How to Win a Disability Appeal Without a Lawyer
If you’ve had your disability claim denied, it can feel as if a great burden has been placed on you. You cannot work and need the benefits from your disability insurance to pay for things your wages usually cover, but your insurance company has left you out in the cold.
Thankfully, it’s not the end of the road. While seeking professional legal counsel is typically recommended, it is possible to learn how to win a disability appeal without a lawyer. Here are some valuable tips to help you get started.
How to Win a Disability Appeal Without a Lawyer
When learning how to win an appeal without a disability lawyer, it’s vital that you avoid making some common mistakes.
In your appeal, stick to the same principles you followed when you first made your claim: be honest, don't exaggerate, and make sure your medical practitioners are willing to support your claim.
Avoid These Mistakes When Submitting a Disability Appeal Without a Lawyer | |
1. Not Showing Any Change in Medical Documents | To increase your chances of winning a disability appeal without a lawyer, ensure your medical records are clear and robust. If they're unclear or lacking detail, your chances of success go down. Sometimes, doctors get frustrated with repeated requests for more information, and they may feel ignored when insurance companies don't value their opinions. It's crucial that your doctor thoroughly examines you and refers you to any specialists if needed. They should be the ones evaluating your disability and explaining in detail why you can't work. Ensure all the medical information you give your insurance company is complete and accurate. Trying to downplay your disability to get a quicker payout can backfire because the information provided will be used to decide if your claim is valid. |
2. Overstating Your Symptoms | Given the high denial rate for disability claims, you might think about exaggerating your symptoms to make your case stronger. But when figuring out how to win a disability appeal without a lawyer, remember that exaggerating your symptoms can result in your claim being denied outright. Claims adjusters and insurance companies are very experienced in dealing with disability claims, and they can quickly spot what they consider as "invalid" claims and are looking for reasons to deny your claim again. |
3. Admitting Defeat | If your disability claim is denied after a challenging process, you might be tempted to throw in the towel. This feeling is familiar, especially for those new to disability claims. Dealing with big insurance companies and their complicated processes can be overwhelming. Don’t give up. Being persistent can sometimes lead to success. If your disability benefits appeal is denied and you need help with the process, consider seeking professional advice. |
Working With a Lawyer Will Significantly Increase Your Chances of Getting Disability Benefits
Working with an experienced disability lawyer significantly boosts your chances of winning an insurance appeal. While self-appealing may occasionally reverse a denial, it often prolongs the issue without payment and takes up valuable time.
Insurance appeals can be stressful and financially straining. When you hire a lawyer, your claim is taken more seriously. Legal action compels the company to prioritize your claim, and Canadian insurance companies know the name Share Lawyers and know that we mean business.
If your disability claim is denied, managing the appeal process alongside your condition adds to the burden. Delaying a lawyer's involvement can make the process even longer. Engaging a seasoned lawyer early on is advisable, despite considering self-appealing.
Hiring a disability lawyer can boost both the ease of the appeals process and increase your chances of winning due to many factors, such as:
Legal Expertise
Representation at Legal Hearings
Maximizing Settlement Amount
Reducing Stress
Familiarization with Administrative Processes
Hire a Disability Lawyer to Boost Your Chances of Success
Now that you know how to win a disability appeal without a lawyer, you should also understand why you should consider hiring an experienced disability lawyer. However, letting a disability lawyer like Share Lawyers carry your burden will increase the likelihood of getting the benefits you’re entitled to and make the process much less stressful.
At Share Lawyers, we've supported Canadians in securing their disability benefits for over 35 years. Our success is reflected in many of our clients' cases being resolved before reaching the courtroom. We genuinely empathize with the frustration that comes with a denial of disability insurance claims, and our goal is to make the journey easier for you.
Best of all, we don’t get paid until you do. It all starts with a free consultation with a Share Lawyers team member.
Still wondering how to win a disability appeal without a lawyer? We’ve got you covered.
Contact Share Lawyers today and put our experience to work for you. Our 35+ years of experience can help you win your case against Canada Life, Desjardins, Manulife, RBC Insurance, Sun Life, and other insurance companies. Our legal team offers a free consultation and works on a contingency basis - there are no fees unless you win your case.
