Can a Doctor Refuse to Fill Out Disability Forms?
Yes, a doctor may ultimately refuse to fill out your long-term disability (LTD) forms. However, this does not have to be the end of your fight for justice. A disability lawyer may be able to help you fight the doctor’s decision and get you the compensation you may rightfully deserve.
If that does not sound like a path you want to go down, you may be able to act immediately to switch your healthcare provider and get a second opinion from a different physician. The new doctor may choose to see your injuries or impairments as they affect your daily life and fill out the necessary paperwork to get you compensated while you are out of work. These types of disability plans are purposely put into place to give workers like yourself a safety net to fall back on when they have suffered injuries or fallen ill. When a person is not able to take advantage of these programs, it is an injustice.
It is one thing if your employer or their insurance company refuses to sign off on your long-term disability payouts, but when a doctor does it, the decision may feel baffling. There are a number of reasons why a doctor might refuse to fill out disability forms. Unfortunately, this decision may have a devastating effect on your livelihood. Without these disability payments, you may fall behind on medical bills, basic living needs, important medications, and more.
Unfortunately, many forms of disability may not pay out without a doctor filling out these forms. Without their medical forms being completed, many disability insurance companies may refuse to pay out LTD, as they do not have sufficient proof. Even so, it is important to take a deep breath and examine your options if this situation ever arises. If you are too injured or ill to work, a personal injury lawyer may be able to try to get you the compensation you deserve.
Your Next Steps if a Doctor Refuses to Fill Out Your Disability Forms
Before you switch doctors, attempt to get the medical records from the doctor who refused to fill out the disability forms. These documents may prove your history of treatment, which may be crucial when presented to the insurance company responsible for your potential payouts. These documents may also show what type of ailments you were addressing and why they might affect your ability to perform your job moving forward. As insurance companies do not have doctors on staff to examine your injuries, they may not go out of their way to make sure you get the payments you need without proof.
Regardless of obtaining records or documents, your next step may involve switching physicians or obtaining an injury lawyer to help plead your case. If you have a long line of symptoms documented with one doctor, you may want to look into a lawyer so they can ensure that all of your documents are obtained, and nothing is omitted. This may be important in your fight to receive payments related to your disability insurance claim.
If possible, try to get your new doctor to support your claim to stop working. It is not good enough for them to agree verbally; attempt to get them to put it on paper or in an email so you may use this moving forward. Without their recommendation, you may not begin receiving payments for some time while you are away from your job.
A Team of Lawyers by Your Side
The legal world may be confusing, and a personal injury and disability lawyer may be able to help take up your case so you may focus solely on your recovery. Here at Preszler Injury Lawyers, we do everything in our power to obtain the appropriate paperwork, gather evidence, and present your case so you may move on with your life with newfound peace of mind. We have worked with countless clients in the same position as you. In doing so, we have likely seen a case just like yours over the years. To learn more about our services, call today at 1-800-JUSTICE for your free initial consultation.
