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Difficulties Encountered With Long Term Disability Claims In San Diego CA
Many people end up having to take time off from work due to a disability. When this occurs, many believe that they can rely on their disability insurance policies. Unfortunately, insurers exist to make as much money as possible for shareholders. They do not exist to pay as many claims as possible. This means insurance companies may try to not pay claims to victims who truly do have injuries that prevent work. In many instances, it may be a good idea for claimants to consider hiring a lawyer with experience in long term disability claims in San Diego CA. There are many ways that disability claimants can be denied benefits. A lot of problems can come up that result in a denied claim. A lawyer can help claimants get through the difficulties that may be encountered.
First of all, the language and verbiage of the original policy is very important when trying to get long term disability claims in San Diego CA. The more favorable the verbiage on defining a disability, the easier it is to qualify. For example, a person who is determined to be disabled when not able to work in his or her own occupation will have an easier time getting benefits than someone with a policy that requires the claimant to not be able to work in any occupation. Unfortunately, the favorable verbiage in disability policies cost a lot of money. Those with cheaper policies or policies paid by an employer will often find that the policy language is not as favorable. The lawyer will read the policy to determine what can be done to get benefits.
Regardless of the verbiage in the original disability policy, it is very important for an attorney to carefully look at the claimant's medical records. The insurance company will look through the same records very carefully to look for reasons to deny the claim. Supporting medical records are critical to successful long term disability claims in San Diego CA.
Depending on the value of the benefits and the insurance company, there is a chance that the insurer may hire a person to watch the claimant while outside of the house to find evidence that he or she is not disabled. The insurance company is likely to cherry-pick video footage for evidence that the claimant is not disabled. In addition, the insurance company will continue to monitor the claimant in this manner even after benefits are paid. Most of the time, the private investigators hired by insurers don't find useful evidence, but occasionally they do find evidence that can be very damaging. Without the help of a skilled lawyer, claimants with genuine disabilities may look like they are trying to defraud the insurance company.
Eventually, the claimant may have to appear at an administrative hearing to decide whether to grant benefits. Many claimants don't know that the records are closed just prior to the hearing. No additional evidence can be added during or after the hearing. Many claimants do not know this since they're not informed of the restrictions on adding evidence at the hearing. Lawyers who work on long term disability claims in San Diego CA know how to approach these hearings. The claimants' attorneys will make sure the supporting evidence is submitted in a timely manner so that it can be used during the hearing.
Many people who think claiming long term disability benefits is easy after dutifully paying premiums for many years. They are often shocked by how difficult it is to claim benefits. Many are shocked when they are denied. That is why it is highly advised for those claiming private long term disability benefits to consider hiring legal counsel prior to initial contact with the insurance company to claim benefits.
Click here to visit the website of a local disability attorney's office.
