Long-Term Disability (LTD)

The Liner Legal, LLC Difference: Your Disability Warriors

At Liner Legal, LLC, we’re more than just a law firm. We’re an army of Disability Warriors, ready to charge onto the battlefield and fight for your benefits. Our team of experienced attorneys and staff has been built specifically around the idea that a successful outcome begins and ends with the competency of the professionals working on the case.

When you choose Liner Legal, LLC, you’re not just becoming a client; you’re becoming part of our family. And we always look after our family. As disability lawyers in Cleveland, Ohio, and surrounding areas, we pledge to help our clients face the daily challenges brought on by the inability to work and do everything possible to help restore normalcy in their lives.

What is LTD?

Long-Term Disability insurance provides financial support to individuals who are unable to work due to a severe illness, injury, or chronic condition. Unlike short-term disability, which covers only a brief period, LTD benefits are designed to help replace a portion of your income—often ranging from 50% to 80%—for an extended time—potentially until retirement age—depending on the specifics of your policy.

LTD coverage acts as a financial safety net, ensuring you can continue to pay for essential expenses like housing, utilities, and medical care even when you’re unable to work. For many, these benefits are not just a convenience but a necessity.

While LTD insurance provides crucial support, obtaining these benefits can be challenging. Insurance companies often scrutinize claims closely, looking for reasons to deny or limit payouts. Understanding your policy, documenting your condition thoroughly, and correctly handling the claims process are all essential to securing your benefits. That’s where the experienced team at Liner Legal, LLC, comes in.

At Liner Legal, we help clients throughout Ohio understand their LTD policies, manage the claims process, and fight for the benefits they are entitled to receive. Whether you’re just beginning your LTD application or need to appeal a denial, we are here to help every step of the way.

What You Need for Long-Term Disability Benefits

In order to have a successful case, you must prove that you qualify under your insurance policy’s definition of disabled. It is always important to consult a copy of your LTD contract. If you do not have one, ask your HR representative or call your LTD insurance company.

You will want to talk with your treating doctor, as the LTD insurance company will likely want an opinion from that doctor. Acquiring your medical records relating to your disability is also an essential step. These records include clinic notes, lab results, x-rays, MRIs, exams, and surgical reports.

You must also continue treatment for your disability, even while your claim is pending and after you receive benefits. If you stop your treatment, your LTD could be stopped.

LTD Requirements

To be eligible for LTD, individuals have to meet certain requirements. These include, but certainly are not limited to:

• Paying premiums if it is part of your insurance policy
• Working long enough to become an “insured” employee
• A waiting period, often called the “elimination” period (usually three to six months) between when the disability started and when your LTD benefits can start
• Checking that the LTD insurance contract does not exclude your condition.

Of course, every contract is different. The best idea is to give us a call and talk with one of our experienced lawyers about the unique your situation.

Coverage

Long-term disability covers a multitude of conditions. These include, but certainly are not limited to:

• Degenerative Disc Disease
• Arthritis
• Crohn’s, Colitis, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Cancer
• Injuries
• Poisonings
• Cardiovascular or circulatory disorders
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Depression
• Anxiety

The Long-Term Disability Claim Process

Filing for long-term disability benefits can be daunting, with complex paperwork, deadlines, and strict requirements. At Liner Legal, LLC, we understand how overwhelming it can be to navigate this process, especially when you’re already dealing with the challenges of your condition. Our goal is to simplify the journey, guide you through each step, and provide the support you need to secure the benefits you deserve. Here’s an overview of the typical long-term disability claim process:

Initial Application

The first step in the long-term disability claim process is submitting an initial application. This involves completing various forms provided by your insurance company, which detail your medical condition, work history, and how your disability prevents you from working.

Along with these forms, you must submit medical evidence, such as doctors’ reports, test results, and any other documentation supporting your claim. It is important to ensure you understand your LTD contract and know the time limits for submitting your application.

Our team can assist you in gathering the necessary documentation, ensuring your application is completed accurately, and highlighting the critical aspects of your condition that demonstrate your inability to work. This foundational step is crucial, as mistakes or incomplete information can lead to delays or denials.

Review by the Insurance Company

Once your application is submitted, the insurance company will review your claim. During this review, they may request additional information, including more detailed medical records, a statement from your employer, or an independent medical examination. This stage can take several weeks to months, depending on the complexity of your claim and the insurance company’s response times.

