Long Term Disability Lawyer

Long Term Disability Lawyer – Overview

A long term disability lawyer specializes in assisting individuals who are injured or ill and unable to work. If you experience any complications when applying for long term disability benefits or if your application has been denied, you can always seek help from a disability lawyer. They have an in-depth understanding of the law.

Long term disability lawyers are knowledgeable about the laws and regulations governing long term disability benefits. You will be able to navigate the complexities of your application with their help. It will allow you to start receiving all the benefits.

With expert help, you can easily raise an appeal and negotiate with an insurance company for a settlement.

However, when hiring a long-term disability lawyer, it is necessary to choose someone with experience. You should be comfortable working with the lawyer you choose.

What Does a Long Term Disability Lawyer Do

A long term disability lawyer can help individuals who cannot work due to some injuries or severe illness. Disability lawyers can help with all the legal issues, like receiving benefits from the insurance company, appealing a denial of the benefits, or negotiating with the company for a settlement.

Long term disability benefits are of two types; public and private. Private disability benefits come from insurance policies purchased individually or provided by an employer, and are governed by state law and, in some cases, federal law if the policy is provided by an employer (ERISA).

Public disability benefits are provided through government programs like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). If you experience issues while applying for long-term disability benefits, a long-term disability lawyer can offer guidance and help. Most long term disability lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. You only have to pay the lawyer if you win the case or settle.

The lawyers always double-check and verify that their clients have all the necessary documentation and medical records to support their disability to their insurance company. They also work with doctors to support and secure your documentation and back up the statement of your inability to work.

The primary responsibilities of your disability lawyers are:

  • They should handle all the communications with your long term disability insurance provider.
  • They must be able to compile and submit your initial application to receive the benefits by the deadline.
  • They should be able to negotiate and establish a fair settlement.
  • They can file a lawsuit if required to demand all the benefits you are entitled to.

How to Find a Long Term Disability Lawyer?

Not every lawyer has the same level of experience or expertise in long-term disability law. When you are appointing a lawyer for your long-term disability case, make sure that they have similar experience. You can obtain referrals from colleagues, friends, family members, or other professionals. You can also research online and find a lawyer with expertise in long-term disability benefits law.

If these options are not fruitful, you can contact your state or local bar association for a referral. They can offer you a list of lawyers with similar expertise. You can study their profile and select someone comfortable working with them.

You can set up a meeting with your shortlisted lawyers. This will give you enough opportunities to ask questions about the case. It will allow the layers to learn about your case and determine whether they will be interested and determined to win it.

When meeting with potential lawyers, make sure to carry all copies of your relevant documents and medical records. You must be prepared to discuss your case and answer every question the lawyers have.

You can ask them any questions you want. Learn more about their experience and their plan or approach toward your case. Make sure to discuss their fee structure thoroughly before hiring them.

Benefits of Having Long Term Disability Lawyers

Long Term Disability Lawyer

Benefits of Having Long Term Disability Lawyers

There are several benefits to hiring a long term disability lawyer.

  • The lawyer can navigate the process of your claims. They can ensure that you receive the benefits you need and guide you through the entire process.
  • Appealing a denial on your own is quite challenging and complicated. However, a lawyer can guide you to appeal a denial of your benefits.
  • A lawyer can help you to negotiate with the company and establish a settlement.
  • A lawyer can prepare you for a hearing as well.

Different Types of a Long Term Disability Lawyer

Different types of disability lawyers have expertise in different stages. Some of them only prefer to deal with Veterans Affairs disability claims, whereas some other lawyers are comfortable handling both long-term disability claims and Veterans Affairs disability claims.

The type of lawyer you want to appoint somewhat depends on the type of disability claim. Make sure your lawyer knows all the rules and laws of the insurance claim and can help you to meet your requirements.

Cost of a Long Term Disability Lawyer

Long term disability benefits can prevent you from worrying about paying your bills when you cannot work for some injury or chronic illness. You must collect and organize all your medical records and documents to support your claim and receive approval from the insurance company.

If an insurance company denies your benefits claim, you can always raise an appeal and negotiate with the company. However, organizing and maintaining all these things can be complicated and hectic. Disability lawyers can guide you through the entire process and help you receive the benefits you deserve.

The cost of hiring a lawyer depends on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s fees. Most of them prefer to work on a contingency basis. That means you only have to pay if you win the case. After winning the case, the lawyer often charges a percentage of your benefits money. Lawyer fees for long term disability cases often vary, but many charge around 25% to 33% of the back pay awarded, subject to any applicable legal limits or guidelines.

Process of Hiring a Benefit Lawyer

You can contact the American Bar Association or your local state bar association for referrals to qualified long-term disability lawyers. The bar association will provide a list of lawyers with similar expertise.

Once you receive the names, you can set up a consultation with each one to learn more about them.

Learn more about their experience and determine who will be the perfect fit for your case. Remember, you must be comfortable working with the lawyer you want to hire.

Once you hire an appropriate lawyer, they will help you to gather all the required documentation and evidence to support your claim. Then, they will help you to draft your legal argument and present your case.

Conclusion

The entire process can be extremely hectic and complicated, from applying for the long-term disability benefit to negotiating with the company for a fair settlement. Disability lawyers can guide you through the process and help you receive the benefits you deserve.

See Also

Americans With Disabilities Act

Current Version
December 1, 2022
Written By
Shubham Grover
March 15, 2024
Updated By
Andrea Morales G.

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