Appealing a denial or termination of your long term disability claim can be an overwhelming experience without the right experience, knowledge and resources. If you need to file a lawsuit against the insurance company that will only complicate matters further. We recommend that you request a free case evaluation from an experienced Tallahassee long term disability lawyer before moving forward with your claim.
Top Causes of Long Term Disability
Any medical condition, or combination of conditions, may qualify you for long term disability benefits, so long as you meet the definition of disability outlined in your policy. However, some conditions are more common than others. Some of the most common conditions that cause an individual to miss work include:
- Arthritis
- Back pain
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Depression
- Diabetes
In order to meet the definition of disability, you will need to provide proof of disability to the claim adjuster in the form of lab and test results, x-rays, MRI scans, surgical reports, and notes from doctors that have treated you.
Ortiz Law Firm Represents Tallahassee Long Term Disability Claimants
One question we commonly receive is: “Can I hire you if I’m not in your local area?”
The answer is yes! We can represent individuals anywhere in the United States, even anywhere in the world! Below we’ll explain to you why.
Although the Ortiz Law Firm is based primarily in Pensacola, Florida, because most group plans are governed by ERISA, Nick Ortiz can handle a case anywhere in the United States. In fact, in the past few years, he has represented individuals from Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and even claimants around the world (prior clients have lived in Morocco and the Philippines, for example).
Steps to Take Immediately Following a Long Term Disability Claim Denial or Termination
The first thing you should do is carefully read the denial letter from start to finish. The insurance company must reference the specific section of the policy that the denial was based one, describe what additional material or information is necessary, and explain what specific steps you must take to submit an appeal.
Next, you need to request a free copy of your claim file. You must submit your written request for the file right away, as it will take some time to obtain the file and review it. The claim file should also include your disability insurance policy.
Next, you need to obtain evidence to support your claim. You should review all of the evidence included in your claim file and obtain any evidence that is not already in the file. “Packing the record” with such evidence is vital, as in most cases, you cannot submit any new evidence during the lawsuit, no matter how relevant it may be.
Finally, prepare and submit your appeal. Your letter should clearly state that you are appealing the denial or termination of your claim. It should also state the basis for your appeal and include a list of the evidence that you will be submitting. If you had to have help preparing your appeal or if it took a significant amount of time, be sure to mention that fact as well.
Call Ortiz Law Firm for a Free Case Evaluation
In summary, you should not allow our geographic location to limit your contacting us to see what we can do to help you. Ortiz Law Firm offers a free case evaluation for claims that have been denied or terminated. Please give us a call right away at (866) 853-4512 to discuss your legal rights with a Tallahassee long term disability lawyer. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss your legal rights with you.