Why Does Federal Law Apply to My Disability Insurance Claim?
Apr 14, 2020 | Blog | ShareIf you’ve researched disability insurance claims, you’ve probably noticed that the process varies depending on whether federal or Illinois law applies to your case. For example, under Illinois law, you can request a jury trial in a short-term or long-term disability lawsuit. However, this is not an option in federal court. While you may prefer Illinois’ appeal process to the federal version, you can’t pick and choose your court. Instead, you’ll need to determine whether ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974) applies to your case and preempts (overrides) our state’s laws. At Bryant Legal Group, we guide disabled […]
Is Someone Watching Me? LTD Claims and Surveillance
Apr 9, 2020 | Blog | ShareDuring a long-term disability (LTD) claim, it’s common to feel like you’re under intense scrutiny. The insurance company may ask you the same questions a dozen different ways. It may send you to a medical exam. The adjuster may even ask to visit you at home. However, the insurer may be going even further: you may also be under surveillance. Insurance company surveillance is intended to capture your daily activities, helping the adjuster make a determination about your physical limitations. However, surveillance not does not always fully and correctly reach this goal. In this article, the team at Bryant Law […]
Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, and Disability Insurance: A Claimant’s Guide
Apr 7, 2020 | Blog | ShareLiving with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder is challenging. However, many people with these conditions can live independently, although they sometimes need support from loved ones and others. If you or a loved one can no longer work due to psychosis or schizophrenia, then the person affected may be eligible for short-term or long-term disability insurance benefits. In this article, our experienced disability insurance lawyers discuss common issues that people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder face, both in their everyday life and during their LTD claims. What Is the Difference Between Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder? Schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder are closely […]
How Long Do I Have to Wait for a Disability Insurance Decision?
Mar 31, 2020 | Blog | ShareAfter you apply for short-term or long-term disability benefits, the insurance company may take what seems like forever to make a decision. The company might repeatedly send you forms, ask for more information, or even go silent and stop communicating altogether. When you’re waiting for much-needed financial benefits, these delays can cause incredible frustration and anxiety. At Bryant Legal Group, we understand exactly how you feel. In this blog, we’ll talk about disability insurance claim deadlines and explain what you can do if your adjuster unreasonably delays paying your benefits. Different Deadlines Apply to Employer-Sponsored and Private Disability Insurance Many […]
What Does a “Full and Fair Review” Mean Under ERISA?
Mar 25, 2020 | Blog | ShareIn 2018, a new Department of Labor (DOL) rule went into effect, clarifying your right to a “full and fair review” under ERISA. While you may not have noticed the change, it dramatically impacted how companies and insurers must handle short-term and long-term disability claims. In this article, our team of disability insurance lawyers explains your essential rights during a disability insurance appeal and discusses what you should do if violations occur. ERISA §503: Disability Claimants Must Receive a “Full and Fair Review” The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) guarantees all disability claimants a full and fair […]
Can I Get Disability Insurance for Coronavirus?
Mar 24, 2020 | Blog | Share In 2019, none of us worried about social distancing or flattening the curve of a global pandemic. Unfortunately, the novel coronavirus dramatically changed our lives in a matter of months. Many of us are still coming to terms with our new reality. In this article, our disability insurance lawyers at Bryant Legal Group discuss the coronavirus and explain when you can file a claim for either short-term or long-term disability benefits. What We Know About the Novel Coronavirus Information and guidance from healthcare professionals on how to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic is changing by the moment. Bryant Legal […]
Parkinson’s Disease and Disability Insurance: A Claimant’s Guide
Mar 19, 2020 | Blog | ShareApproximately 60,000 Americans receive a Parkinson’s disease (PD) diagnosis each year. In 2016, there were around 30,000 people in Illinois living with PD, and studies show that the prevalence of the disease is increasing throughout the United States. As a progressive neurodegenerative disease, PD is a chronic condition that worsens over time. While you may be able to work for a few years after the onset of your condition, you will inevitably require both life care and financial help once your condition progresses to later stages. Even if you already have long-term disability insurance (LTD), you may need help filing […]
Disability Insurance in a Nutshell
Mar 17, 2020 | Blog | ShareIf you search “disability insurance” or “long-term disability” online, you’ll find a mishmash of information that talks about employer-sponsored insurance plans, private policies, and Social Security benefits. Some of this information may apply to your situation, but much of it will seem confusing and even contradictory. Sorting everything out can seem almost impossible. At Bryant Legal Group, we want to help. Our team of respected lawyers takes a practical approach to disability insurance claims and deeply values client education. In this article, we’ll explain the essentials of disability insurance. What Is Disability Insurance? Disability insurance provides a monthly benefit if […]
The symptoms and uncertainty associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can turn your life upside down. If you’re unable to work due to your ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, you may be eligible for long-term disability benefits. However, the process of getting benefits can feel overwhelming — especially during a flare. At Bryant Legal Group, we guide people through their complex disability insurance claims and help them get the benefits they deserve. In this article, we discuss the essentials of IBD-related disability claims. What Is Inflammatory Bowel Disease? IBD is a category of diseases that cause inflammation and damage in […]
At some point during a long-term disability insurance claim, the insurance company may ask a physician consultant to evaluate your case and medical records. When you get this notice, it can lead to worries that your LTD benefits are in danger. You may also wonder how this doctor who has never met you or examined you in person can provide a valid assessment of your claim. In this article, we’ll discuss the “peer review” process used by physician consultants and explain whether you should be worried when one gets involved in your claim. Keep reading to learn more. What Does […]
