied Long-Term Disability Claim Overturned
J. Price McNamara: Disability, Life, AD&D Insurance Attorneys offers comprehensive legal guidance and support to those who’ve had their long-term disability claim denied.
Allow a Pennsylvania long-term disability attorney to assist you with your appeal. To learn more, request a free case evaluation.
Call or text (225) 201-8311 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form