Long-Term Disability Lawyer Serving Austin, TX
Long-term disability (LTD) benefits can protect a percentage of your pre-disability earnings when you become unable to work due to an illness or injury. If you develop such a condition, then you must consider filing for such benefits, which can provide peace of mind when you cannot work. This claim process can be difficult, and a long-term disability lawyer serving Austin, TX from Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick can help you.
Obtaining LTD benefits can be difficult because there is a myriad of paperwork and evidence you must gather and submit. In addition, insurance companies frequently deny long-term disability insurance claims, and if you have a group policy, ERISA may further complicate matters. An experienced Texas ERSIA lawyer from our firm can help.
This is not something you must do alone. Call CCK today at 800-544-9144 for a free case evaluation.
Consulting a Long-Term Disability Lawyer Is Beneficial for Your Claim
It can be overwhelming to file for long-term disability benefits. Often, you must collect a lot of documentation and evidence that proves you cannot work. A claimant may decide to handle their claim for disability benefits on their own, but this can lead to common mistakes. Unfortunately, even a minor mistake — like missing a deadline — can result in a denial of benefits.
Therefore, consulting an experienced disability attorney is beneficial for your claim. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the often-complex disability claims process. Moreover, if you receive your LTD policy through your employer, then you must also be aware of ERISA — a federal law that governs such claims. This law is strict and complicated, so having a disability attorney to help is vital.
In Austin, Texas, you may suffer from any number of disabling health conditions that prevent you from working. Some examples include:
- Ankylosing spondylitis,
- Dementia,
- Kidney disease, and
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Our law firm has extensive experience helping clients who suffer from disabling medical conditions receive the benefits they need. Whether you are filing an initial claim or filing an appeal, CCK can help.
We can handle your disability case at any stage of the process. CCK can help by tracking all filing deadlines; ensuring all claim forms are accurate; determining, collecting, and submitting all evidence on your behalf; handling your appeal; and more.
CCK Can Collect and Submit Evidence to the Insurance Company for Your Austin Long-Term Disability Claim
Long-term disability benefits can help you protect your income while receiving treatment for your condition. Every LTD insurance policy contains a definition of disability. To receive such monthly benefits, you must prove that your health condition meets your LTD policy’s definition of disability. Medical records are most claimants’ primary source of evidence, but some disability benefit claims require supplemental proof.
CCK can determine if your claim requires supplemental evidence. If so, we can collect and submit this evidence on your behalf. Our experienced legal team utilizes several forms of evidence, including:
- Specialized reports from your treating physicians: Your doctors have unique insights into how your health condition impairs you in a way that ordinary medical records do not demonstrate. As such, specialized reports can highlight key aspects of your condition and how it specifically impairs you.
- Witness statements from family, friends, and fellow employees: Those around you often see how your condition disables you. For example, family and friends can see how your condition impacts you at home, and fellow employees can see how your condition prohibits you from working. Official witness statements from these individuals can reinforce your claim for benefits.
- Additional medical and vocational evaluations: Some long-term disability claims require additional objective evidence to prove that the claimant’s condition meets the definition of disability. CCK works with several third-party experts, such as vocational experts, who can provide your claim with proof, such as functional capacity tests and neuropsychological evaluations.
Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick Can Alleviate the Stress of Dealing with the Insurance Company
The disability rate in Austin, TX is 6.7 percent. Thus, many individuals may find themselves filing a claim for benefits with their insurer if they have long-term disability insurance coverage. However, insurance companies deny long-term disability claims every year in the United States. CCK has over 30 years of experience going up against these big-name insurance companies, such as:
- Humana
- MetLife
- Unum
- Aetna
These insurers should handle every LTD claim neutrally, but this is often not the case. Instead, insurance carriers scrutinize every minute detail of a claim. They may surveil claimants; monitor claimants’ social media accounts; request claimants attend independent medical exams; request more information, such as additional forms; require you to file for social security disability insurance benefits; and more.
A long-term disability attorney understands how frustrating and stressful it can be dealing with an insurance company while trying to acquire LTD benefits and manage your condition at the same time. Our experienced attorneys work to alleviate the stress that comes with dealing with an insurance company. We help our clients by acting as a point of contact between them and their insurers.
Additionally, if the insurance company denies your claim for benefits, you have the right to appeal. The administrative appeal is a crucial time for your claim. CCK can review your denial letter; request and review your claim file; collect any necessary evidence to reinforce your appeal; and submit a comprehensive appeal on your behalf. If you must file a lawsuit for benefits in either state or federal court, CCK may be able to offer legal representation and help you litigate in court.
Call Us Today for a Free Case Evaluation
The legal team at Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick wants to help you with your Austin, TX long-term disability claim and/or appeal. An LTD claims attorney from CCK with extensive knowledge of disability laws governing such claims is prepared to review your case.
Call us today at 800-544-9144 for a free case evaluation. Our experienced team will analyze your case and determine if we can assist you.
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Long-Term Disability Offsets ExplainedYou may receive long-term (LTD) disability benefits if you are disabled and cannot work due to a health condition. Depending on the terms of your long-term disability insurance policy, you may receive a monthly benefit that is a fixed amount or one that equates to a certain percentage of your pre-disability income. This amount is […]
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Going from Short-Term Disability to Long-Term DisabilityShort-term disability (STD) insurance provides financial benefits when you become temporarily disabled and cannot work. This type of insurance typically covers conditions such as temporary injuries, surgery rehabilitation, and pregnancy. On the other hand, long-term disability (LTD) insurance provides financial benefits if you become disabled and are unable to work for a longer period. Typically, […]
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