If you are unable to work for a long period of time, you may be able to apply for long-term disability benefits through various avenues. If an injury or illness suffered during the scope of employment is the reason you cannot work, applying for workers’ compensation benefits may be the right avenue to pursue. In other situations, such as if the injury or illness did not occur at work, you might be able to file a claim under a long-term disability insurance policy. Generally, there are two types of policies in which individuals can apply for these types of benefits.
1. Long-Term Disability Claims Through Your Employer
As part of your benefit package at work, you may be entitled to long-term disability coverage. In the event you cannot work for an extended period of time, you can file a long-term disability claim through your employer’s long-term disability insurance provider.
However, the law, rules and procedures regarding employer-sponsored long-term disability insurance are governed by ERISA, or the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.
Further, each insurance policy differs, with individual provisions regarding conditions that qualify for payout, exclusions for pre-existing conditions, and limited payout time frames.
Our Assistance
If you need help filing a claim, understanding your rights, or wish to know more about the law, let us help. Our personal injury lawyer team at Julie A. Rice, Attorney at Law, & Affiliates, has decades of combined practical experience helping individuals in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding communities, who are unable to obtain compensation.
2. Long-Term Disability Claims Through A Private Policy
Instead of applying for benefits through your employer, you may have secured long-term disability benefits through a private insurance policy.
These types of policies are not governed by ERISA but are still complex. Similar to employer sponsored policies, private long-term disability policies also have specific provisions regarding the types of conditions that are covered and not covered, payout amounts and time limits.
Support From Our Long-Term Disability Lawyers
If you have a private insurance policy and either need help filing a claim or have already filed a claim, which has been delayed or denied, let us help.
Our experienced team of Georgia long-term disability attorneys can review your policy, help explain the law, and determine a course of action for your individual situation.
Contact Us For Guidance Today
If you need help with any aspect of a long-term disability insurance claim, reach out to us for help. This area of law is complex. Hiring a lawyer who understands the process is very important to securing the benefits you need.
Call today. If you have a question, you can also send us an email (juliericelaw@icloud.com).
Georgia residents — call 770-865-8654.