If you have been injured at work you know how important it is to access disability benefits. When you are physically unable to work due to a disability, you have several options you can pursue to continue to have the income to pay your bills and otherwise stay afloat. You may well have access through your job or private insurance to long term disability (LTD) to keep your life on track, but often times this process is drawn out, confusing, and discouraging. With the help of a good disability lawyer, however, the long term disability (LTD) process can be much successful.
Long term disability helps those unable to work, either at their job or other jobs, by providing funds to replace income lost. The long term disability plan, if available, provides a monthly benefit to those unable to do their job (during the time the “own work” definition applies) and alternative work (during the time the any work definition applies), ideally offsetting lost income and helping pay bills and other expenses.
This sounds great, right? Unfortunately, the process becomes complex when one applies for long term disability. Many plans require objective medical evidence and limit or exclude coverage for certain conditions, including for mental impairments, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Even if you prove that you are indeed disabled, it may take a long time to get to that point, let alone to the point where you are receiving benefits.
An experienced disability lawyer can make the application process run smoothly, as he or she has a solid understanding of what information is needed to make a persuasive case.
If you are unsuccessful the first time, you are able to appeal your case, but again, this is a situation in which an experienced disability lawyer is extremely helpful. Going through the appeals process can be even more time-consuming and discouraging to people who have been injured at work. With an experienced disability lawyer working for you, you may be more likely to get a favorable result from your appeal, and it may even reduce the amount of time you spend waiting.
Attempting to deal with the long term disability system on your own may seem appealing at a time when you already feel strapped for cash, but hiring a disability lawyer could be one of the best investments you make, as he or she can help you spend less time and less effort on getting the results you need to keep living your life comfortably. Don’t settle for less than you deserve!
If you are unable to work, don’t wait – contact Schiffman Law Office, P.C., P.C at schiffmanlaw.com or call (602) 235-0539 to speak with one of our expert disability lawyers today.