Speeding Up the Long-Term Disability Claim Approval Process

Insurance companies don’t move quickly, but with expert legal help, you have a better chance of getting your claim settled on time and in your favor.

Filing your disability claim can be both a daunting and overwhelming process and once you have submitted your long-term disability claim application, waiting for disability approval or denial may seem like it takes forever. Fortunately Cunnane Law in Edmonds WA may be able to assist you.

Here are some things that you can do to help speed up the approval process.

Be Proactive When Supplying All Your Medical Records

Because you are disabled due to injury or illness, the insurance company want to review your medical records. The more issues you have, the more records they will want to look at.

You will be able to speed up this process by obtaining these records and submitting them as soon as possible, preferably before the insurance company requests them.

Always Respond Promptly and Accurately to Any Requests for Information.

Your claim could be delayed or denied if your application is missing any key information. It can also be delayed if you do not meet the insurance company’s requests for additional information or their deadlines.

As an example, most disability insurance policies may require you to have an Independent Medical Exam (IME) or Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE). By failing to cooperate, your claim can be denied.

If you cause any delays, the insurance company may be entitled to additional extensions of time as allowed by the law, giving them a longer time to reach a decision.

For this reason it’s important for you to stay on top of every request for information. If you find yourself falling behind, you really should consider speaking to a long-term disability lawyer like Cunnane Law, to ensure you don’t put your claim at risk.

Help Your Doctor Help You

The most important evidence in your long-term disability claim is your doctor’s support. An attending physician statement (APS) is often requested by insurance companies as part of the claim analysis.

By keeping up with your treatment plan and staying in communication with your doctor so they know your current medical condition, you can help your doctor to submit his response on time. Delaying these APS forms can affect how long it takes to get an initial decision.

How Long Does a Long-Term Disability Claim Take?

There is, unfortunately, no definitive answer as to how long it will take to get your long-term disability benefits. It all depends on how long your insurance company takes to reach a decision and if you need to appeal a denial.

The initial application can take up to twelve months for a decision, and then a further nine months for the appeals process.

Do you need help with keeping on top of important deadlines for your long-term disability claim or appeal? Allow Cunnane Law in Edmonds WA, to help you. Contact us today and we’ll walk with you every step of the way.

Note: This information was provided not for any specific claim and is written in broad and general terms and may not be the right path to follow for a particular claim or case. This information is not intended to create an attorney client relationship. It is always best to receive direct legal counsel for your legal issues. It is never too early to call the attorney, but it can be too late.