When Your Disability Claim Hits a Roadblock

When life throws a curveball, and a severe illness or injury prevents you from working, long-term disability (LTD) insurance can be a lifeline. Yet, what happens when your disability claim for these crucial benefits is denied? Let's unpack this process and see what steps you can take if you find yourself in this predicament.

Fill out the form on this page for more information.

Understanding the disability claims denials

• Social Security Disability Claims: If your claim here is denied, it's often due to not enough medical evidence or income issues. Mistakes in your application can be another hiccup. Legal assistance is key in these cases because the appeal process can be tricky. A specialized attorney can be your champion, ensuring your paperwork is correct, medical evidence is solid, and your case is presented effectively.

• Veterans Affairs Disability Claims: For veterans, a denied claim can be disheartening. Legal experts in veterans' affairs can be particularly helpful. They know the system inside out and can help correct errors and submit compelling evidence on your behalf.

• Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims: When it comes to private insurance, a denied claim can happen for various reasons. An attorney with a background in disability law can dissect your policy, understand the denial's basis, and strategize an appeal. They're also negotiators who can, if necessary, challenge the insurance company in court.

Common snags in disability claims

• Making too much money
• Not enough work credits
• Medical evidence not cutting it
• Oops, application boo-boos
• They can't reach you because, well, wrong contact info
• Substance abuse throwing a wrench in the works
• Financial docs went MIA
• ID or citizenship proof playing hide and seek

Your next move after a claim denial

So, what can you do if your disability insurance claim is turned down? First, take a deep breath. This isn't the end of the road. You have the right to appeal the decision. Start by understanding the denial letter. It should explain why your claim was denied and how you can appeal. Gather any additional evidence you might need, such as medical records or statements from your doctor. Then, file your appeal within the deadline specified by your insurance policy or the disability program.

Appealing a denied disability insurance claim

The appeal process can vary depending on whether your claim is with the Social Security Administration, Veterans Affairs, or a private insurer. Here's what you should know:

• For Social Security Disability, you typically have 60 days to request an appeal.
• Veterans Affairs also has a set timeline, and you can file a Notice of Disagreement if you want to contest their decision.
• With private insurance, review your policy for specific appeal procedures and deadlines.

In all cases, make sure your appeal is thorough. This isn't just redoing what you did the first time; it's about addressing the reasons for the denial head-on and providing additional evidence.

Finding support in tough times

Facing a denied disability claim can be stressful, but remember, you have options. Understand the reasons for denial, collect evidence, submit a well-documented appeal, and don't hesitate to seek legal advice if needed. This is your right and your future at stake, and there are professionals who can guide you through each step. Remember, it's about getting the support you deserve to tide over tough times.

If you were denied or refused by the VA, Social Security or Long-Term disability insurance, fill out our simple form above and get access to an immediate and FREE case review!

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Mass torts vs. class actions at a glance

When we're talking about mass tort and class action lawsuits, we're discussing two distinct legal approaches used to handle claims where many individuals are harmed by the same entity or event.

Mass tort lawsuits are a way to handle legal cases where many individuals have been harmed, but each person's situation is distinct. Think of it like a neighborhood where every house has different damage after a storm. In a mass tort, each homeowner would file their own lawsuit, but because the storm is the common factor, the court groups the lawsuits together to manage them more efficiently. The key here is that each person retains their own case and has a say in how it's settled, which reflects their unique damages.

In contrast, class action lawsuits and class action settlements bring people together under a single legal action. It's as if the whole neighborhood decided to sue the storm together, with one or a few neighbors representing everyone's interests. Here, individual control is limited. The representative, known as the lead plaintiff, along with their legal team, makes decisions that affect the entire group. When it comes to the payout, it's typically split evenly, or based on a formula that applies to all members.

What's best for you?

Let's quickly sum up the main points to help you decide which legal route could work better for your situation:

• Control: More personal control in mass torts; limited control in class actions.

• Compensation: Individualized in mass torts; uniform in class actions.

• Applicability: Mass torts fit for varied individual damages; class actions for uniform damages across the group.

• Efficiency: Class actions can be quicker and use fewer resources by combining claims.

So, if you're part of a group that's been wronged and you're thinking about legal action, consider these points. Do you need to maintain control over your case, or are you okay with a representative taking the lead? Do your damages require individual attention, or are they similar enough to others to share in a collective claim? Your answers will help determine whether a mass tort or a class action is the best route for your situation.