Denied Long-term Disability Benefits, What Can I do?

When faced with a circumstance that changes your life like a disabling accident, there is a way to collect benefits if you are unable to work. Long-term Disability (LTD) benefits are often part of an employer’s private insurance plan, but may also be purchased through individual insurance plans.

Unfortunately, insurance companies often deny LTD benefit claims for a variety of reasons. They may raise arguments that there are pre-existing medical conditions before the accident, or their medical practitioners upon examination deem you able to work. Regardless of the reason, being denied benefits you may be entitled to is greatly disheartening, when you are not ready and able to return to work.

If you are denied LTD benefits, there are avenues of recourse. A first option is to deal with the insurance company directly. An appeal asks the insurance company to reconsider their decision. These are often termed internal appeals, as they take place within the insurance company. Appeals to reconsider decisions vary from company to company, but it usually takes two to three rounds before a determination is made. This can be a grueling process for someone to take on alone, especially in light of injuries sustained, both physically and mentally.

The best option would be to have an experienced personal injury lawyer make clear exactly what your rights are, and strategize on how best to protect them. Some pitfalls of trying to do this alone are the costs involved in trying to prove your disability, and the potential for missing a deadline to file a claim. Once a statutory limitation period has passed, you will not be able to initiate legal action for your denied LTD claim.

By having a reliable and experienced lawyer at Grillo Law P.C. to help you traverse this difficult process, you will receive invaluable advice from a seasoned professional, whose main concern is getting you the compensation you rightly deserve.