You suffered an injury or illness that has made it impossible for you to go back to work, and yet you need medical support and income to live. Filing for long-term disability seems like a logical process and one you deserve, but it is complicated.
By working with a Reno long-term disability lawyer from Shook & Stone Injury Lawyers, you gain the one-on-one support you need to get the financial support necessary.
We have recovered over $1 billion for our clients and boast a combined 150 years of experience representing clients just like you. Our Reno Social Security disability lawyer is here to answer all of your questions.
You Have Certain Rights Under Your Long-Term Disability Policy
If you have an individual disability insurance policy or you are a member of a group disability insurance policy, such as through your employer, you have specific rights.
It is always beneficial to discuss your case with a legal team you can trust, one with local experience to guide you. There are several rights you need to know heading into this Social Security disability claims process:
- The insurance company must act promptly. If you have a valid claim, they must pay your claim promptly. This does not have a specific timeframe linked to it under the law, but it does create a precedent for situations where the insurance company tries to delay.
- The disability insurance company cannot deny or refuse to pay your claim without first investigating the claim and evaluating the claim’s coverage under your policy.
- The insurance company must look for reasons why it should pay the claim under the law. That means they cannot just deny it without verifying the details.
- In situations where the insurance company denies the claim, it must provide you with detailed and factual information and the legal basis for denying the claim.
Insurance companies must treat you fairly and should not limit your ability to file a claim for a justified loss. They must act in good faith, and if they fail to do so, our attorneys will hold them accountable for those actions.
Do not assume the insurance company will treat you fairly, and call Shook & Stone Injury Lawyers.
What You Need to Know About Long-Term Disability Benefits
Long-term disability benefits could be a lifeline when you are unable to work due to a disabling condition. Yet, insurance companies will pressure you in many ways to deny your claim, even trying to limit your ability to follow doctors’ orders. In every situation, you need to fully understand all avenues for pursuing disability benefits.
If you have disability insurance through your employer, this is typically the first step in recovering damages. You or your employer purchases these policies and are often a component of your benefits package. They offer some level of financial protection for you, as deemed by the policy.
Explaining the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA)
Also, note that the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) rules make it possible for you to recover the disability benefits owed to you. This federal law specifically focuses on the types of benefits packages employers offer their employees. That could include disability policies for long-term care needs.
Individual Disability Policies Are Different
One of the first factors to consider regarding your right to pursue compensation and support under these claims is whether you have a private employer insurance claim or an individual long-term disability insurance claim. Individual policies and private employer policies differ.
Specifically, if you have an ERISA disability policy, the state of Nevada will determine your options for filing an appeal or taking additional legal action.
Why Your Claim Was Denied Matters
Unfortunately, it is very common for insurance companies to find a loophole or reason to deny your long-term disability claim. This is very frustrating for most people because they have already been out of work for some time and need financial resources.
If your insurance claim was denied, there are several steps to take:
- Determine the reason for the denial. That starts with reading the document provided by the insurance company, which outlines the specific reason for the denial.
- Understand that denials are a common step for insurance companies. Insurance companies want to frustrate you so that you settle for less. Do not take an initial denial of coverage as the last word.
- Contact our legal team for immediate help. Every appeal counts, and we want to ensure that you have the most accurate facts and evidence possible to back up your appeal.
Our legal team is always available to help you. If you were denied for any reason, you generally have the right to appeal. We encourage you to seek out legal guidance from our team right now about such appeals.
There are time limits, depending on the type of long-term disability, so be sure you learn about common workplace injuries in Reno.
How Our Reno Long-Term Disability Attorney Can Help You
With the guidance of our legal team, you will have the law on your side. Our attorneys know the law, and we know the rules that the insurance companies must follow when evaluating and processing your claim. Our legal team can help you in several key ways:
- Policy analysis: If you need to file a claim for long-term disability, we encourage you to start with our attorneys. Let us analyze your policy and provide you with claims assistance before you apply.
- Appeals process: In situations where your claim has already been denied, including for long-term disability or individual disability insurance, we can analyze the denial and create an appeal that presents your situation in the best possible light.
- Litigation: Our attorneys have experience with state court disability lawsuits and federal court strategies for ERISA long-term disability cases.
You deserve fair and honest treatment in every situation. Let our long–term disability attorney in Reno fight for your full and fair compensation.
Let us focus on the finances so you can focus on healing and rebuilding your future.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Reno Long-Term Disability Attorney Now
In the ideal situation, you turn to our legal team right away, even before you file for compensation through your disability insurance policy.
Even if you are facing denials, the team at Shook & Stone Injury Lawyers will fight for you. Contact a long–term disability lawyer in Reno from our firm now.Â
