Ottawa Long-Term Disability Denial Lawyers

Common reasons for denial of long term disability claims

Any insured person who qualifies as having a “total disability” and who meets policy requirements for filing should be eligible to receive LTD benefits. Unfortunately, many valid claims are denied by insurance companies. Listed below are some of the most common reasons claims are denied in Ottawa:

• The claimant does not meet the eligibility requirements as outlined by their insurance policy.
• The claimant missed important deadlines when filing their claim.
• Not all documents were completed correctly.
• The claimant failed to provide the required medical proof to their insurance company.
• Other procedural or clerical errors were made.

You can avoid making mistakes on your claim by hiring an experienced disability insurance attorney to represent you. Attorneys know how insurance companies try to deny claims and will do everything in their power to make sure your claim is approved and you receive the benefits that you and your family need.

Am I entitled to Long Term Disability benefits?

Determining whether you qualify for Long Term Disability Benefits can be complicated. To do so, you must meet the test of “disability” for your situation, which can be found in your insurance policy contract. While most insurance companies have similar tests to qualify, you must look at your own specific policy.

Once you determine which disability test is applicable, you must present or gather medical documents that prove you meet the requirements. Unfortunately, doctors and health care providers don’t always complete disability certificates for insurance companies that are sufficient. So, once you have the documents from your doctor, inspect them to check the following:

• Do you think what is written will be sufficient to meet the disability test?
• Have all your disabilities been properly identified in the document? This can include mental, physical, and psychological problems.
• Does the document from your health care provider describe why you are disabled and incapable of working?

Sometimes you will have to go to a specialist in your field of disability to get the proper documentation for LTD benefits. It can also be useful to provide your doctor or the specialist with a description of your occupation. This can help them determine which tasks you’re incapable of completing because of your disability.

Finally, it’s important that you meet all deadlines for your insurance company. Having a knowledgeable disability attorney on your side to help you determine eligibility and guide you through the process can be extremely helpful.

How do I prove that I’m disabled?

It is not always easy to prove your disability and begin receiving the benefits you deserve. Sadly, insurance companies are no strangers to making things complicated and doing everything they can to save money, so it’s not uncommon for people to have difficulties obtaining their benefits or even to be denied the benefits they deserve.

To prove that you are eligible to collect benefits through a Long Term Disability insurance policy, you must show that your injury or illness meets the definition of “total disability.” Although definitions can vary slightly between insurance companies, “total disability” means that a person cannot complete the duties of their job for the first two years of their disability. After twenty-four months, the definition of “total disability” changes to mean that you are no longer able to perform the tasks or duties of any job that you were previously suited for.

To prove that your injury or illness is a qualifying disability, you must submit a written statement from a doctor or physician that details the cause and extent of your injury. You must also present objective proof, which could mean X-rays, MRIs, surgical documents, or other medical records that prove your injury.

Why do long term disability claims get denied?

There are many reasons that long term disability claims get denied, and not all of them have to do with the claimant actually being ineligible. Sometimes it’s something as small as missing a deadline can cause your claim to be denied. Insurance companies are generally more concerned with their own bottom line than they are with treating every single claimant fairly.

Some common reasons claims get denied:

• You missed important deadlines in filing your claim.
• Your insurance carrier requires more evidence than just medical records.
• An independent medical examiner disputed your claim.
• You have a pre-existing condition.
• Your insurance carrier made an error.

Regardless of the reason, working with a disability lawyer can help you evaluate your case and takes steps toward making a claim. Contact Augers Hollingsworth at +1 (613) 233-4529 to set up your free consultation and learn more about long term disability claim denials.

Who do I sue if my long term disability claim is denied?

Generally, you’ll be suing your insurance carrier who is refusing to provide benefits. However, sometimes it might be appropriate to sue other parties, such as the broker who sold you the policy, or the employer who funds the plan.

It’s best to speak to a lawyer to discuss who the best party to sue is in your particular case. Then your attorney will help you file your claim, as well as handle the finer points of building your case, and representing you in court.