Seeking Long Term Disability Benefits? Consult With An Attorney

March 11, 2011 (Press-News.org) Seeking Long Term Disability Benefits? Consult With An Attorney

We expect that in our times of greatest need, our insurance companies will step up to the plate and provide us with the benefits enumerated on our policies. This is, after all, essentially the reason for purchasing insurance.

However, as many discover when they seek to secure the benefits they ought to receive under a policy, the insurance company's goal is often not to provide full benefits. Insurance companies are largely motivated by profit; they maximize profits by seeking to minimize the compensation they provide under their policies.

This is true regardless of the type of insurance policy, but can pose particular challenges for those making insurance claims under long-term disability policies. A long-term disability policy only takes effect when an individual is unable to work as a result of a mental and/or physical impairment. Every day that a disabled person is forced to live without insurance benefits matters. In the event that the insurance company denies benefits altogether, the consequences may last a lifetime.

Unfortunately, often those applying for benefits under a long-term disability policy do not understand the process. The vast majority of long-term group disability policies are regulated under ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act). This is a complicated and highly specialized area of law, but many people seek to pursue their claims without the assistance of an attorney.

In some cases, everything goes smoothly. A disabled person submits a claim and the insurance company agrees to provide compensation in accordance with the terms of the policy. However, when a policyholder is denied disability benefits, it is important to respond immediately and appropriately. This is difficult to do without the assistance of a disability benefits lawyer.

Under ERISA a person whose benefits are denied has only 180 days to appeal the decision. The appeals process is not easy; the insurance company will do anything within its power to continue to deny benefits, including bringing in medical professionals and other experts to minimize and/or destroy the policyholder's claims.

Working with an attorney who has experience handling disability insurance claims can prove invaluable. A lawyer can help build the strongest case possible based on an individual claimant's circumstances, and can avoid the procedural pitfalls that can impede an appeal.

With such a limited window for appeal, though, it is important to start the process as soon as possible. Upon receiving a denial of disability benefits letter, or upon realizing that the insurance company is not processing a claim in a timely manner, speak with a disability benefits lawyer.

Article provided by Edelstein Martin & Nelson
Visit us at www.insurancedisabilitylawyer.com