Actions You Need to Take Now to Protect Your Rights to Long Term Disability Benefits

Good health and the ability to go to work each day is something many of us take for granted. Unfortunately, accidental injuries, illnesses, and chronic health conditions can happen to anyone and can leave you suffering long term disabilities. Benefits provided through your employer can help to supplement your income in this situation, but these claims are subject to company policies and reviews by insurers company. As a result, it is not uncommon to get a denial. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) does protect your rights in these cases and provides a process for filing appeals, but there are actions you can take now that can help avoid these problems in the future. 

Know Your Disability Risks

The idea that you could suffer a long term disability may seem improbable, particularly if you are young or in otherwise good health. However, unexpected circumstances can arise at any time and leave you suffering potentially permanent impairments. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), roughly one out of every four 20-year-olds will eventually suffer a disability before reaching retirement age. Factors that could increase your risks include:

• Your job: Working at a high-risk job, performing strenuous labor, or doing repetitive tasks all increase the risk of suffering injuries which could prove disabling.
• Your hobbies: While sports and recreational activities may provide a fun outlet in your off-work hours, they could put you at risk for injuries. 
• Your habits: Leading a sedentary lifestyle and engaging in habits such as smoking, overeating, or excessively worrying can have lasting impacts on your health. 
• Your health: Your personal health and your family history could put you at risk of suffering disabilities due to diseases and chronic health conditions. 

Qualifying for Long Term Disability Benefits

Based on your assessment of each of the above areas, there are steps you can take to reduce your chances of disabilities and to protect your rights to benefits. If you suffer a chronic illness or have other risk factors, you will want to review your employer provided disability coverage to ensure it is adequate. Under ERISA, you are entitled to copies of all documents pertaining to this coverage. To keep from being denied benefits in the future, follow these steps: 

• Review policy terms and exclusions;
• Be aware of the procedures for filing a claim;
• Get prompt medical care for any symptoms you suffer;
• Follow your doctor’s recommendations in terms of treatment and follow up care. 

Contact Our Chicago Long Term Disability Attorneys

At Bartolic Law, we help people get the employer provided benefits to which they are entitled. To request a consultation, call or contact our Chicago long term disability attorneys online today.