How Long Will It Take To Settle Your Long-Term Disability Claim?
Length Of Time To Settle A Claim
It is difficult to say exactly how long your claim will take, as each claim is dealt with on an individual basis. You should be aware, however, that in order to move to resolution, it may take a year to settle your claim.
There are many factors that can influence how quickly your claim for long-term disability benefits will be processed by your insurance company. Some of these factors are in your control and some are not.
Some factors include;
- The nature of your illness or injury
- The level of the cooperation of your physicians
- Your insurer and their legal counsel
- If your case can be resolved at mediation allowing you to avoid a lengthy trial in court
- Completing your application forms thoroughly, adhering to the insurance company’s deadlines and complying with their requests for further information will help speed up the claims process.
There will also be a waiting or “elimination” period that varies in length depending on the policy. We have seen policies with waiting periods as short as 17 weeks and as long as one year.
Insurance companies are also known to delay processing in order to avoid paying out on claims. They may fail to return your phone calls, or somehow do not receive the mail or fax that you are certain you sent them. They may even ask for further medical evidence although your specialist has provided them with detailed reports clearly evidencing that you are unfit to work.
If they finally respond by denying your claim and you choose to appeal, more likely than not you will get caught up in the endless cycle of appeals and denials that has left some disabled individuals without benefits for many months. Meanwhile, savings are depleted, assets are sold and credit cards are maxed out.
So, while there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, a claim can take anywhere from a few months to over a year before you receive a decision. Even then, the decision may not be in your favour.
No matter the nature of your case, it is important to act quickly! The point in time when your claim is denied is or terminated is critical.
The following needs to be done in a timely manner:
- Collecting medical evidence
- Receiving appropriate treatment for your condition
- Responding to your insurance company’s position
Here at Share Lawyers, we can help!The best thing to do is consult with an experienced disability lawyer at Share Lawyers before deciding whether it is worthwhile to appeal using their process or pursue legal action against your insurance company right away.
Watch Our Video:
See what Brad Pleavin, an experienced and dedicated lawyer at Share Lawyers, has to say about how long your lawsuit can take to settle.
Has your long-term disability claim been denied? Contact Share Lawyers and put our experience to work for you.
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