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Our Arizona long-term disability insurance attorneys can help you seek benefits if you are unable to work. Pekas Smith Disability Attorneys represents employees seeking compensation through long-term disability policies.
If you can’t continue working because of illness, injury, or disease, long-term disability can be a vital lifeline. You diligently participated in the insurance program and paid your premium. When it’s time to claim your benefits, work with our team of experienced Arizona long-term disability insurance attorneys.
We can assist you in claiming your benefits efficiently, including appeals and legal challenges that may be needed. To see how we can help you, contact us today for your free consultation.
Attorneys to Help with Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims in Arizona
Our lawyers can assist you with:
- Interpreting your long-term disability insurance policy
- Understanding if you qualify for benefits
- Filing your initial application complete with supporting documentation
- Gathering the medical evidence needed to support your claim
- Evaluating if other disability benefits may be available like SSDI or SSI
- Identifying potential issues and keeping them from standing in your way
- Handling your case in appeals and hearings
- Negotiating a settlement and presenting your case in court
We know what things prevent claimants from getting the benefits that they deserve. It can be challenging to go up against the insurance companies when you need to make a claim. Our Arizona long-term disability insurance attorneys guide you and represent you in everything needed in your case.
Understanding Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims
Long-term disability insurance isn’t a government program. It’s private insurance that may be sponsored by your employer or purchased privately. Public employees have a long-term disability plan.
When you become unable to work because of a qualifying disability, you may submit a claim. Based on the terms of the plan, you may receive benefits for a set period or until you can return to work.
Why is it hard to get long-term disability insurance payments?
You may think you have a great case for long-term disability insurance. You submit your application. Then – you find out you are denied! How can this be? What can you do?
Often, it’s the insurance company representatives that decide your claim. Of course, they are the ones who have a financial incentive to say no. The more claims they deny, the larger their profits.
Fortunately, the courts know about this conflict of interest. They understand that insurance companies don’t always make correct decisions. It may be necessary to take your case to court. You have that right – and we can help.
Examples of Long-Term Disabilities
Here are some common reasons that someone may need to apply for long-term disability:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Paralysis
- Broken bones and musculoskeletal injury
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Paralysis
- Mobility problems
- Respiratory illnesses
- Arthritis
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
These are just some examples. Your reason for needing to file for long-term disability may not be listed here. Our lawyers can look at all possibilities for you to receive benefits.
Long-Term Disability Insurance FAQs
What is the purpose of long-term disability insurance?
Long-term disability insurance provides cash payments when an individual cannot work for a significant period because of illness, injury or disease.
What are the requirements for long-term disability payments?
Each long-term disability insurance plan has unique terms. The qualifications and waiting periods vary among the different plans. You must read your documents to know the definition of disability and what’s needed to claim benefits.
Is long-term disability a government program in Arizona?
No. Long-term disability is provided by your employer or purchased on your own. Arizona government employees who contribute to the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) also fund the ASRS Long-term Disability (LTD) Income Program.
Why are long-term disability claims denied?
Common reasons that long-term disability claims may be denied include:
- Conflict of interest if the claims examiner is an employee of the insurance company
- Lack of medical evidence or failing to meet the standard of disability
- Exclusions for a pre-existing condition or substance abuse
- Limitations for medical issues without objective testing like depression, chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia
- Waiting period to claim benefits
- Failing to meet deadlines
How long does long-term disability last in Arizona?
Long-term disability payments in Arizona last until you can return to work or for the duration of your policy. Typically, benefits last a few years or until retirement age.
Legal Representation
We provide legal representation with:
- Initial filings
- Appeals
- Court claims
You have the right to take your long-term disability case to court. The insurance company doesn’t have the final say. The court can review the decision. A claim may be resolved by a settlement, and we are equipped to negotiate your case.
There are time limits to pursuing your case, so don’t wait to contact us. If you have been denied, don’t just respond emotionally, and don’t file hastily – you need to know why your claim was denied and how to approach the next step with the goal of achieving a different decision. As long-term disability insurance lawyers, we know the mistakes people make, and we can diligently represent your interests.
Experienced legal services
Pekas Smith Disability Attorneys focuses exclusively on disability claims. We handle long-term disability filings and appeals. The benefits that you have paid for should be there when you need them. We believe everyone in Arizona should have the benefit of a long-term disability insurance attorney when they need one.
We want you to receive your benefits as early in the process as possible. Our law firm can represent you if you are preparing to file your initial claim, if you need an internal appeal or if you are ready to take your case to court. With 10,000 disability claims handled, we have the experience to address your legal needs.
Consultations Available – Talk to a Lawyer Today
A free consultation and discussion of your case is first. We prepare a strategy that is unique for your situation. Our team can represent you with no fee unless you win.
To see how Pekas Smith Disability Attorneys can represent you, contact our Arizona long-term disability insurance lawyers today to talk about your case. Consultations are available now.
