The Dos And Don'ts Of Filing For Long-Term Disability Benefits
Posted on: 2 June 2015
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Long-term disability benefits are provided to employees when they become so disabled that they are not able to work. Before you are granted the benefits, you first need to file a claim. Here are the dos and don'ts for filing this type of claim.
Do: Use the forms provided to you
When you first file for long-term disability benefits, you will be given a form from the insurance company. Make sure you only use this form when documenting the claim. These are standard forms that ask a series of questions from you and your physician. Make sure your doctor fills out their portion by answering questions about your condition and disability. However, don't just leave it up to them. You also want to include your own explanations on these forms so there is as much detail as possible.
Do: Get a lawyer
While this isn't mandatory to file for long-term disability benefits, it is highly recommended. The lawyer should be experienced working with these types of disability cases. Don't wait until you need to file an appeal to get help from a lawyer. From the beginning stages, they can help with filling out your claim and dealing with the insurance company. They know exactly what the insurance companies are looking for, and this can be invaluable. Talk to a professional law firm like Tiefenthaler Law Office to begin the filing process.
Don't: Take only the advice of human resources
While your company's human resources department can be helpful, don't simply take their advice for filing your claim and not taking action on your own. Aside from getting a lawyer, you should also learn more about long-term disability insurance, the benefits owed to you, and how much you should get for your injury. Use the human resources department as one of multiple resources when preparing and filing your claim. When you file, be sure to fill out the forms yourself so that you can include the information from your various sources.
Don't: Try to be dishonest or go against doctor's orders
When you get an injury, you will see that a doctor is covered under your employer's workers' compensation insurance. This will help you get long-term disability insurance benefits since the doctor can tell the insurance company the severity of your injury. However, if you go against doctor's orders and those actions make your injury worse, your insurance company could deny your claim. It is essential that you follow through with the original treatment plan, whether it is getting surgery, resting, or doing physical therapy.