Waterloo Long-Term Disability Lawyer
Out of nowhere, a traumatic accident or unexpected medical diagnosis can change the course of a person’s life forever. Nobody plans to sustain a catastrophic injury, develop a chronic illness, or be diagnosed with a severe mental health disorder. But when the worst case scenario happens, people who have developed or sustained a disabling medical condition should be able to rest assured that they will not be forced to endure unnecessary financial hardships.
That is why many people choose to purchase private insurance policies that provide coverage for long-term disability (LTD) benefits. Others may have access to LTD benefits through their employer’s group insurance plan. In case they are unable to continue working because of a disabling medical condition, they might be eligible to collect monthly income replacement payments.
LTD benefits typically provide recipients with between 60-70% of their normal income. Certain policies might also impose payment caps on the amount of benefits qualified policyholders are entitled to receive. However, even though LTD benefits only provide recipients with a portion of their normal earnings, they can be a vital source of income when a medical condition makes it impossible to continue earning their usual wages.
The eligibility requirements for LTD benefits differ between insurance policies. However, certain medical conditions that might entitle a policyholder to receive LTD benefits include:
- Heart disease
- Back problems
- Chronic pain or complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
- Lupus or Lyme disease
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Paralysis
- Depression
- Bipolar mood disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- And possibly more
In order to become eligible to submit a claim for LTD benefits, policyholders must first exhaust all other benefits available to them, including short-term disability benefits and Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits. Claimants are usually also required to provide their insurer with medical evidence proving that:
- They have received an official diagnosis for a disabling medical condition
- They have been receiving prolonged, ongoing medical treatment for this condition
- As a direct result of their medical condition, the claimant is unable to perform the duties of their job
- And possibly more
Types of evidence that might be beneficial for claimants to include in their application for LTD benefits might include:
- Medical records
- Results of medical examinations
- Statements from attending physicians
- A detailed description of job duties
- A statement from plan sponsor (i.e. employer)
- Other documentation
Unfortunately, even after submitting evidence that thoroughly illustrates the severity of a claimant’s medical condition and its prohibitive impact on their ability to return to work, insurers may still deny an applicant’s claim for LTD benefits. By doing so, they essentially cut off the only source of financial security available to policyholders in good standing who can no longer afford their basic costs of living and essential costs of medical care.
If your claim for LTD benefits was denied, our long-term disability lawyers serving Waterloo may be able to help you overturn your insurance provider’s unfair decision. To learn more, call 1-800-JUSTICE and schedule a free initial consultation on your case.
Contact Our Waterloo Long-Term Disability Lawyers Today
Our long-term disability lawyers serving Waterloo are familiar with the unfair tactics often used by insurance providers to withhold crucial funding from policyholders who, by all accounts, should be entitled to receive them. We fight on behalf of our clients’ best interests and have a history of helping mistreated members of the local community recover the payments they deserve.
To learn more about how our Waterloo long-term disability lawyers may be able to assist you, contact us today and take advantage of your free initial consultation.
