Long-term disability lawyers help people with private or employer-sponsored disability insurance claims, including initial applications, denied claims, terminated benefits, and appeals. The right lawyer may depend on the type of disability policy, the reason benefits were denied, available medical evidence, and whether the plan is governed by ERISA. Because LTD policies can use different definitions and procedures, the specific policy language is often important.
David Chermol handles matters in Philadelphia, PA involving disability benefit matters, including SSDI claims, appeals, and eligibility issues.
Nick Callas' work in Columbia, SC includes personal injury matters, with attention to injury claims, liability, and recovery.
Review Justin Lee Lawrence's Fort Mitchell, KY profile for personal injury matters and matters involving injury claims, liability, and recovery.
Based in Albuquerque, NM, Benjamin Decker's practice focuses on disability benefit matters and SSDI claims, appeals, and eligibility issues.
This Lakeland, FL profile highlights Dante Weston's focus on criminal matters and case preparation, defense, and court proceedings.
The Miami, FL profile for Evan A. Zagoria highlights personal injury matters, including accident-related losses and compensation issues.
Jed Strong's legal focus in Boise, ID includes injury-related matters, covering claims, responsibility, and financial recovery.
Steve Fields handles injury-related matters in Philadelphia, PA, including matters related to claims, responsibility, and financial recovery.
The Austin, TX profile for Lloyd E. Bemis III highlights Social Security Disability claims, including applications, denials, and appeals.
Learn about Thomas M. Farrell IV's Jacksonville, FL practice, including Social Security Disability matters and benefit claims, denials, and appeals.
In Cherry Hill, NJ, Thomas J. Hagner works on employment law matters involving workplace rights, disputes, and employment issues.
Michelle Hodgman handles personal injury matters in Boston, MA, including matters related to injury claims, liability, and recovery.
This Houston, TX profile highlights Marc Whitehead's focus on Social Security Disability claims and applications, denials, and appeals.
Loyd J. Bourgeois practices in Metairie, LA, with a focus on Social Security Disability claims and applications, denials, and appeals.
This Fargo, ND profile highlights Scott Haider's focus on Social Security Disability claims and applications, denials, and appeals.
Paul H. Young's work in Philadelphia, PA is centered on Social Security Disability matters, with attention to benefit claims, denials, and appeals.
In Allentown, PA, Michael J. O'Connor's practice includes personal injury concerns, especially accident losses, liability, and claim strategy.
The Beverly Hills, CA profile for Haleh Shekarchian highlights personal injury matters, including accident-related losses and compensation issues.
David P. Martin is a Social Security Disability attorney in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, helping clients navigate disability claims, applications, and appeals.
Eric S. Olson's Naples, FL practice is focused on personal injury matters, including injury claims, liability, and recovery.
Anthony M. Georgelis' work in Lancaster, PA includes injury-related matters, with attention to claims, responsibility, and financial recovery.
Review Mark Petro's profile in Birmingham, AL, with a practice centered on personal injury cases and accident claims, damages, and compensation.
Timothy A. Shollenberger's legal work in Harrisburg, PA focuses on personal injury matters, including injury claims, liability, and recovery.
David Bross focuses on personal injury concerns in Cherry Hill, NJ, with attention to accident losses, liability, and claim strategy.
In Boca Raton, FL, Joseph Abdallah works on personal injury matters involving accident-related losses and compensation issues.
Based in Burlington, VT, Ron F. Wright's practice includes personal injury cases, particularly accident claims, damages, and compensation.
Mark Van Horn's legal focus in Allentown, PA includes civil legal matters, covering claims, disputes, and litigation concerns.
Stacy J. Crider works on family law concerns in Indianapolis, IN, addressing divorce, custody, support, and related disputes.
A long-term disability lawyer may assist with different stages of an LTD insurance claim, including:
Long-term disability insurance and Social Security Disability are different benefit systems.
| Long-Term Disability | Social Security Disability |
|---|---|
| Usually comes from a private insurance policy or employer benefit plan | Federal disability benefit program |
| Eligibility depends heavily on the policy language | Eligibility follows Social Security Administration rules |
| Benefits may replace part of a person's income | Benefits are calculated under federal Social Security rules |
| Claims may be handled by an insurer or plan administrator | Claims are handled by the Social Security Administration |
| Some employer plans may be subject to ERISA | SSDI is a federal government program |
Long-term disability claims may be denied for many different reasons. Common issues can include:
Depending on the claim, useful documentation may include:
After receiving a denial, a claimant may need to:
A person may consider consulting a long-term disability lawyer when:
When comparing lawyers for a long-term disability matter, consider whether the professional has experience with issues similar to yours. Useful factors may include:
What does a long-term disability lawyer do?
A long-term disability lawyer can review disability insurance policies, evaluate medical and occupational evidence, assist with claims and appeals, and help address disputes involving denied or terminated LTD benefits. The lawyer's role depends on the type of policy and the stage of the claim.
Can a lawyer help if my long-term disability claim was denied?
Yes. A lawyer may review the denial letter, insurance policy, medical evidence, claim file, and appeal procedures. The goal is to identify why the claim was denied and determine what additional evidence or arguments may be appropriate during the appeal process.
How long do I have to appeal a long-term disability denial?
The deadline depends on the policy and the laws governing the plan. Employer-sponsored plans subject to ERISA may have specific administrative appeal procedures. Claimants should review the denial letter and policy documents carefully and avoid waiting until the deadline is close.
What evidence is needed for a long-term disability claim?
Evidence may include medical records, physician reports, diagnostic testing, treatment history, functional limitations, occupational information, job duties, claim forms, and insurance correspondence. The most useful evidence often explains not only the diagnosis but also how the condition affects the person's ability to work.
Are employer long-term disability plans governed by ERISA?
Many employer-sponsored disability benefit plans are governed by ERISA, but not all LTD policies fall under ERISA. Individual insurance policies and certain employer arrangements may follow different rules. The plan documents can help determine which legal framework applies.