Disability Insurance Attorneys Helping Claimants in Jacksonville

Dabdoub Law Firm has constructed our firm with one purpose in mind: empowering claimants who need to obtain disability benefits from insurance companies. This is all we do and all we have done for years and years.

Our focus on disability insurance cases has brought us into contact with every major insurance company in the country. No matter who is on the other side of your claim, you can bet we have dealt with them successfully in the past. You can count on us from the very beginning of your case to its end.

What is Disability Insurance?

Disability insurance, also known as disability income insurance or income protection insurance, is a type of insurance that provides financial protection to individuals in the event they become unable to work due to a disability or injury. This insurance is designed to replace a portion of the policyholder's income when they are unable to earn a living because of a covered disability, ensuring that individuals can continue to receive financial support even when they can no longer work due to a disability.

Common types of disability insurance include:

• Short-Term Disability Insurance (STD): Short-term disability insurance provides benefits for a limited period, typically ranging from a few weeks to a few months. It is designed to cover temporary disabilities or illnesses that prevent an individual from working for a short duration. It often has a shorter waiting period before benefits start.
• Long-Term Disability Insurance (LTD): Long-term disability insurance offers coverage for an extended period, potentially up to several years or until the policyholder reaches retirement age. It is intended for more serious disabilities that last for an extended period. LTD policies typically have longer waiting periods compared to STD policies.
• Individual Disability Insurance: These policies are purchased by individuals to provide personal disability coverage. They are customizable to meet the specific needs of the policyholder and are not tied to employment. They can provide income protection for both short-term and long-term disabilities.
• Group Disability Insurance: Group disability insurance is typically offered by employers as part of their employee benefits package. It covers a group of employees and is often more affordable than individual policies. Group policies may have certain limitations and may not be as customizable as individual policies.
• Supplemental Disability Insurance: This type of insurance is often used in conjunction with other disability policies. It provides additional coverage to bridge the gap between the benefits provided by primary disability insurance and the policyholder's actual income needs.
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): SSDI is a federal program in the United States that provides disability benefits to individuals who meet specific eligibility criteria and have paid into the Social Security system. It offers financial assistance for long-term disabilities that are expected to last at least one year or result in death. Eligibility and benefit amounts are determined by the Social Security Administration.
• Workers' Compensation: Workers' compensation is a state-run program that provides benefits to employees who are injured or become disabled as a result of a workplace injury or occupational illness. It covers medical expenses, rehabilitation, and a portion of lost wages.

Disability Insurance Claims in Jacksonville

If you hold regular employment in Jacksonville, you are probably getting your disability insurance coverage from your employer. In Jacksonville, some of the largest employers are related to the government, such as the Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Duval County Public Schools, and Naval Station Mayport, as well as miscellaneous employment from the City of Jacksonville. Even if the government controls your employment, you might be getting some sort of long term disability insurance coverage.

Who is providing your insurance, though? One of the major insurance companies in the country is likely responsible. UNUM, CIGNA or LINA, Prudential, or Hartford, for example, could be the company that is selling your employer an insurance policy. Group policies from companies like these are generally governed by ERISA, which is a federal statute. ERISA applies to group disability insurance offered by a private employer. Government employees with disability insurance claims are exempt from ERISA and Florida disability law applies instead.

Do you work as a doctor, lawyer, business owner, or another independent entrepreneur? Your disability insurance policy may be provided through an individual policy you have to purchase on your own. Companies like MetLife, MassMutual, UNUM, and AXA Equitable tend to offer such individual policies.

Any lawsuits regarding long term disability insurance in Jacksonville will likely need to be filed with the United States District Court Middle District of Florida Bryan Simpson United States Courthouse. Dabdoub Law Firm can help you with initial filings here, as well as appeals to higher courts. The firm is located in Florida and handles cases across the state.

Why Was My Claim Denied?

Disability insurance claims can be denied for several reasons. Insurance companies have specific criteria and requirements that policyholders must meet to qualify for benefits. While the exact reasons for a claim denial can vary depending on the insurance policy and the circumstances, here are some common reasons why disability insurance claims are denied:

• Failure to Meet the Definition of Disability: Insurance policies have specific definitions of what qualifies as a disability. To receive benefits, you must meet the criteria outlined in your policy. If your condition or disability does not fit the definition in your policy, your claim may be denied.
• Pre-Existing Conditions: Some policies may exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions for a specific waiting period after the policy is purchased. If your disability is related to a condition that existed before you obtained the policy or during this waiting period, your claim may be denied.
• Insufficient Medical Evidence: You are typically required to provide medical evidence and documentation from healthcare professionals to support your disability claim. If your medical records or the information provided by your healthcare providers are insufficient or do not clearly establish the extent of your disability, the claim may be denied.
• Inaccurate or Incomplete Information: Failing to provide accurate and complete information on your application or claim forms can lead to a denial. Any discrepancies between the information you provide and the information in your medical records can raise red flags.
• Waiting Period: Most disability insurance policies have a waiting or elimination period before benefits begin. If your disability is short-term and falls within this waiting period, you may not be eligible for benefits.
• Failure to Comply with Treatment: Some policies require you to seek and comply with appropriate medical treatment to qualify for benefits. If you do not follow your doctor's recommended treatment plan, your claim may be denied.
• Inadequate Documentation of Loss of Income: To receive benefits, you often need to demonstrate a loss of income due to your disability. If you cannot provide sufficient proof of the reduction in your income, your claim may be denied.
• Occupational Duties: Policies may define disability based on your ability to perform the duties of your specific occupation. If you are able to work in a different occupation or perform some of your previous job duties, your claim may be denied.
• Mental or Self-Reported Conditions: Some insurance policies are more restrictive when it comes to covering mental health conditions or self-reported symptoms. Claims related to these conditions may be subject to greater scrutiny.
• Policy Exclusions: Certain policies may exclude coverage for specific situations or types of disabilities. It's essential to review your policy to understand any exclusions that may apply to your situation.
• Late Filing: Failing to file your claim within the specified timeframe outlined in your policy can result in a denial.

If your disability insurance claim is denied, you typically have the right to appeal the decision. It's crucial to carefully review the denial letter, understand the reason for the denial, and gather any necessary documentation or medical evidence to support your case during the appeals process. Consulting with our team at Dabdoub Law Firm can also be helpful in navigating the appeals process and maximizing your chances of a successful outcome.

Having an Experienced Disability Attorney Matters

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

We represent clients everywhere 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