LTD Disability Attorneys Helping Claimants in Phoenix, AZ

Dabdoub Law Firm assists disability claimants in Phoenix, Arizona seek and secure the disability benefits they need from insurance companies. We have intentionally directed our full focus on long-term disability benefits claims and cases.

Our Phoenix disability attorneys are no strangers to any part of the disability claims process. Starting with disability claims filings, we can help you with each step along the way, including appealing disability denials, negotiating lump sum settlements, and filing disability benefit lawsuits. Throughout our many years of practice experience, we have taken on every major insurance company with success.

What is Disability Insurance?

Disability insurance is a type of insurance coverage that provides financial protection to individuals in the event that they become disabled and are unable to work. This insurance helps replace a portion of the individual's income lost due to a disability, enabling them to meet their financial obligations during such periods. Disability insurance can be crucial in maintaining financial stability and covering essential expenses, such as medical bills and living costs, when a person is unable to work.

Common types of disability insurance include:

Short-Term Disability Insurance (STD): Provides coverage for a short period, usually a few weeks to several months. Typically covers a percentage of the individual's salary during the disability period.
Long-Term Disability Insurance (LTD): Offers coverage for a more extended period, ranging from several months to several years, or even until retirement age. Payments are often a percentage of the individual's salary, providing more comprehensive and prolonged protection.
Employer-Sponsored Disability Insurance: Many employers offer disability insurance as part of their employee benefits package. Coverage may be short-term, long-term, or a combination of both, depending on the employer's offerings.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): A federal program administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) in the United States. Provides disability benefits to eligible individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but are unable to work due to a qualifying disability.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Another program administered by the Social Security Administration. Provides financial assistance to disabled individuals with limited income and resources.
Individual Disability Insurance: Purchased by individuals directly from insurance providers. Offers personalized coverage based on the individual's needs and can supplement employer-sponsored or government disability benefits.

Phoenix Disability Insurance Claims

If you work in Phoenix in a regular occupation, then you most likely get your disability insurance coverage from your employer. Some of the largest employers in Phoenix include Wells Fargo Bank, Walmart, and Apollo Group, Inc., as well as several other financial institutions. All of these employers afford long term disability insurance coverage to their employers from a variety of insurance companies. If you look at your benefits information through your Human Resources portal, you could be getting coverage from Prudential, UNUM, MetLife, Mutual of Omaha, or another major insurer. Most employment-provided disability insurance policies from companies like these fall under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), a federal act.

Arizona State University is also a significant employer in Phoenix, as are other private entities that rely on contracted workers, not necessarily employees. You may be using private or individual disability insurance coverage to cover yourself if you work in such a field. Although you may be paying for your individual long term disability coverage, the advantage is policy language that generally benefits you as the insured, rather than the insurer.

Dabdoub Law Firm and our long term disability insurance attorneys have encountered pretty much any complication that can arise in a disability claim. Insurance companies of all sorts tend to try to use side-handed tactics to deny disability benefits, undervalue claims, and otherwise make it difficult for the insured. With our help, you can stand up for yourself and seek the benefits you deserve in Phoenix and the surrounding area.

Common Reasons Why a Disability Insurance Claim is Denied

Disability insurance claims can be denied for various reasons, and policyholders need to understand these factors to maximize the chances of a successful claim.

Common reasons for disability insurance claim denials include:

Insufficient Medical Evidence: Inadequate or unclear medical documentation supporting the claimant's disability can lead to a denial. It's crucial to provide comprehensive medical records, including diagnoses, treatment plans, and prognosis.
Pre-existing Conditions: Some policies have exclusions for pre-existing conditions. If the disability is related to a condition that existed before the insurance coverage started, the claim may be denied.
Failure to Meet the Definition of Disability: Policies often have specific definitions of disability. If the claimant's condition does not meet the criteria outlined in the policy, the claim may be denied.
Waiting Period Not Met: Disability insurance policies usually have a waiting or elimination period before benefits are payable. If the claim is submitted before this waiting period is satisfied, it may be denied.
Incomplete or Inaccurate Information: Failing to provide all required information or providing inaccurate information on the claim form can lead to denial. It's important to be thorough and truthful when filling out the paperwork.
Failure to Follow Treatment Plans: If the claimant does not adhere to prescribed medical treatments or fails to attend medical appointments, the insurance company may argue that the disability could have been mitigated or resolved with proper care.
Occupational Exclusions: Some policies exclude certain occupations or activities. If the disability is related to an excluded activity, the claim may be denied.
Alcohol or Substance Abuse: Disability insurance policies may exclude disabilities resulting from alcohol or substance abuse. If the insurer determines that the disability is related to such issues, the claim may be denied.
Inconsistencies in the Claimant's Statements: Discrepancies between the claimant's statements, medical records, and other evidence can raise red flags and result in denial. Consistency and accuracy are crucial in the claims process.
Independent Medical Examination (IME) Findings: Some insurance policies reserve the right to request an independent medical examination. If the IME contradicts the claimant's medical records or statements, it may impact the decision.

Having an Experienced Disability Attorney Matters

Disability insurance law is complicated. If your claim for long term disability benefits was denied or being delayed by an insurance company, it is important to get legal help from a lawyer who focuses on disability law.

As a law firm built to focus disability insurance, all our lawyers spend every day working to get our clients disability benefits from insurance companies.

Because federal law applies to most disability insurance claims, we do not have to be located in your state to help.

Dabdoub Law Firm represents clients nationwide with:

Submitting a disability insurance claim
Appealing a long-term disability denial
Negotiating a lump-sum settlement
Filing a lawsuit against your disability insurance company

Our disability insurance attorneys have limited their practice to federal court matters involving disability insurance claims. Most disability insurance claims are governed by federal law.

Call (800) 969-0488 to speak with a Phoenix disability insurance attorney.