Long-Term Disability Lawyers in South Carolina

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In a perfect world, we’d be able to go about our days without suffering an injury or worrying about serious medical conditions. Unfortunately, these realities are far too common for many people. Still, there are safety nets available when such occurrences result in a person being unable to work. One of the most common options is long-term disability (LTD) insurance. LTD benefits offer financial security during difficult times. However, the process can be complex. That’s why many choose to work with a long-term disability lawyer in South Carolina.

At Chad Brown Law, PLLC, our disability law professionals are committed to helping our clients get the benefits they deserve. When you or your employer pay into a policy, it’s with the understanding that legitimate long-term disability claims will be approved. Unfortunately, this isn’t always how it works. Billion-dollar insurance companies didn’t find success by paying full benefits to everyone who qualifies. At times, injured or sick workers will find themselves wrongfully denied over inconsequential issues. Don’t let this happen to you. Contact our law firm today for a free consultation.

Do You Qualify for Long-term Disability Benefits?

To qualify for long-term disability benefits, a person must meet a variety of criteria. Most importantly, they’ll need to be an active policyholder. Not everyone has long-term disability insurance. Unfortunately, this is far from where eligibility requirements end. When filling out claim forms, you’ll discover that your insurance company’s decision will be based on set criteria. These requirements can vary between companies and policies. However, there are typically some commonalities.

These include:

• Disabling condition: A person must have a medical condition or injury that prevents them from performing the essential duties of their occupation for a prolonged period of time.
• Medical evidence: Before any long-term disability insurance policy pays, they’ll require medical evidence showing that you indeed have a condition that prevents you from working.
• Proof of disability: You’ll need to compile medical records that prove you’re unable to work. This may need to include records proving you didn’t have a prior condition.
• Elimination period: There’s typically a waiting period after coverage begins. If you’re injured during this elimination period, you may not qualify for benefits.
• Treatment compliance: Those who receive long-term disability benefits must abide by the medical treatment prescribed by their physician.
• Regular updates: To continue qualifying for long-term disability coverage, individuals must provide consistent updates on their condition to the insurance company.
• Occupational requirements: Some insurance company policies may offer coverage if you can’t perform your occupation, but others may require an inability to perform any occupation you’re qualified for.

Meeting all these requirements does not necessarily mean a person will qualify for long-term disability benefits. Remember, your policy may have additional eligibility criteria. Additionally, it’s not uncommon for disability insurance companies to issue wrongful denials in the claims process. Fortunately, this doesn’t mean you’re out of options. A long-term disability lawyer in South Carolina can review your case and help you understand how to move forward.

Contact Chad Brown Law today for assistance.

How Does LTD Differ From Social Security Disability?

Some people don’t realize it, but there are many types of disability insurance coverage available. This includes long-term disability and Social Security Disability. While these may seem confusingly similar, they’re actually very different. That’s because long-term disability benefits are provided by a private insurance company. Premiums are typically paid to these companies by an individual and their employer. When a person is unable to work, they’ll file a disability insurance claim directly with the insurance company.

However, not everyone has LTD insurance. For those without such coverage, filing a Social Security disability claim is an option. This accesses money you’ve paid to the federal government through your taxes over the years. There are additional requirements that must be met to access these benefits. For instance, you’ll need to have earned a certain number of work credits in recent years in order to qualify. This and other qualifications are typically not required to get LTD benefits.

There are a variety of other differences between these disability insurance claims as well. For instance, Social Security doesn’t offer any form of short-term disability benefits. Depending on the specifics of a person’s policy, they may be eligible for short-term benefits via their LTD provider. There are additional differences, but it would be wise to discuss your specific needs with long-term disability attorneys. These legal professionals can help you understand your options.

How Do You File a Long-term Disability Claim

To recover disability benefits, you’ll need to properly navigate the claims process. Your insurance policy will detail the specifics of filing a claim, so it’s important to review your policyholder materials. However, there are typically commonalities when filing — regardless of who your policy provider is. Working with an attorney can be helpful with your long-term disability claim, but some of the following steps are likely to occur even before you seek legal representation:

• Notify your employer if the policy is employer-sponsored.
• Obtain the required claim forms.
• Carefully review your policy to understand specific terms and conditions.
• Notify the insurance company.
• Complete claim forms.
• Gather medical documentation.
• Submit supporting documents.
• Follow all treatment plans.
• Wait for claim review and decision.
• Appeal if denied.

This process can be complex, so don’t feel bad if it seems daunting. Fortunately, there’s no need for you to take this on alone. The long-term disability attorneys at Chad Brown Law are committed to simplifying the process for our clients. The insurance company may try to make things difficult. Still, if your condition is eligible, we’ll work hard to ensure your long-term disability claim is approved — even handling the appeal process if necessary. Reach out today for a free consultation.

Contact a Long-term Disability Lawyer in South Carolina Today

Going up against a disability insurance company can be a challenging task. While they say their goal is to avoid abuse of the system, the reality is that this “goal” frequently results in legitimate claims being denied. The unfortunate fact is that long-term disability insurance means nothing if those who qualify cannot access their benefits. Fortunately, help is available regardless of where you are in the claims process. An experienced legal professional who’s knowledgeable in insurance, federal law, and related issues can prove invaluable.

At Chad Brown Law, PLLC, that’s the type of legal professional you’ll work with. We believe you deserve the disability insurance benefits you’ve earned. When an insurance company wrongfully denies these benefits, you have options available. And even if you’re just starting the claims process and are confused about what to do next, our free consultations mean you can get additional guidance with zero risk. We also work on a contingent fee basis, so you won’t pay anything unless you get paid. Our South Carolina long-term disability lawyers are ready to help.

Contact us today at 336-962-5373 to schedule your free consultation.