When a long-term disability claim denial comes through, it can impact Gila Valley people quite heavily. Not only does it devastate their financial situation, but it also adds extra stress to their existing medical problems. It’s completely normal to feel depressed or overwhelmed upon receiving that letter of denial, but what happens in the next few days and weeks really matters.
Unfortunately, many people in Gila Valley and across Arizona end up making some major mistakes that ultimately ruin their chances of a successful appeal to get the denial overturned and enjoy the benefits they deserve. Being aware of these pitfalls can help make a difference and assist you in making the right moves to protect your future.
Not Hiring a Long-Term Disability Denial Lawyer
One of the biggest mistakes people make after having their long-term disability claim denied is believing they can handle the appeals process on their own. The entire appeals process is quite technical and has lots of strict rules, particular if your policy is under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).
Insurance companies are skilled at spotting legal loopholes and exploiting the technicalities, and they also have a monetary incentive to deny legitimate claims. Without some professional assistance, it’s really simple to botch the process or fail to submit the proper evidence, which can result in losing your benefits forever.
A long-term disability denial lawyer has experience dealing with these subtleties and can help you through the process. They will go over your denial letter and policy with care, determine the reasons the insurer has denied your claim, and obtain the medical and vocational evidence you will need to establish a solid appeal.
Going with local attorneys in Arizona makes more sense here because they’re familiar with the nuances of state law, have access to in-state physicians, and understand the biases of the local judges and insurance adjusters. Local knowledge makes all the difference in presenting your best case.
Failing to Review and Respond to the Denial Letter
Another common mistake is not taking sufficient time to read and understand the letter you receive from the insurance company. Remember, the denial letter is not just to convey the bad news, but it also tells you everything about why your claim was denied in the first place. It also highlights what evidence was deemed inferior. And of course, it tells you about the steps to take and deadlines to consider when going ahead with your appeal.
In most cases, you will notice the problem is with the evidence you received from your doctor. If that’s the case, get in touch with them again and get all your medical records, test results, and any notes from your physicians that refute why the insurance denied you. In short, what you must do next can only be determined after a careful examination of your denial letter.
Endnote
Dealing with a long-term disability denial is often a frightening experience, but you can definitely make things easier by avoiding these common mistakes. By working with an experienced attorney, carefully reading and responding to your denial letter, and filing a well-documented appeal, you can put yourself in a better position to protect your rights and improve your chances of getting the benefits you deserve.
