After dedicating your time and energy to your work, it’s only fair that you get financial cushioning in times of need. Disability insurance is the benefit you receive as compensation when you become disabled and unable to work, whether temporarily or permanently. Unfortunately, getting your disability claim approved by the insurance company is not a small task, and in some cases, you may end up with a denial letter instead. However, that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Depending on your case, you can appeal a denied disability insurance claim.
Disability Claim Benefits
Insurance providers offer both short and long term disability insurance as compensation to individuals who cannot perform their duties reliably due to disability or illness. The cover may be under an employer-provided insurance plan or through a union.
It’s also possible to purchase a private disability policy through an agent or broker. The payments provide a supplement depending on the plan where short term disability may last from 3 to 6 months while long term disability can go for the entire duration of disability or retirement.
When Should You Appeal a Private Disability Insurance Claim?
As soon as it becomes apparent that you are not to perform your work due to an injury or illness, you should apply for benefits. However, like any other company, insurance companies are in the business of making money, so they are strict on who they grant claims to. They may deny, delay, or even terminate valid payments.
How Do I Appeal for Disability Benefits?
Even after your insurance company denies your claim, you have the right to appeal. The process begins with an administrative appeal and moves on to litigation if the insurance company continues refusing to pay benefits. When appealing, proper preparedness is the key to winning, you will need complete documentation of your disability.
When you’re appealing, it also helps to have a lawyer on your side who can help you through the process. When you’re appealing, it means the documentation you provided last time wasn’t enough to convince your insurance company of your need. However, disability attorneys, like those at Iler and Iler, are more familiar with the process than you are. Because of that, they can help you procure and file all the appropriate documentation while they argue for your rights to your benefits.
In most states, other causes of action may also be taken with a breach of contract claim. Apart from suing for failure to settle private disability insurance claims, you can also recover damages resulting from the suits. These include harm to professional reputation, loss of business opportunity, emotional hardship, and other economic damages going beyond those on the policy.
Private disability claims require comprehensive documentation to aid in proving your disability claim. You may also need to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). With proper documentation, you are more likely to get your safety net under you.