Need to file a long-term disability (LTD) claim to keep you financially afloat after a disability stopped your career unexpectedly? Understandably, you’ll want to get the benefits as soon as possible, but the timeline to file a claim and then get those benefits can vary, especially if the insurance company doesn’t want to cooperate. Under the best of circumstances, it can take several weeks to get an LTD claim approved, but it isn’t unusual for a claim to take even longer, which highlights the importance of hiring a disability claim attorney, who knows how to avoid unnecessary delays and put maximum pressure on the disability insurance company to approve a claim.
Basic Steps of Filing an LTD Claim
Typically, to file a long-term disability claim, the following three steps must be followed:
- Notify your disability insurance company: The first step is to inform your insurance provider about your intent to file a claim, which often involves contacting them by phone or submitting an initial notification form. If you have any initial questions, it doesn’t hurt to reach out to a disability claim attorney like our team here at Dabdoub Law Firm.
- Complete the claim forms: After notification, you will receive detailed claim forms from your insurer that typically include sections for your personal information, a statement from your doctor detailing your medical condition, and a statement from your employer regarding your job duties. The forms must be completed thoroughly, accurately, as any omissions or errors could lead to delays or denials. You will also need to submit the form before any relevant deadline expires, so don’t delay.
- Submit supporting documentation: To substantiate your claim, you’ll need to provide comprehensive medical evidence of your disability. Records from your treating physicians, diagnostic test results, treatment plans, and statements describing how your condition limits your ability to perform your job duties are all very helpful.
Each step in this process requires coordination and attention to detail, especially when it comes to submitting strong medical evidence. This is where working with Dabdoub Law Firm can make an important difference. Our team has decades of experience in handling and winning disability insurance claims and can guide you from start to finish. From helping you complete claim forms to gathering the right evidence, we’re here to help you avoid mistakes and move your claim forward efficiently.
Factors That Can Affect or Slow Down the Timeline
The process of filing a long-term disability claim isn’t always smooth, as several factors can extend the timeline. Understanding these potential hurdles can help you better prepare and avoid unnecessary delays, especially if you have our attorneys leading the way.
Your LTD claim timeline could be slowed down if these factors come up:
- Incomplete forms: If claim forms aren’t filled out thoroughly or the required details are overlooked, the insurance company may pause the review process to request corrections or additional documentation. This back-and-forth can add time to the decision-making process.
- Missing medical records: Strong medical evidence is the backbone of a successful claim, and any gaps in documentation can lead to delays. For example, if your insurer believes that key test results or physician notes are missing, they may push back their decision until they receive the full picture of your condition.
- Poor insurance company communication: Some insurers may take longer than expected to process claims, respond to follow-ups, or address specific concerns. Such delays can leave claimants feeling stuck and unsure of how to proceed, especially when it seems that the delays are intentional.
If you want to avoid factors that can slow down your claim, let us help you from the start. We always work diligently to ensureall paperwork is completed accurately, so there are no delays caused by clerical errors. If the insurance company pushes back, we’ll also be ready to respond quickly. Our goal is to get you paid your disability insurance benefits as soon as possible.
Lawyers with Expertise in Disability Insurance Claims
This law firm has always focused only on disability insurance law. Because we specialize in long-term disability, our clients get the benefit of:
- Having an attorney who is an expert in long-term disability claims;
- Having an attorney who has experience with every major disability insurance company; and
- Being backed by a law firm that has a proven track record of winning tough disability lawsuits.
Call the Dabdoub Law Firm to get experienced disability lawyers on your side. We can help with:
- Submitting a disability insurance claim;
- Appealing a long-term disability denial;
- Negotiating a lump-sum settlement; or
- Filing a lawsuit against your disability insurance company.
The firm represents clients nationwide with disability claims governed by federal law, even if we are not located in your state.
Call (800) 969-0488 or contact us online to speak with an experienced disability attorney. Pay no fees or costs unless you get paid.