When you retain our services, we stay in constant communication with the insurance company, respond promptly to requests, and advocate on your behalf to ensure your claim moves forward without unnecessary delays. Our proactive approach helps prevent your case from stalling during the review process.

Approval or Denial of Benefits

After reviewing your application, the insurance company will either approve or deny your claim. If approved, you will begin receiving long-term disability benefits based on the terms of your policy.

However, if your claim is denied, the insurance company will provide a written explanation of why your benefits were not approved. You have 180 days to file an appeal after you receive a denial.

If your claim is denied, our team will carefully analyze the reasons provided by the insurance company. We will identify any flaws or oversights in their decision and develop a strategy to challenge the denial.

Appeals Process

If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. The appeals process involves submitting additional evidence, clarifying any misunderstandings, and presenting a stronger case to support your claim. This is often the most critical stage, as many claims initially denied are later approved on appeal.

We handle the entire appeals process on your behalf, from gathering new evidence to writing persuasive appeal letters. Our attorneys will work with medical experts, vocational specialists, and other professionals to build the strongest possible case for your appeal. If necessary, we are prepared to represent you at administrative hearings or court proceedings.

Ongoing Claim Management

Even after your claim is approved, insurance companies may periodically review your case to determine if you continue to qualify for benefits. This can involve follow-up medical evaluations, questionnaires, or updated documentation. It’s essential to stay vigilant and proactive to maintain your benefits.

Liner Legal, LLC, remains by your side throughout the life of your claim. We assist with ongoing documentation, ensure compliance with policy requirements, and intervene if your benefits are ever threatened. Our commitment to you doesn’t end with approval; we are here to support you as long as you need us.

Why Long-Term Disability Claims Are Denied

Unfortunately, not all claims are approved, even when the need is clear. Insurance companies often deny long-term disability claims for various reasons, including:

• Lack of Medical Evidence: Insufficient or incomplete medical documentation can lead to a denial of benefits. It’s crucial to have comprehensive medical records that clearly outline your condition and its impact on your ability to work.
• Failure to Meet Policy Definitions: Insurance policies have specific definitions for what constitutes a disability. If your condition doesn’t meet their criteria, your claim may be denied.
• Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance companies often scrutinize claims involving pre-existing conditions and may deny benefits if they believe your disability was present before your coverage began.
• Missed Deadlines: Filing deadlines are strict, and missing a deadline for submitting paperwork, appeals, or evidence can result in a denied claim.

At Liner Legal, LLC, our attorneys have extensive experience dealing with these tactics. We know how to present a compelling case that addresses these common issues, giving you the best chance of securing your long-term disability benefits.

Our Proven Approach to Winning Long-Term Disability Claims

At Liner Legal, we believe that success in long-term disability claims starts with a deep understanding of your condition and a comprehensive strategy tailored to your unique circumstances. Here’s how we approach every case:

• Thorough Case Evaluation: We start by conducting an in-depth review of your medical records, insurance policy, and claim history. This allows us to identify any gaps or weaknesses that must be addressed.
• Collaborating with Medical Professionals: We work closely with your doctors and, if necessary, consult with medical experts who can provide critical evidence to support your claim.
• Preparing Strong Documentation: Proper documentation is the backbone of a successful disability claim. We ensure all required forms are completed accurately and that your medical records and physician statements clearly illustrate the impact of your disability.
• Handling Appeals: If your claim has been denied, don’t give up hope. Our team has a wealth of experience navigating the appeals process, challenging denials, and fighting to overturn unjust decisions.
• Representation at Hearings: If your case requires a hearing before an administrative law judge, you can count on our experienced attorneys to represent you. We will thoroughly prepare you for what to expect and present a compelling argument on your behalf.

Contact Long-Term Disability Lawyers in Cleveland Today

When you choose Liner Legal, you’re not just hiring a law firm—you’re joining a family. We promise to fight as hard for you as we would for our own. With Liner Legal on your side, you have an ally who will never back down from the challenges you face.

The experienced Ohio social security disability attorneys at Liner Legal are ready to listen to your case and help advise you on your next steps. Our main office is in Cleveland, and office visits by appointment are also available in Akron, Canton, Columbus, Youngstown, and Sandusky. 

Contact us today at (216) 282-1773 or through our online form for a free and confidential consultation.