Long-Term Disability Attorneys in Charlotte, NC
A Compassionate and Knowledgeable Legal Team Dedicated to Helping Our Clients Through the LTD Claims Process from Our North Carolina Law Offices
Individuals who are too sick or injured to work may be eligible to seek long-term disability insurance benefits, which can provide much-needed financial support in daily life. However, many disabled people have a difficult time obtaining the benefits they deserve, because the legal process of filing a claim can be complicated, and they are always looking for ways to devalue or dismiss benefits claims. Depending on your unique circumstances, the insurance company may have found a valid reason to issue a denial of benefits. Still, there are a troubling number of instances of insurance companies using bad faith tactics to dismiss valid claims. Whether you are filing your initial application or considering going through the appeals process, it’s strongly recommended that you seek the professional legal guidance of experienced attorneys well-versed in these practice areas for assistance.
Our North Carolina law firm has extensive experience representing clients who are unable to work because of severe medical conditions that have left them disabled. We practice law with compassion and fierce dedication to our clients, assisting them in gathering the necessary evidence to support their claims and providing dedicated support to help them deal with the emotional toll of denied benefits. As your legal representatives, we will explore all options to help you get paid the benefits you deserve today and in the future.
Conquest Law offers consultations to prospective new clients interested in retaining our legal services. In your case evaluation, we will go over your case in more detail to determine the most opportune path forward in helping you secure your long-term disability benefits. We also operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay us any legal fees unless and until we secure a favorable outcome in your case. To begin the attorney-client relationship, please get in touch with our Charlotte law firm to schedule your initial consultation with our legal team today.
What is Long-Term Disability Insurance?
Long-term disability insurance is a policy that provides financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to severe illness or injury. Long-term disability policies can be purchased either as an individual policy or as a group policy through an employer.
In most cases, long-term disability policies replace approximately 50% of your expected income up to a maximum monthly benefit amount. Most disability policies have a waiting period of three to six months after an individual becomes disabled before they are eligible to begin receiving benefits.
Long-term disability and Social Security disability claims can arise from multiple scenarios, including work-related accidents, injuries caused by someone else’s negligence, or coming down with a serious illness.
When seeking benefits, there may be strict deadlines in the claims process, and missing them or failing to file the necessary paperwork could result in a denial of benefits.
What Factors May Impact Your Long-Term Disability Benefits?
Insurance providers review many factors that can influence disability benefits and the compensation disabled individuals may receive. For example, the extent of your medical impairment and how much it affects your ability to fulfill your employment responsibilities is often central to any disability claim. Insurance adjusters carefully review whether your physical or mental health condition qualifies under their insurance policy’s definitions of disabilities before approving you for benefits.
Preexisting conditions can potentially limit your monthly compensation or even exclude you from receiving benefits, depending on your policy.
The physical and mental demands of your workplace are also compared against your medical impairments. In some more dangerous workplaces, there may be different evaluation standards. Additionally, many policies may include different evaluations depending on the applicant’s age.
What Injuries and Illnesses May Qualify an Individual for Long- or Short-Term Disability Benefits?
Qualifying for long-term disability benefits not only has to do with your specific medical information, but also with how much your condition prevents you from holding down gainful employment. Insurance companies will refer to their list of qualifying conditions before officially recognizing your impairment as a disability.
Examples of qualifying medical conditions in disability claims often include the following:
- Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, and other neurological disorders
- Specific chronic pain syndromes
- Certain cancers and the effect of cancer treatment
- Strokes, heart disease, and other cardiovascular conditions
- Various mental health conditions, such as severe depression, anxiety, and PTSD
- Musculoskeletal disorders, such as severe arthritis or spinal cord injuries
- And more
When you submit your application for disability benefits, you must complete all the necessary forms and provide supporting medical evidence. Examples of the types of evidence you should include in your application include past and present medical records, testimony from doctors, and any proof of how your disability affects your ability to maintain employment.
Why Might Your Insurance Company Deny Your Long-Term Disability Claim?
It’s very unfortunate, but insurance companies commonly deny even valid claims for those seeking LTD benefits. Insurance companies are not on your side, and they will use every opportunity to save money, devalue your claim, or potentially deny it altogether.
Common reasons that insurance companies may deny disability benefits include the following:
- An inability to meet the definition of a disability as outlined in the insurance policy
- Lackluster medical evidence that substantiates your disability claim
- Exclusions found in the disability policy, such as having preexisting conditions
- Video surveillance that disproves your claims
- Policy limitations for mental health conditions
- A failure to obtain a diagnosis from a doctor who supports your claim
If the insurer denies your disability claim, you have the right to fight back and file an appeal. Our Charlotte disability attorneys have years of experience assisting clients in complex cases, including guiding them through the appeals process in pursuit of fair compensation. As your legal representation, we will advocate on your behalf in all negotiations and hearings, while providing constant communication so that you always remain informed throughout the appeals proceedings.
Contact Our Disability Law Firm to Schedule Consultation with Our North Carolina LTD Lawyers Today
Our long-term disability lawyers are well-versed in both state and federal laws governing disability benefits and related claims processes. As your attorneys, we will explore all options to help you get the benefits you deserve, including considering workers’ compensation claims, Social Security disability benefits, and more. With our legal help, we can assist you and your family in securing the financial assistance your insurance company owes you.
Conquest Law offers consultations to prospective new clients interested in retaining our legal counsel. Begin your claims process by contacting our office to speak with our attorneys and staff today. Please call us at 704-385-5281.