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    Douglasville Long-Term Disability Lawyer

    Being diagnosed with an injury or illness that prevents a person from working is a difficult situation. If a person is totally unable to work, they have the option of applying for Social Security benefits. Other workers have the option to buy into a long-term disability (LTD) insurance plan provided by their employer.

    A successful claim through these policies can provide supplemental income to help people through tough times. Unfortunately, insurance companies make this process difficult with complicated applications and harsh appeal procedures.

    A Douglasville long-term disability lawyer can help individuals with the application process and guide them through any necessary appeals. If an individual has sustained a serious injury and can no longer work, it is imperative that they contact a capable personal injury attorney that can help them file for disability.

    Why Might a Long-Term Disability Policy Be Necessary?

    A long-term disability can result from almost any kind of injury or illness. A worker may suffer an injury while on the job. These injuries will also qualify for workers’ compensation. However, an LTD claim does not need to be rooted in a workplace injury. Indeed, the claim can be focused on any injury or illness that renders a person disabled. Examples of these conditions include:

    • Loss of Functionality in Limbs
    • Neurological Diseases
    • Back Injuries
    • HIV/AIDS
    • Schizophrenia
    • Anxiety
    • Bi-Polar Disorder
    • Severe Depression

    The exact reason for the disability is not important. All that matters is that the condition prevents a person from working. All policies have their own definitions of disabled so it is important to be familiar with the policy before considering an application. A knowledgeable Douglasville long-term disability attorney can help individuals become familiar with their policy.

    What Benefits Are Available?

    A successful long-term disability claim is intended to provide a person with a set percentage of their average working wages. This percentage is usually set at 60% of a person’s average monthly salary earned during the time they were employed. For example, if a person made $3,600 per month prior to becoming disabled, their monthly payments will be $2,160.

    However, this payment is considered an income of last resort. Any payments received from workers’ compensation or Social Security will offset any LTD payments.

    Additionally, a person must be away from work for a set period of time before claiming long-term disability. For some policies, this is as little as 90 days. For others, it may be as long as 180 days. Curious individuals should consult their individual policy, as well as their Douglasville long-term disability lawyer, in order to find out what the exact time limits are.

    Appealing a Denied Benefits Claim

    As corporations, insurance companies make a profit by denying claims. The federal government has aided this process through the ERISA laws. These laws require that insurance companies implement their own appeals processes for claims.

    At the same time, they state that no U.S. Court can hear a case about an LTD claim until all insurance appeals are completed. The appeals themselves are strongly skewed against the claimant since it is the insurance company itself who oversees the process.

    How a Douglasville Long Term Disability Lawyer Can Help

    The scales are certainly against the applicant, but a Douglasville long-term disability lawyer can work with you to improve your chances of a successful claim. The attorney can be sensitive to the fact that being out of work, places great strain on a family and that delays in obtaining long-term disability can jeopardize your finances.

    By placing great attention to detail into an original application, your lawyer should strive to provide the best chance possible for a successful initial claim. If this application is denied, your attorney can stand by your side through all appeals and court filings. Contact an attorney to see how they can help you obtain the fair benefits that you deserve.