Columbus Long-Term Disability Claims
Many people who work full-time jobs are offered a long-term disability (LTD) insurance plan by their employers. This plan is intended to provide income to a person who is left unable to perform their job due to a serious injury or illness. However, as with all insurance plans, the company that issues the plan only makes a profit when they deny a claim. Filing Columbus long-term disability claims can be a difficult process to navigate alone.
Skilled long-term disability claim attorneys are here to guide people through the claims process to give them the best chance of obtaining the benefits that they deserve.
Medical Requirements
All LTD plans have their own definitions of disabled. However, one general requirement is that the employee can no longer perform their job due to an illness or injury. This condition can be either a physical or mental disability. Some common examples include:
- Long-Term Joint Injuries
- Chronic Back Pain
- COPD
- Cancer
- Schizophrenia
- Severe Anxiety
- Manic/Depression
The most important thing to remember about the medical requirements is that constant care by a doctor is essential. Simply having a diagnosis is not enough. If the insurance company sees that a person claims that a bad back prevents them from working, but they have not seen a doctor for six months, they will deny the Columbus long-term disability claim. Not only is constant care necessary for a first application, but will prove vital if the claim needs to be appealed.
Many plans differentiate between physical and mental conditions for the potential length of benefits that may be paid. Consult your individual plans for your insurance provider, but in general, physical injuries are paid out until a person reaches 65 years of age. Mental conditions are usually paid out for only a few years.
What if the Claim is Denied?
Sadly, many Columbus long-term disability claims are denied. This may be for a number of reasons. The insurer may believe that the condition existed prior to the employee enrolling in the program. Unlike health insurance policies, LTD policies may deny coverage for preexisting conditions. The insurer may not think that the conditions are severe enough to prevent full-time work. In many cases, this is a judgment call based upon the medical evidence provided.
For this reason, it is extremely important to ensure that as much medical evidence is handed over as possible. In other situations, the insurer employs field agents to observe the applicant to see if they are, for lack of a better term, faking it.
Federal laws governing LTD plans give insurance companies incentives to deny claims. They also allow insurance companies to be the first route of appeal. ERISA laws state that all appeals of LTD denials must first be heard by the insurance company itself. This serves to slow down the entire process and can frustrate many applicants into submission. Only after this appeal is denied may an employee take their case to a Federal courtroom. Columbus long-term disability claims lawyers are here to represent clients in all long-term disability cases.
Consult a Columbus Long-Term Disability Lawyer
Local LTD attorneys can understand the frustrations and pressures faced by people who are no longer able to work. They have paid into the LTD program for their entire working lives, and just when they need those benefits, they are denied.
A lawyer can work with people to gather the necessary paperwork, submit the proper forms, and strive towards a better chance for a positive outcome. Whether the claim is approved on a first application, or the case needs to be heard in a U.S. courtroom, a legal advocate can stand by you every step of the way. Contact experienced legal counsel today, and get help filing your Columbus long-term disability claim.
