If you become disabled while you are employed, you may be eligible to receive financial payments from an insurance policy known as a short- or long- term disability insurance policy. These policies, typically provided by your employer, offer replacement of a percentage of your usual income. In order to qualify for these benefits, you will have to meet a definition of “disabled” set forth in your policy. As a seasoned injury attorney could explain, short-term disability benefits expire after a set period, after which you must re-qualify under a long-term disability policy which often has much stricter requirements.
Insurance Companies Could Deny Valid Cases
In Pennsylvania, insurance companies have a statutory obligation to treat you—an insured—with “good faith.” This doesn’t mean they always do. Too often, insurance companies are quick to deny benefits with the hope that the insured will not appeal. If you have been wrongfully denied long-term disability benefits, you have options to appeal this decision. You may have a right to appeal your denial directly to the insurance provider. Once you have exhausted your administrative appeal options, you may be able to bring a claim in court for breach of contract or statutory bad faith. This process works like a typical lawsuit and could result in a jury trial.
Navigating the insurance appeal process requires competency with complex contractual and legal requirements. Being represented by an attorney throughout this process can increase your chances of a successful outcome. An attorney can interpret policy language, negotiate your administrative appeal, hire any necessary experts to support your claim, draft the legal documents for an appeal in court, and guide you through the litigation process.
Contact a Pittsburgh Long-Term Disability Appeals Attorney
Lupetin & Unatin’s attorneys have a record of success getting clients’ denials of long-term disability benefits overturned, providing injured employees with the financial security they need while they heal. Contact us for a free consultation to see if we can help you with your long-term disability claim.
