If you’ve experienced a serious personal injury, you may suffer from a disability that prevents you from returning to the job you had before your accident. A long-term disability claim is possible—but those types of claims can take significant time and resources to fight. Consider the help of a lawyer for long-term disability claims.
What is a Long-Term Disability Lawyer?
A long-term disability claim involves insurance benefits that generally begin when short-term disability benefits and sick leave benefits from your employer have ended. Although each long-term disability plan is different, many will replace about 60 to 70% of your previous gross income, up to age 65, so long as you meet the applicable test of disability contained within the policy. The purpose of long-term disability insurance is to offset your financial difficulties if you lose your source of income, providing you with funds towards bills and expenses, medical treatments, and rehabilitation costs.
There are many different injuries that can lead to a long-term disability claim. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, various injuries suffered during an accident, psychological injuries, and mental health issues are just some examples. These types of injuries can impact your life swiftly, sending you from financial independence to needing long-term disability benefits in order to survive.
The work of a disability insurance claim lawyer involves representing you in negotiations with the insurance company and, if needed, in court. An experienced long-term disability insurance claim lawyer can thoroughly investigate the facts of your claim, gather and preserve important evidence, interview witnesses, and put together a strong case to present to the insurance company as you pursue your claim. They will analyze your policy, review the applicable laws, and offer sound legal advice on your situation. They will discuss your rights and options with you and help you determine the next steps to take in your case.
When Might You Need a Disability Insurance Claim Lawyer?
There are many advantages of using a lawyer, versus going it alone. Long-term disability cases can be complex, and navigating the law involved can be difficult. The policies and procedures used by insurance companies can vary, with some companies excluding certain injuries or illnesses. Long-term disability claims can also take a long time, sometimes years, to resolve. A lawyer who’s experienced in this area can help build an effective case on your behalf so that you can get your life back on track more quickly. According to a study done by the Insurance Research Council in the U.S., settlements with insurance companies were 40% higher when lawyers represented people making insurance claims.
Also, insurance companies are savvy and have significant legal and financial resources behind them — they know how to use those resources to minimize payout as much as possible. By contrast, most personal injury victims and those suffering from illness or disease don’t have those types of resources, nor do they know the law around long-term disability claims. The goal of the insurance company, of course, is to minimize payout amounts and resolve claims in their favour as quickly as possible. Hiring an experienced and knowledgeable long-term disability lawyer can help you even the playing field, by having someone on your side to negotiate with the insurance company for a fair and reasonable settlement.
Moreover, if your long-term disability claim is initially denied, your chances of succeeding on an appeal increase with the help of a competent lawyer. Long-term disability denial cases can involve even more complicated and difficult legal issues. A long-term disability denial lawyer can help you navigate the complex and often confusing process associated with appealing a denial by the insurance company. They can help build a strong case on your behalf, representing you against the insurer and also in court, if necessary.
How Can Derek Wilson Help?
Because I worked for insurance companies in the past, I understand what insurance companies are looking for and what makes a long-term disability claim strong. For over a decade, I successfully defended insurance companies’ interests, learning their systems and how they think and act. Now, as a personal injury lawyer, I work hard to assist those who have been injured, striving to help my clients access the maximum benefits to which they are entitled. I work closely with my clients, seeing the human elements of their circumstances and striving to show those same elements to the insurance company in order to present a full picture of the client’s case.
I will focus on presenting your claim for long-term disability insurance benefits in a way that meets the requirements of your specific policy, demonstrating the full scope of your damages and unique situation. My firm focuses only on personal injuries and represents clients with long-term disability claims. We provide direct and honest legal advice with a focus to help clients recover fair compensation with no up-front fees. Call us at 855-769-0418 or get in touch online to schedule a free consultation.
