Long-Term Disability Lawyers Lloydminster

What Are Long-Term Disability Benefits?

If you have ever suffered a serious injury or medical condition, you know that the road to recovery can be a long one. Whatever that recovery may entail, many of us need a support system to make it through. During this recovery, you may not be able to work. While your ability to work and your income may pause, your daily expenses such as bills and rent or mortgage will not. The purpose of long-term disability insurance is to safeguard you from potential financial distress by providing income replacement. The coverage can vary depending on the provider, but usually it covers 60%-70% of your original income.

You have the option of buying long-term disability insurance privately, but it can also be accessed through your employer’s group disability insurance. Your employer may be paying the premiums, but at times that cost can be shared between the employer and the employee. The wording for these policies can be confusing and the process of applying benefits may feel daunting. If you have any questions, you may consider reaching out to our Lloydminster long-term disability lawyers today for a free initial consultation.

Who Can be Eligible for Long-Term Disability Benefits?

To determine if you are eligible for long-term disability, you should consult your insurance company’s policy and terms. Normally these policies will cover any injury or medical condition that prevents you from working. This doesn’t limit you to physical issues though. Mental health issues that may prevent you from going to work are also included. In fact, in 2022 the largest increase in prevalence of disabilities among Canadians belonged to mental health-related disabilities.

The exact conditions covered can vary depending on the insurance company, but these are some common issues covered by most policies:

• Multiple sclerosis
• Crohn’s disease
• Fibromyalgia
• Arthritis
• Herniated discs
• Heart disease
• Paralysis
• Neurological disorders
• Lyme disease
• Lupus
• Musculoskeletal injuries
• Back pain
• Cancer
• HIV and AIDS
• Bipolar mood disorder
• Migraines
• Psychological disorders
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety
• Panic attacks
• And more

If you didn’t see your condition on this list, you should consult your insurance company’s policy. This is not an exhaustive list and if you are suffering from an ailment that prevents you from working, you will likely be covered. Consider reaching out to our Lloydminster long-term disability lawyers for a free initial consultation.

Do I Need an Independent Medical Assessment to Receive Long-Term Disability Benefits?

The assessment process will be different depending on your insurance company. You should expect a thorough procedure to determine that your injury or medical issue does prevent you from working. This will likely involve a visit to your doctor or multiple visits even. Your healthcare provider will also likely need to submit documentation on your behalf as well. Your insurer may be satisfied with the opinion of your doctor, but occasionally you may be required to be examined by a doctor of the company’s choosing.

You may also be asked to complete a telephone interview and other steps to determine that you are eligible. Be aware of any deadlines for certain documentation or applications. A representative of your insurance company could also visit you on the job as part of the process. This undertaking can feel invasive and formidable, but it’s important to cooperate with the insurance company to the best of your ability. The insurance company will likely want to determine that you are unable to perform the tasks of your current job. This is called the “own occupation test.”

Based on these findings, you may be paid LTD benefits for a certain period of time, two years typically. After this period has lapsed, your insurer will want to analyze if your condition prevents you from doing any other job you might usually be qualified for. This is known as the “any occupation test.” Navigating these steps is not always easy, but you are not alone. Consider reaching out to our Lloydminster long-term disability lawyers for a free initial consultation today.

What Are Some Reasons Why My Long-Term Disability Claim Might be Denied?

After you have sent in all the necessary documents and forms for your long-term disability claim, you may find yourself waiting up to 8 weeks for a decision. There is no set deadline or timeline for your insurer to reach a decision. Unfortunately, you might be notified that your insurer is denying your claim. There are a variety of reasons why your claim may be denied.

These are some common reasons for claims being denied:

• You are not considered “totally disabled” by your insurer
• Your insurer does not agree with your doctors
• You have gone against the recommendations of your treatment plan
• You did not include all the requested information on your application
• You have a pre-existing condition that excludes you from receiving LTD
• Your application for LTD benefits was too late
• Your insurer thinks there is no diagnosis for your disability

Some of these issues can be remedied easily, but others are more complex. Any one of these reasons could potentially be a wrongful denial and you may wish to dispute the decision. In the meantime, your expenses may be continuing to mount without any income replacement. As you weigh your options, you may want to reach out to our Lloydminster long-term disability lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.

What Types of Long-Term Disability Claims Can You Help With?

If you have received a denial for your long-term disability claim, you may be feeling discouraged and without hope. For many dealing with these issues, LTD may be their only option for income replacement. If you are considering disputing your claim, you should keep in mind that your insurance company likely has substantive experience dealing with claims like yours. It may be to your benefit to have someone negotiating on your behalf who has similar experience and is familiar with the tactics used by these companies.

If you have been denied your LTD claim but you are still unable to work or if your benefits have been cut off at or before the two-year mark, we may potentially be able to help. We may also be able to obtain compensation to which you are entitled. This not only includes your benefits but possibly other expenses that have accrued while dealing with your claim. Reach out to our Lloydminster long-term disability lawyers for a free initial consultation today.

Our Lloydminster Long-Term Disability Lawyers Are Available for an Initial Free Consultation. Contact us Today.

The decision whether to hire a lawyer to assist with your long-term disability claim should not be made lightly. We fight on behalf of our client’s best interest in an effort to ensure that they get the fair treatment they deserve. If your claim is eligible, we may be able to assist you. Call us today for a free initial consultation with our lawyers. And remember, you don’t pay unless we win.