SFTLA
Super Lawyers
Consumer Attorneys California
Avvo
AV Preeminent
State Bar of California
American Association for Justice

Long-Term Disability Claims are Complicated

When illnesses or injuries prevent California workers from performing the duties required on the job, they may be grateful to have long-term disability insurance policies. These policies may come through employers or be purchased privately. However, it is not as easy as simply asking for funds to carry them through the time when they are unable to work. Filing a disability claim is complicated, and appealing a denial may be equally stressful.

What many may not realize when filing a disability claim is that their policies may have deadlines. Someone who is injured or diagnosed with an illness may have a limited amount of time to file for benefits. Since there is often a tremendous amount of documentation required for a successful claim, time is of the essence. Those filing claims for disability insurance will submit information about their jobs, salaries, finances and the type of illness or injury they have suffered. They must also include specific statements from their doctors.

If a claim is denied, it may be because of inaccurate or insufficient documentation or that the insurance policy excludes the particular condition with which the worker suffers. Workers who have disability insurance through their jobs can usually file an appeal although the process is strict and leaves little room for error. Someone with private insurance would be wise to understand the terms of the policy and whether it provides for an appeals process or demands a lawsuit in the event of a rejected claim.

Since the process of filing and appealing long-term disability insurance claims is complex, it can be frustrating to deal with for someone who is ill or in pain. Meeting deadlines and attending to administrative appeals may involve legal issues with which the average person may be unfamiliar. Allowing an experienced California attorney to navigate those waters may relieve a suffering worker of the frustration and may improve the chances of avoiding a rejected claim in the first place.

Source: FindLaw, “Disability Insurers and the Claim Process,” accessed Jan. 13, 2018

Client Reviews
★★★★★
Just when I thought there was no hope to recover my LTD benefits, I found attorney Constantin Roboostoff. With his expertise, I was able to recover all of my back long term disability benefits. Other attorneys wouldn’t take my case because it wasn’t cut and dry. Mr. Roboostoff took the challenge and did an incredible job. Not only did he get my current disability benefits going, he also recovered all my back benefits. He was a true blessing and I would recommend him whole heartedly. CW
★★★★★
It was my pleasure to make contact with Scott Kalkin three years ago after other lawyers had turned me away and told me I would not succeed in my lawsuit. Thanks to Scott's thoroughness, dedication, and diligence, my lawsuit WAS successful and he saw me through to the end, which included putting legal pressure on the insurance company which had invested so much time, personnel, and money, in not paying me what was due. RB
★★★★★
As soon as I met with Scott, I could tell he was knowledgeable, resourceful, experienced, highly professional, and would be dedicated to getting me fair treatment. Scott has handled all interactions with my insurance company ever since. Being able to rely on him to represent me has been a huge relief for a chronically ill person. SO