The Long Term Disability Benefit Process

If you have been out of work for an extended period because of injury or illness, the bills are piling up and your future employment is unclear. Once you have exhausted any short-term disability benefits and other paid leave, your long-term disability insurance policy should kick in.

Unfortunately, qualifying for disability pay is neither seamless nor automatic. There are numerous hoops to jump through, and the insurance companies look for any reason to deny coverage. If your claim has been rejected, the next step could be critical to the process of obtaining disability benefits.

Contact the Law Office of P. Randall Noah for skilled representation and personalized service. Our experienced lawyer will guide you through this complex process. We represent disabled persons in the Bay Area, northern California, statewide and nationwide.

Your Claim for Long Term Disability

The first step is applying to your disability insurance provider. Most likely, you have already submitted a claim and been rejected. (If not, we can advise on how to improve your chances of approval.)

The second step is appealing a rejected claim to your insurance carrier for reconsideration. If you have long-term disability coverage through an employer, there are specific administrative procedures under federal ERISA law, and typically 180 days to appeal the denied claim.

It is best to hire an attorney at this stage — one with focused knowledge in long-term disability law. Randy Noah has practiced insurance, injury and disability law for over 20 years. He knows how to resubmit the claim to (a) improve your chances of approval and (b) shape the next appeal in case the insurer denies the claim again.

The last step in the disability benefits process is a lawsuit. If you have private disability insurance, your case is heard in state court. Mr. Noah represents clients in state claims in the state courts of California and Michigan. If you have employer-sponsored insurance, your case must be brought in federal court.

The Law Office of P. Randall Noah has a record of successful representation in all phases and all venues of the disability claims process. Our goal is to simplify the process and secure your rightful benefits as efficiently as possible.

Contact us online or call us at 925-402-4529 for more information about your claim. We will listen to your concerns, evaluate your case, and advise you of your legal options. For certain cases, we offer a free 30-minute consultation.