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HomeNewsWhat To Know About The Claim File In Your Long-Term Disability Case

What To Know About The Claim File In Your Long-Term Disability Case

You can file your long-term disability claim correctly and may still be denied benefits. That is why you want to remember the following advice when filling out your claim.

Even though insurance companies can still deny your claim, you can make it extremely difficult for them to do so by keeping the following things in mind regarding your claim file.

Review Your Policy With A Disability Attorney

You want to review the terms and conditions of your policy, your policy’s definition of a “disability,” and the time limits to file a claim. These are the technical reasons that insurance companies sometimes use to deny your claim.

Every long-term disability policy has a different definition of disability and the different disabilities accepted. You want to ensure that your disability qualifies by the policy’s definition. You also want to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to file.

Pay Attention To The Clauses

Your long-term disability policy will also have certain clauses prohibiting you from receiving benefits for certain disabilities. One of the most common clauses used is the pre-existing condition clause.

A pre-existing condition clause prevents you from obtaining benefits for disabilities caused by any pre-existing conditions. In addition to pre-existing condition clauses, there are other situations that your policy may not cover.

If your disability was caused by drug abuse, attempted suicide, or an illegal act, you may not be able to receive your long-term disability benefits.

Use The Right Kind Of Medical Evidence

You also want to include the right type of medical evidence with your claim. While you can include copies of your doctor’s visits, lab tests, and X-rays, these are not necessarily the strongest pieces of evidence that can validate your disability.

Insurance companies are searching for two pieces of evidence: your medical records and your doctor’s opinions. These two pieces of medical evidence hold so much weight regarding insurance agents.

These pieces of evidence can’t be altered or misconstrued. That is why insurance companies request them for a majority of claims. You can ask your doctor to submit a detailed letter about your medical history and the limitations of your disability.

This information may make it difficult for insurance companies to deny your long-term disability claim from a lack of medical evidence.

Understand The Appeal Process

You also want to know how to file an appeal if your claim is denied. If your employer sponsors your long-term disability insurance, you must follow the ERISA requirements when filing your appeal.

Under the ERISA appeal process, you must file your appeal within 180 days and include all of your evidence in your administrative record. You must also exhaust all of your administrative appeals before filing a lawsuit against the insurance company.

Speak With A Chicago Long-Term Disability Lawyer Today

At Bartolic Law, we handle all long-term disability claims at all stages. Fill out our contact form below to schedule a consultation with a Chicago long-term disability lawyer.

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