Denied Because You “Hid” a Condition From the Insurance Company? You Can Fight Back
Jun 23, 2020 | Blog | ShareYou’ve paid your private disability insurance premiums on time for years. Then, when you file a claim for disability insurance benefits, you get a letter saying you “hid” a medical condition, and your policy is canceled or void. How can this happen? Most private disability insurance policies require that you tell the truth and accurately describe your medical conditions in an application. But even if you’ve been completely truthful, insurers will sometimes try to void your policy to get out of paying your short-term and long-term disability benefits. If you made a mistake on your disability insurance application or the […]
When most of us think about “disability,” we define the term simply: you can’t work because of an illness, medical condition, or injury. However, when you apply for long-term disability insurance, you’ll discover that “disability” can mean many different things, depending on your policy. Unfortunately, many disabled individuals don’t realize that their policy’s language can have a profound impact on their right to benefits. This lack of understanding can lead to a lot of frustration and denied benefits. In this blog article, our disability insurance lawyers break down the difference between “own occupation disability” and “any occupation disability.” Read Your […]
It can be hard to find reliable, understandable information about disability insurance law. Online search engines often confuse disability insurance and Social Security, which can lead to confusion and bad advice. At Bryant Legal Group, we focus our practice on disability insurance claims, handling both ERISA and private insurance issues. In this blog, we answer 10 of our clients’ most common short-term and long-term disability insurance questions. 1. What Is ERISA? ERISA stands for the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. ERISA is a federal law that controls many employer-sponsored benefits, including disability insurance, retirement, and pension plans. Congress […]
5 Things You Should Know Before You File a Mutual of Omaha Disability Claim
Jun 9, 2020 | Blog | ShareMutual of Omaha is one of the country’s largest disability insurers, offering both short-term and long-term disability policies to employers and individuals. While Mutual of Omaha isn’t as notorious as UNUM or MetLife, the company still has a significant history of improperly denying disability claims. If you’re about to apply for benefits or file an appeal with Mutual of Omaha, get ready for a fight. In this article, our disability lawyers will introduce you to Mutual of Omaha, explain some of their tactics, and discuss ways you can improve your chances of getting short-term and long-term disability benefits. Meet the […]
Can You Work Part-Time and Collect Disability Insurance?
Jun 4, 2020 | Blog | ShareFor many people, returning to work after a serious illness or injury, even on a part-time basis, feels like an important milestone. Your role as a working person or professional is probably an essential part of your identity; getting back into the workforce can help you feel like you’re on the path to recovery. Some long-term disability (LTD) plans do allow people to attempt a return to work, but you’ll need to review your policy’s terms and conditions carefully. If you’re not careful, returning to the workforce may lead to termination of your benefits. In this article, the disability insurance […]
Is Lyme Disease a Disability?
Jun 3, 2020 | Blog | ShareLyme disease, like many so-called “invisible” chronic conditions, is often misunderstood. While many people quickly recover from the infection, others struggle with long-term fatigue, muscle aches, and cognitive difficulties. Lyme disease can make working and doing other things you love virtually impossible. At Bryant Legal Group, we help people struggling with Lyme disease and other chronic conditions get the disability insurance benefits they deserve. In this article, our short-term and long-term disability lawyers explain why Lyme disease is on the rise and describe what you can do to strengthen your disability claim. What Is Lyme Disease? Lyme disease is the […]
ERISA Claims and Exhausting Administrative Remedies: What You Need to Know
May 26, 2020 | Blog | ShareBefore you file an ERISA lawsuit, you must follow a very specific process, and a single mistake can have serious consequences. Unfortunately, many disabled people don’t fully understand how ERISA claims work. In this article, our experienced disability insurance lawyers outline the basics of an ERISA claim, how to “exhaust your administrative remedies,” and when you can file a disability insurance lawsuit. What Is the ERISA Claims Process? ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974) applies to most employer-funded benefit plans, including long-term and short-term disability policies. Many claimants mistakenly believe that this administrative appeals process will be quick […]
Get Your Short-Term Disability Approved: 5 Ways to Improve Your Application
May 19, 2020 | Blog | ShareIf you’re unable to work due to an injury, illness, or chronic medical condition, you may be eligible for short-term disability benefits. However, applying for disability insurance benefits isn’t as simple a process as you might imagine; it takes precision and a comprehensive legal strategy. Our ERISA lawyers at Bryant Legal Group are here to help. In this article, our attorneys outline five ways you can improve your chances of getting your short-term disability approved. How Does Short-Term Disability Work? Short-term disability insurance is supposed to cover some of your lost income when you’re unable to work due to an […]
Denied Short-Term Disability? Follow This Appeal Checklist
May 15, 2020 | Blog | ShareNo one wants to get a letter from the insurance company that contains a denial of short-term disability benefits. Unfortunately, it’s not a rare occurrence. Many people with legitimate disability insurance claims receive a denial and then have to appeal their insurer’s decision. If you’re thinking about filing an appeal with your short-term disability carrier, you need to have a plan — otherwise, you may make mistakes that reduce or eliminate your benefits. If your short-term disability benefits are employer-funded, a federal law called ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974) applies to your claim. This law sets out […]
How to Prove Long-Term Disability in an ERISA Claim
May 12, 2020 | Blog | ShareBefore an insurance adjuster approves your disability insurance claim, they will investigate and look for reasons to deny or limit your benefits. You need to anticipate this investigation, which is why a successful long-term or short-term disability application includes more than your completed forms. A strong LTD claim also contains detailed evidence that documents your medical conditions, identifies your limitations, and shows that you meet the policy’s definition of disability. Building this evidentiary record isn’t a simple process. In this article, we explain how you can “stack the record” and prove to the insurance company or the courts that you’re […]
