Denied Long-Term Disability In Florida? Steps To Take To Protect Your Rights

An employer may provide long-term disability (LTD) insurance coverage in Florida, or you may have purchased private coverage. These policies protect your financial security when an injury or illness impacts your health and keeps you from working for a year or longer.

Unfortunately, many legitimate LTD claims get denied, creating financial insecurity for applicants. If facing this situation, it is important to act quickly and strategically. Our Jacksonville long-term disability lawyer explains common reasons for denials and how to protect your rights in an appeal.

Why Are So Many Long-Term Disability Claims In Florida Denied?

Insurance companies are for-profit businesses. The Insurance Information Institute reports that the industry rakes in more than $1.4 million annually. As approving LTD or other claims costs them money, denied benefits are common.

After filing a long-term disability claim in Florida, the insurance company assigns an adjuster to your case, who investigates and determines your eligibility for benefits. Common reasons for a denial include:

• Lack of medical evidence: The insurer may claim you have not provided enough medical proof of your disability.
• Failure to meet the policy’s definition of disability: Your policy may require that you be unable to perform any job, not just your previous occupation.
• Pre-existing condition exclusions: If the insurer determines your disability is caused by a pre-existing condition, they may deny coverage.
• Missed deadlines: Failing to file your claim or appeal within deadlines can result in an automatic denial.
• Surveillance or social media monitoring: Insurers may use video surveillance or social media posts to argue that you are not as disabled as you claim.

Understanding why your claim got denied is the first step in fighting back and securing the benefits you deserve.

What to Do If You Are Denied Florida Long-Term Disability Benefits

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that close to 40 percent of private industry workers have long-term disability benefits provided through employers. Some purchase a private policy to protect themselves.

If you file a long-term disability claim in Florida with your carrier and receive a denial letter, do not panic. While denials are common, many claims are successful on appeal. To protect your rights to LTD benefits, follow these steps:

• Thoroughly review your denial letter to see why your claim got denied and what to do next;
• Pay careful attention to any appeal deadlines, which are usually within 180 days of denial;
• Gather strong medical evidence, including medical records, test results, and statements from providers detailing your diagnosis and affirming your disability;
• Avoid social media, as it is often the first place insurers look for evidence to dispute your claim.

For Help In Appealing Denied Benefits, Contact Our Experienced Florida Long-Term Disability Lawyer Today

Fighting a long-term disability denial can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Farrell Law Firm has extensive experience handling these claims and knows how to challenge unfair denials.

For help in appealing denied benefits, contact our experienced Florida long-term disability lawyer. Request a consultation today in our Jacksonville or Orlando office.

Sources:

iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-industry-overview

bls.gov/opub/ted/2020/short-term-and-long-term-disability-insurance-for-civilian-workers-in-2020.htm#