LIONS OF THE
COURTROOM

ACCOMPLISHED METRO DETROIT DISABILITY ATTORNEYS

It is estimated that more than one in five workers will become disabled during their career. Moreover, most disabling accidents are not work-related. Consequently, workers' compensation cannot assist you if you are disabled and can't work. 

If you’ve suffered an illness or injury that prevents you from working, one option is to seek disability benefits under your employer’s group plan. Even when your eligibility seems assured, the process of obtaining long term disability benefits from a private or ERISA disability insurance carrier can be stressful and frustrating. You acquired disability insurance to protect you if you became too sick to work, but now all those initial promises of coverage are ringing hollow. 

At Zamler, Shiffman & Karfis, a Michigan disability lawyer will help you understand your rights under your current disability insurance policy and explain what steps are needed to act on them. Insurance companies have high-powered lawyers on hand to protect their interests, and you deserve the same. Call us today for a free consultation about your disability claim.

Filing A Long Term Disability Claim In Michigan

In most cases, long-term disability insurance claims are filed with a private insurance company. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) controls employer-funded policies. As a result of this law, there are various legal requirements and procedures that must be followed in order to make a claim. 

Obtaining long-term disability benefits begins with reviewing the summary plan description (SPD). This document briefly outlines the requirements, procedures, and deadlines of the long term disability plan. Your SPD can be obtained directly from your insurance company or Human Resources. If you need help getting this or other documents, contact a long-term disability benefits lawyer right away.

Are You Eligible for Long-Term Disability Coverage?

With the SPD, you can determine if you are eligible for long-term disability benefits. If the answer appears to be yes, the next step is to file an application for benefits. 

In most cases, this involves filling out a series of forms and releases. It's best to schedule an appointment with an experienced disability lawyer if you have questions about a form or need assistance completing it. Your medical records and supporting letters from your doctors and other experts should also be submitted; compiling evidence can once again be made easier by working with a long term disability insurance claims attorney. 

Your insurance company will investigate your claim as soon as it receives it. It may involve the following:

• Examining your medical records and statements 
• A one-time examination with a doctor from your insurance company 
• Having a team of their physicians review your claim 
• Consulting a vocational expert about your ability to shift careers 
• After reviewing your claim, it will either approve it or deny it. The decision should be communicated to you via letter.
  

Long-Term Disability Appeals

In the event that you have long-term disability insurance, have sustained an injury that prevents you from working, and have had your application denied, you may be able to receive benefits with the assistance of an experienced lawyer. Appeals for disability claims can be very complex to handle on your own without representation. 

A filer's chances of receiving benefits can be compromised by missing a deadline or saying the wrong thing to an insurance adjuster. Don't risk your case's outcome when so much is hanging in the balance: a Michigan lawyer with a strong background in long-term disability appeals can help you challenge your denial and present strong evidence as to why your claim should be allowed.

How Can a Disability Attorney Help with the Appeals Process?

When filing for disability benefits in Michigan, it is important to understand the process and what benefits you are eligible for. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling disability claim appeals and are familiar with the rules set forth by ERISA as well as private insurance plans.

We Can Help You File Your Disability Application

Your disability lawyer at Zamler, Shiffman & Karfis will:

• Go over the Summary Plan description of your disability insurance policy with you.
• Assist with the development of the medical and vocational evidence needed to file the initial disability claim. 
• Help you file an appeal within 180 days in the event that your ERISA claim is denied. After obtaining your claim file from the long-term disability insurance company, meeting with your doctors and obtaining
• supplementary reports, and arranging for functional capacity or vocational evaluations, conducting medical research, we prepare and file an exhaustive and detailed disability claim appeal. 
• File a claim in court if necessary.

When they sue their insurer over denied disability benefits, many people are surprised to discover that they cannot introduce new evidence beyond what is in their claim file. Insurance company records are often biased and likely don't contain all of the relevant medical evidence needed to prove your work-related limitations. Your attorney can strengthen your claim by adding vocational, medical, and other evidence to the administrative record.

Why Choose Zamler, Shiffman & Karfis to Handle Your Disability Claim?

Insurance companies offering long-term disability coverage often try to protect their bottom lines by questioning and denying claims. At Zamler, Shiffman & Karfis, we understand that when a disability prevents you from working, it causes stress and hardship for you and your family. That is why we are committed to providing skilled, personalized, and committed legal representation. 

There are two types of situations in which we often assist clients: those who have an individual disability policy and have been denied disability benefits and those who have disability insurance coverage through an employer's policy and need to file or appeal a denial. 

Policies and plans typically have detailed language that is hard to understand. Understanding the plan language and the medical issues involved requires knowledge and experience. Using our experience with insurance policies and claims, as well as our knowledge of claim procedures, we will provide the best leverage for your case.

Get a Free Consultation From a Michigan Disability Lawyer

The purpose of long term disability insurance is to protect you in the event that tyou become sick or injured and are unable to work. Unfortunately, insurance companies seem to find any excuse to deny you the benefits you rightfully deserve. The insurance industry is primarily focused on making a profit for their shareholders. Don't expect to get paid a benefit immediately or easily.

At Zamler, Shiffman & Karfis, we have advocated for our clients before some of the nation’s biggest insurance companies and succeeded in winning the benefits they need to meet their living expenses and access medical treatment. We are prepared to fight for you as well. Click the button below to schedule your free consultation

START BUILDING YOUR CASE

WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU