Long-term disability insurance (LTD) protects you from losing your income if a medical condition renders you unable to work. The procedure for filing a claim may seem overwhelming and difficult. This is when a long-term disability attorney’s assistance may be useful. Since the success of your claim directly influences your financial security, hiring an experienced lawyer can be of great strategic advantage. This article outlines tips for hiring a lawyer for your long-term disability claim.
When Should You Hire An Attorney:
The question of when to hire a long term disability attorney is crucial. There is never a bad time to retain legal counsel to defend you in a disability claim. Contact an LTD lawyer as soon as you are unable to work to examine your options. Although it’s common practice for workers to wait until their claim has already been rejected before speaking with an attorney, doing so can undermine your rights. Here are a few tips you should consider while hiring a lawyer:
Disability And ERISA Claim:
Disability law is extremely specialized and distinct from other fields of law and personal injury law. A general practice lawyer frequently lacks the specialized training necessary to handle situations involving individual or group disability benefits successfully. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) is a complex federal statute that calls for specialization, especially in disability claims. Make sure the attorney you choose has a proven track record of successfully settling individual and group disability cases.
Assess Their Potential:
Disability lawyers need to have a strong foundation in healthcare, medicine, and biology, in addition to having a strong legal background and the ability to communicate clearly. Moreover, they require the resources and funding to recruit the top experts to support their clients’ claims. You’ll feel more at ease and confident knowing that your lawyer has access to professionals in the fields of medicine, finance, and employment.
Initial Consultation And Claim Filing:
The criteria for receiving benefits, the amount of your monthly payments, and the duration of your payments are all determined by your policy. An experienced ERISA and disability attorney will analyze your policy, medical, and financial data and provide honest feedback regarding whether you have a case that can be won or resolved with the insurer.
Since claim files or administrative records can be lengthy, you should discuss your policy with a lawyer during the initial consultation. This is a fool-proof way of ensuring your lawyer’s competency without high financial fees.
Approach To Client Service:
When pursuing disability benefits, asking the right questions and gathering the appropriate information can make all the difference. One of the most important characteristics to look for in a disability lawyer is taking the time to hear your story, respond to all of your inquiries, and then develop a strategy to handle a claim. If your lawyer hesitates to answer your questions or disregards your concerns, it would be advisable to consider another attorney for your claim.
Contract Restrictions:
Your lawyer’s terms and fee structure will be outlined in a legally binding retainer agreement or contract. The contract would also specify the scope of the representation and duration. Examine the agreement thoroughly and seek clarification if needed. Ensure the contract is written in plain and simple language to avoid ambiguities. If you have the resources, it is advisable to get your contract reviewed by another attorney. Only sign once you are satisfied that all of your concerns have been addressed.
Final Words:
Most disability lawyers work on a contingency basis while handling LTD matters. You are not required to pay the attorney’s fee under a contingency agreement until you receive your social security benefits. Your lawyer will cover the costs for any litigation expenditures, such as depositions, travel charges, medical documents, and postage. However, some LTD lawyers may charge you a percentage of both your future benefits and any back pay.
