DENIAL OF SHORT & LONG TERM DISABILITY

Disability insurance overs an individual’s loss of income for a specified period of time, and the loss of income must be because of the disability (not an unrelated reason). This insurance can come in two main forms, short term, and long term.

The former generally lasts up to 6 months but can be increased depending on your situation. The latter begins after your short term benefits run out. This usually occurs when the individual is completely unable to return to work. Short term disability benefits are meant to fill in the gap between the waiting period form the injury to the date the long term benefits commence.

When either your short term or long term disability benefits are denied, your insurance company will provide you with a package. This package should explain the reason why your claim was denied, and it should explain the insurance company’s internal appeal process. There are many reasons why your insurance company may deny your claim, including, but not limited to, the following: there are clerical errors in your application, you have missed the deadline for filing the application, you have certain pre-existing medical conditions, you did not make all your premium payments, and/or your insurance company believes you refused to undergo medical treatment.

It is important to note that, sometimes, your insurance company will deny your initial claim, deny the appeal, and continue to deny your subsequent claims. This is sometimes used as a tactic to avoid paying out benefits to an applicant. If your disability insurer has wrongfully denied your long term disability claim, it is best to find a lawyer who can find the best possible solution for you. They can help you navigate the complex process involved.