Disability Insurance Lawyer Helping Claimants in Los Angeles

Our disability insurance lawyers help disability claimants in Los Angeles obtain disability benefits from insurance companies. This law firm was created to help people get long-term disability benefits. This is all we do.

Because of our focus on disability insurance, our disability lawyers have extensive experience handling disability claims with just about every disability insurance company in the United States. The firm can help file a disability claim, appeal a disability denial, negotiate lump sum settlements, or file a lawsuit for disability benefits.

What is Disability Insurance?

Disability insurance is a type of insurance that provides financial protection to individuals who are unable to work due to a qualifying disability. The purpose of disability insurance is to replace a portion of the individual's income lost due to the inability to work, helping them cover living expenses during the period of disability. Disabilities can result from various causes, including illness, injury, or a medical condition.

There are different types of disability insurance, and they can be broadly categorized into two main types:

1. Short-Term Disability Insurance (STD): This type of insurance provides coverage for a short duration, typically a few weeks to several months. Short-term disability insurance policies often have a waiting or elimination period before benefits kick in, and they generally provide a higher percentage of the individual's pre-disability income.
2. Long-Term Disability Insurance (LTD): Long-term disability insurance provides coverage for an extended period, often until the individual reaches retirement age or is able to return to work. LTD policies usually have a longer elimination period before benefits begin compared to short-term policies. The benefit amounts are generally a percentage of the individual's pre-disability income.

Los Angeles Disability Insurance Claims

The majority of people who live in Los Angeles get disability insurance coverage from employers, like most people in the United States do. According to Los Angeles Country Economic Development Center, there are dozens of major industries in L.A. The region is also known for innovation and attracts international companies from all over the world.

Because Los Angeles has one of the most robust economies in the country, it is no surprise that a lot people have disability insurance coverage from work. Hartford, Lincoln Financial, UNUM, CIGNA or LINA, Prudential, MetLife, Northwestern Mutual, Reliance Standard, and Mutual of Omaha are some of the insurance companies that offers disability insurance in L.A. The majority of group disability insurance policies are governed by a federal statute known as ERISA.

Additionally, because L.A. is home to many entrepreneurs, doctors, lawyers, and other professionals, insurance companies also provide individual (private) disability insurance policies. AXA Equitable, UNUM, MetLife, MassMutual, and Principal Financial are typically the main insurers of individual disability policies in L.A. Individual disability income policies tend to have more favorable language to the insured, including an “own occupation” definition of disability.

As a result of so many people with disability insurance in L.A., many claims for disability benefits are filed by people who reside in L.A. Federal courts in California are part of the 9th Circuit. Every year, hundreds of lawsuits for disability benefits are filed against insurance companies in Los Angeles and across California.

As a law firm that has been representing people with disability insurance claims for many years, we have seen it all. We know the tactics insurance companies use to deny valid disability claims or to delay approving benefits.

Why Was My Disability Insurance Claim Denied?

Disability insurance claims may be denied for various reasons. While each insurance policy is unique and has its specific terms and conditions, some common reasons for denial include:

• Insufficient Medical Evidence: Insurance companies typically require thorough documentation of the medical condition causing the disability. If the medical evidence is deemed insufficient or unclear, the claim may be denied. It's crucial to provide comprehensive medical records, including diagnostic tests, treatment plans, and opinions from healthcare professionals.
• Pre-existing Conditions: Some policies may exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions, at least for a specified period after the policy is purchased. If the disability is related to a pre-existing condition within this waiting period, the claim may be denied.
• Failure to Meet the Definition of Disability: Insurance policies often specify a particular definition of disability. If the claimant's condition does not meet the policy's criteria for a disability, the claim may be denied. Common definitions include the inability to perform the duties of one's own occupation or any gainful occupation.
• Missed Deadlines or Late Filing: Insurance policies have specific deadlines for filing claims and providing necessary documentation. If these deadlines are missed or if there are delays in submitting required information, the insurance company may deny the claim.
• Not Under the Care of a Physician: Disability insurance policies often require the claimant to be under the regular care of a physician. If the insurance company determines that the claimant is not following prescribed medical treatment or not under proper medical supervision, they may deny the claim.
• Misrepresentation or Fraud: If the insurance company discovers that the claimant provided false information during the application process or misrepresented their medical condition, it could lead to a denial of the claim. Fraudulent claims are taken seriously by insurance providers.
• Exclusions in the Policy: Policies may have specific exclusions or limitations. For example, certain disabilities resulting from self-inflicted injuries, substance abuse, or participation in hazardous activities may be excluded. If the disability falls under an excluded category, the claim may be denied.
• Policy Lapses or Non-Payment of Premiums: If the policyholder fails to pay premiums or if the policy lapses, coverage may be terminated. In such cases, any subsequent disability claims would likely be denied.
• Disability Not Severe Enough: Some policies have a severity threshold, and the disability must be deemed severe enough to meet the policy's criteria. If the insurance company determines that the disability does not meet this threshold, the claim may be denied.

Our Disability Lawyers Can Help You

With all lawyers focused on disability insurance claims, millions of dollars in long-term disability benefits have been paid to our clients over the years.

Every day, our disability lawyers work to get insurance companies to approve long-term disability claims or appeal disability benefits denials. The firm has also won several major lawsuits for disability benefits in federal court.

With so much at stake, shouldn’t you have experienced disability lawyers on your side?

Call to speak with a disability insurance lawyer. Consultations are free of charge and we only get paid when you win your benefits.