Disability Lawyers Near Chicago

Many employees and individuals have disability insurance. Ideally, they should be able to rely on this coverage if they become physically unable to do their job due to an injury or illness. However, many claimants don’t get what they are owed under their policy. In this case, they need to meet with knowledgeable disability lawyers near Chicago as soon as possible.

What is Long Term Disability Insurance?

Long-term disability (LTD) insurance replaces all or a portion of someone’s income if they can’t work due to sickness or injury. Coverage is received as an employment benefit or purchased directly from an insurance company. Each LTD policy is different and has its own requirements that claims meet before benefits are paid. It’s crucial to read your policy carefully to understand your coverage, its terms, and any benefit limitations. However, sometimes policy language is confusing and can be misleading. As such, it’s often helpful to have disability attorneys near Chicago review your policy with you to ensure you understand it and do everything correctly to access your benefits.

The Long Term Disability Claims Process

Long-Term Disability Initial Claim

Your claim begins by submitting a notice of claim to the insurance company according to your policy’s instructions for doing so. Once you submit a notice of claim, the insurance company will ask you and your treating doctors to complete and submit claim forms. You will also need to collect and submit proof establishing your disability. 

The chief source of evidence will be your medical records; however, evidence can also include:

• Reports from your treating doctors
• Photos
• Symptom logs
• Statements from yourself
• Statements from your family and friends or your coworkers

After submitting your claim forms and disability evidence, the insurance carrier investigates to determine if you are entitled to benefits. Then they will either approve or deny the claim. If it’s approved, you will start to receive long-term disability benefits. Your insurance company will intermittently conduct claim updates to determine if you still meet their definition of disability as outlined in your policy. 

However, suppose the insurance carrier denies your claim. In that case, you should move on to the next stage of the claim process and file an administrative appeal.

The Administrative Appeal 

If your claim is denied, the insurance company must give you a reason for the denial and allow you the opportunity to appeal. An administrative appeal should address why the insurance company’s denied the claim by explaining why the insurance company’s decision was incorrect and providing supporting evidence for the appeal. 

An appeal is a crucial turning point in the long-term disability claim process. It is often the final opportunity to get evidence into the record. If evidence is not submitted by the time of the appeal, you likely won’t be able to submit it later in court. You should also note that if you don’t appeal or appeal after the applicable deadline has already passed, you could lose your rights to your LTD benefits completely. Given the importance of the administrative appeal, if you haven’t already, now is an excellent time to think about consulting with experienced disability attorneys near Chicago.

Questions About a Disability Claim? Consult with Disability Lawyers Near Chicago Today

At Bartolic Law, our disability attorneys near Chicago are here for you in every step or unexpected turn in your disability claim. We know that this is a difficult time of life as you have both health and financial concerns. Contact us to schedule a complimentary private consultation with a reputable Chicago disability attorney.