If your insurance company has denied your long-term disability claim, it’s time to hire a lawyer immediately. Your insurance company has a powerful legal team and endless resources to try to bully you into giving up on your claim. You should not even attempt to take on this battle alone.
Choosing the right disability lawyer to represent you is a major decision. It could quite literally change the course of your future. Because it’s such an important decision, it might feel a bit overwhelming, especially at an already difficult time.
Unfortunately, there is no “one-size-fits-all” disability lawyer. To help you choose the right lawyer for your long-term disability case, here are some key qualities to look for.
5 key qualities to look for in a long-term disability lawyer
1. Specializes in disability insurance law
Disability insurance law is deeply complicated. This works almost entirely in favor of insurance companies. With so many rules and regulations to keep up with, it’s essential to have a disability lawyer who knows what to expect and has the track record to prove it.
Some law firms will dabble in many different areas of the law rather than specialize in just one. When it comes to long-term disability law in particular, this leaves a lot of room for error at a time when there are no second chances.
When you’re appealing a denied long-term disability claim, it’s best to choose a lawyer that specializes in this area of the law – and nothing else.
2. Expert in ERISA
ERISA stands for the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the federal law that regulates employee benefits. If your disability insurance policy is available through your employer, then your plan is governed by ERISA.
Because of the strict deadlines and complexities of the ERISA appeal process, it’s far too easy to make a mistake that could cost you your claim.
If your ERISA disability claim has been denied, you need the help and guidance of a lawyer who is an expert in ERISA law. The stakes are simply too high to take your chances with a lawyer who only works on an ERISA case now and then.
Read more here about how an ERISA disability lawyer can help with your claim
3. Knows the law in your local area
Long-term disability laws vary from state to state, and the process for challenging denials can differ even from county to county.
For example, the Eastern and Western Districts of Washington state are run differently. If you’re fighting a disability claim denial in Seattle, then your claim won’t necessarily be subjected to the same court rules that apply in Spokane.
Hiring a lawyer who knows the subtle differences in state disability laws and local court rules can have a big impact on the outcome of your claim.
Hiring a lawyer who knows the subtle differences between state disability laws and local court rules can have a big impact on the outcome of your claim. That’s why it’s so important to hire a disability lawyer who is not just licensed in your state but has demonstrated experience and an in-depth understanding of the law in your area.
4. Honest and upfront
The disability lawyer you choose should give you the truth about your case – whether it’s good or bad.
Unfortunately, some law firms will try to tell you what they think you want to hear, not what you need to hear. Beware of any guarantees or empty promises. Choose a lawyer that will give you an honest assessment of your case.
Not sure whether to trust your lawyer? A good place to start is to read reviews from past clients.
5. Compassionate and empathetic
If you’re suffering from a medical condition that’s impacted your ability to earn a living, you’re undoubtedly facing a great deal of personal and financial hardship.
It’s important to understand that none of this is your fault. Your insurance company, however, is not on your side. It is focused on its bottom line, not your best interests. This means it will do everything possible to cast blame and doubt on your claim.
At a time when things are already difficult, you need a lawyer who will be a truly compassionate ally. Look for someone who will not only listen but will believe you and support you during the process.
Why Roy Law Group
At Roy Law Group, we practice long-term disability and ERISA law. That’s it.
We fight disability insurance companies every single day, and we know what it takes to beat them. We take the burden away from our clients so they can focus on taking care of themselves.
If your long-term disability claim has been denied and you’re not sure where to begin, reach out to us today. We have a compassionate team of long-term disability lawyers ready to fight on your behalf, no matter where you live.
Contact Roy Law Group right away for a free consultation.