Disability Claims: Get the Most Out of Insurance
If you have recently suffered from an injury or illness and realize that you will probably not be returning to work in the near future, disability insurance claims may be one of your top priorities! Unfortunately, however, most people know very little about filing insurance claims. This lack of knowledge often leads to confusion and frustration, and many insurance companies take advantage of this vulnerability to settle with clients for less than they need or deserve.
In the next few paragraphs, you will learn the key steps necessary to file an effective claim, as well as some important things to avoid when dealing with your insurance company. Please remember, however, that this article is only meant as a crash course in filing disability insurance claims, and we recommend that you do further research before making any final decisions.
Five Key Steps for Filing Disability Insurance Claims
In a nutshell, there are five keys steps for filing disability insurance claims. The first step is relatively simple: Remind yourself that you are ill or injured and will not compromise on that fact! Often, employers or insurance companies will try to convince you that you do not need benefits or that you only require a small amount of assistance. Additionally, if your disability is the result of a job-related accident, do not admit fault by saying that you "probably weren't paying attention" or similar justification phrases.
Once you've made up your mind that you deserve benefits, the second step is to familiarize yourself with your insurance company's disability policy. The third, and optional, step is to file a claim on your own in an attempt to negotiate with the insurance company. Many people opt to skip to the fourth step, however, and hire an attorney to help them in filing disability insurance claims. If this is your choice, be sure to thoroughly check your lawyers credentials. You do not want to be a new lawyer's guinea pig, and you do not want to waste valuable time and money on a lawyer whose track record is less than satisfactory!
The fifth and final step in the claim process is to try and stay positive if you are denied benefits. Often, lawyers can appeal the decision, leading to smaller, but still significant, benefits. Additionally, if new health complications arise or your doctor chooses to get involved, insurance companies may be a little more lenient. Sometimes, even the employer may be able to help in your quest, especially if you have previously been a dedicated worker.
While dealing with a disability can be a scary challenge, remember that you are not alone! Thousands of people have walked in your shoes and have lived to tell about it. Consider joining a support group for people with your particular disability. They often have legal advice that others may not have considered. Good luck!
Disability Insurance Articles
- Long Term Disability? Need Care? Benefits Been Denied?
- ERISA Helps Those With Long Term Disabilities
- Have a Disability? Been Denied Your Rightful Benefits?
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Is It a Disability?
- An Evaluation Can Determine Your Functional Capacity
- Disability and the Problem of "Denied" in Social Security Claims
- Income Replacement for Disability
- UNUM Provident Insurance
- Does Your Individual Insurance Policy Cover Disability?
- Does Your Disability Require Long Term Benefits?