This post, which includes tips for applying for a disability claim, is the second in a three-part series of blogs on the do’s and don’ts involved in your claims process. Click to read the first blog of the series.
Tips For Applying
It's important to inform yourself of the pertinent information and timelines for the claims process. It's also essential that you organize your documents and meet the deadlines for submitting them. It is also critical that you file your claim in a timely manner to avoid missing deadlines. It is also in your interest to keep records of everything related to your disability case. It's also important to take notes of your conversations with the insurance companies and your doctors and nurses. Ensure that you provide your lawyer with the proper documentation.
Proper Documentation
Your insurance contract. The contract will include definitions of total and partial disability, total amount of benefits, cost of living adjustments, automatic benefit increases, length of time benefits are payable.
Prepare a complete medical history document. Your medical history document will include doctor diagnoses, specialists visited, major test results, specific timeline of condition, medications taken, prognosis reports, family situation, physical and mental restrictions, effects of the disability on everyday life, financial effects, recreational effects (what activities are you now unable to do because of the illness or injury). Describe how the illness prevents you from performing your job - be prepared to discuss every aspect of your claim.
In addition to the tips you should do, there are certain things you should avoid doing.
Things To Avoid
In line with our advice that you file your claim in a timely manner, you should not allow too much time go by before filing. There are deadlines and limitation periods that apply to your disability claim. This means that if certain deadlines pass you may no longer be able to recover the monies owing to you.
Another mistake to avoid is delaying in contacting an experienced disability insurance lawyer. If your claim has been denied or terminated, the earlier you have a lawyer on your case, the better your chances are of getting maximum benefits.
In the third part of the series, we will be discussing honesty during the claims process.
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