If you’ve suffered an injury or illness that has left you disabled, you might breathe a sigh of relief knowing that you have long-term disability insurance to offer support while you are unable to work. But you might be in for a rude awakening when you find out that your claim has been outright denied. It can be both shocking and stressful, but know you have rights and can appeal.
How to preserve your case for appeal
When your claim is denied, you have the ability to internally appeal that decision. First, ensure that you understand the insurance company’s appeals process and follow it. And, as you progress through that process, be diligent in making the strongest record possible. This is because once you exhaust the internal appeals process, any legal action taken after that point will have to rely on the record that has already been created. In other words, you likely will not be able to present more evidence later on.
How do you build a strong record?
There are many ways to ensure that you’re building the strong record that you need to support your position. The most obvious step is submitting all medical documentation to demonstrate your condition. It is important to make sure you are following your doctor’s recommendations and seeking out the treatment and testing that you actually need. You may also want to see what opinion your doctor is willing to make when it comes to your prognosis and your need for future care.
Competently navigate your disability claim
The disability claims and appeals process can be extraordinarily complex, especially to those who are unfamiliar with this area of the law. But don’t let that dissuade you from taking action. Instead, consider discussing your circumstances with an attorney who is well-versed in this area of the law and can provide you with the right guidance to maximize your chances of successfully recovering the benefits you are entitled to.