Lakewood Long Term Disability Attorneys Provide Effective Counsel
Colorado firm aids clients who cannot work due to serious medical conditions
Missing work for six months or more is a serious hardship. Many people have long term disability insurance coverage through their employer or individually to help get through these periods. At Silvern & Bulger, P.C., we assist with challenges associated with long term disability coverage, including appeals of denied claims. Our experience with this complex area of law can increase your chances of a successful resolution.
What is long term disability?
When long term disability is discussed, it usually refers to benefits paid by a private insurance company to workers who are unable to perform their job duties for a period of at least six months. This differs from short term disability, which often can be accessed on the eighth day of a medical absence and runs for as little as three months. It is also important to understand the distinction between Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and LTD. The terms of your private LTD policy might first require you to apply for SSDI benefits, which are provided through the government based on one’s employment and salary history. There is a cap on SSDI payments and your LTD coverage might make up the difference between what Social Security pays and your benefit amount.
Types of LTD
There are several types of private LTD coverage, and the nature of your particular policy affects how you can bring a claim if you’ve been denied benefits. We handle all types of LTD cases, including matters stemming from the following types of policies:
- Employer-provided LTD coverage — Many businesses offer LTD coverage to employees. Claims involving employer-provided LTD usually fall under the federal ERISA law.
- Individual LTD coverage — Even if your employer does not give you the chance to participate in an LTD plan, you can protect yourself and your loved ones by purchasing individual coverage.
- Non-employer group LTD coverage — A union or another type of organization might offer group LTD coverage to members even though they are self-employed or work for different businesses.
No matter what type of policy you have, our attorneys will give you clear readout on your rights so you can make a well informed decision on how to proceed.
Issues to consider when making a long term disability claim
Our firm is committed to guiding you through every step of your LTD claim, but there are important things to know as you start the process. You should not rely on what you’ve heard from a co-worker, your employer or even your LTD insurer. Different disabilities might be handed differently under your specific policy and the insurance company is acting in their best interests, not yours. Many LTD plans replace 60 percent of your income and are capped at a certain amount, so you should not expect that your income will remain the same. Still, the money you get might very well be what’s keeping you and your family from financial hardship, so if your claim is denied, you should know that you have the right to appeal.
Why was your long term disability claim denied?
When issuing a denial letter, the disability insurance company must state the reason why benefits are not being provided. Our firm can get to work immediately by requesting the insurer’s file to get more background. Common grounds for rejecting disability coverage include a lack of supporting medical evidence, information that the claimant is engaging in physical activities inconsistent with their stated disability and the failure to submit required documents in a timely manner.
Contact a Colorado lawyer for a free consultation about a long-term disability claim
Silvern & Bulger, P.C. in Lakewood advises Coloradans on matters related to long-term disability claims. Please call 303-292-0044 or contact us online to make an appointment for a free initial consultation with an accomplished disability benefits attorney.
