Did you suffer an injury to your back or spine? Did you develop a disabling condition that will prevent you from working for a significant period of time? If so, the long term disability lawyers of Capitan Law will be ready to help you get the benefits you are entitled to under your LTD policy.
According to the American Chiropractic Association, back pain is the single leading cause of disability, causing many days lost from work, and many long term disabilities.
Back pain can make it impossible to work, especially if your job is physical in nature, or even handle day-to-day tasks. If you are unable to work due to your back or spine condition, you may be eligible for long term disability benefits, either through employer-provided coverage or a personal long term disability insurance policy.
Sometimes getting the benefits you are entitled to can be challenging. Insurers often want to keep as much money in their own pockets (and the pockets of their shareholders), so they will be quick to deny claims or terminate disability benefits. When this happens, you need the assistance of an experienced disability lawyer. To get the qualified legal assistance you deserve for a back or spine condition, call Capitan Law at (267) 419-7888 or reach out to us online for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer for a Back or Spine Long Term Disability Claim?
If your back or spine disability affects your ability to work for a significant period of time (usually 10 to 52 weeks or longer), you will need to submit a long term disability claim so that you can receive income to pay your medical bills, living expenses, and other daily costs. The irony of applying for a disability claim is that it is often a job within itself. The claim application requires you to properly fill out a lot of forms and supply other information, which can be challenging especially if you are unable to sit for periods of time due to your injuries.
In the wake of an injury or another disabling condition, you may not have the energy to deal with the rigors that a claim procedure can require. You need to focus on your health, yet you have to begin the stressful process of initiating the claim to get the benefits you deserve.
Instead, it is advisable to turn the matter over to an experienced long term disability insurance attorney who can gather the necessary documentation and complete the paperwork properly so that your claim has the best chance of success the first time around. Leave the legal work to the legal professionals so that you can focus on your well-being.
Getting disability benefits also requires regularly communicating with insurance company representatives. At the end of the day, an insurer is a big business that is most concerned about the bottom line. This means that the insurance company wins by paying out the lowest possible benefits for your conditions.
A back or spine condition is serious, and your claim deserves to be respected accordingly. An experienced long term disability insurance lawyer can fight aggressively for your rights so that you receive the maximum benefits possible according to your policy.
How Can Capitan Law Help Me?
At Capitan Law, we put our clients first. You can rest easier knowing that you have a team of experienced professionals advocating for the benefits you need and deserve. We have helped thousands of clients with short- and long-term disability claims so that they can rebuild their lives or the life of a loved one after a major injury or illness changes their circumstances. We handle even the most complicated types of disability claims on a contingency basis. This means there are no upfront legal fees, and you only pay us when we win your case.
We are not afraid of going up against the biggest disability insurance companies in the country. We represent clients nationwide, so no matter where you’re located, we can help. We are committed to our clients, and we are passionate about helping them get the benefits they are owed.
About the Long Term Disability Claims Process
If you have a back or spine condition that prevents you from working, you must first file for benefits with the appropriate insurance company or program. The necessary procedures from there can vary depending on the insurance coverage or other requirements, but it usually runs along these lines:
Application – An initial claims application process requires detailed information about your injury and requires you to provide medical records, bills, and other documentation within the required deadlines, including the possibility of a pre-existing condition. With the help of an experienced attorney, you can make sure that this application is filled out properly and completely the first time, giving you a better chance for a smooth claims process.
Appeal – If you attempted the initial application process on your own and your claim was denied, you can file an appeal. While it is ideal to have a lawyer by your side from the very beginning, it is essential for you to have the counsel of an experienced disability attorney if you want to maximize your chances of success in the appeals process.
File a lawsuit – Should your appeal be denied, filing a lawsuit is usually the next option. Remember that the other side will have a team of attorneys whose sole job is to protect the company, so be sure to have a qualified and skilled attorney on your side representing your best interests.
Settlement – A settlement can happen at any time during the claims process. There may even be an offer of a lump sum payment to close the books on your back or spine disability claim. While an offer may seem acceptable on the surface, it is essential for an experienced disability insurance lawyer to review any settlement so that you can be confident that it is fair. At Capitan Law, we have successfully negotiated settlements for our clients so that they receive needed resources now and into the future.
At Capitan Law, we are standing by to help you no matter where you are in the claims process so that you have the support and attention that your situation deserves.
Common Back and Spine Conditions
With the prevalence of back and spine injuries, millions of Americans live with pain every day. Some of these injuries are too extreme to continue with your regular activities, including working.
These types of conditions can include:
- Low back pain (Including degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine) — Low back pain resulting from degenerative disc disease can be treated, but cannot be cured. This condition is the loss of cushioning between vertebrae, causing mild to extreme pain. The condition typically worsens with time due to fragmentation and herniation of the vertebrae.
- Lumbar radiculopathy — Otherwise known as nerve root compression, or sciatica, lumbar radiculopathy is a disease that affects the spinal nerve root. A throbbing pain is often felt down the leg, impeding movement, and causing pain, tingling, and numbness. This condition may be treated in a number of ways, including physical therapy or surgery.
- Neck pain — Neck pain can be caused by inflammation or more serious spinal disease. While neck pain may seem like a mild term, the pain can be totally debilitating and the cause of a long-term disability. Many treatments are available depending on the source of the pain, but some neck pain is untreatable.
- Cervical radiculopathy — Pinched nerves in the neck can cause radiating pain down the chest and arms. Some cervical radiculopathy can be treated with pain medication or surgery, but can also be the cause of long-term disability if the condition is severe.
- Failed back syndrome — This is a common condition after back surgery, where the intervention may have been unsuccessful in treating a different spine or back condition. Failed back syndrome can result in chronic pain and disc herniation, joint mobility issues, and other disorders resulting from surgical complications or degeneration over time. Treatment can include pain management through medications and physical therapy.
Should you (or a loved one) find yourself with debilitating back pain that affects your ability to work, seek medical treatment immediately, and contact Capitan Law. We are here to guide through the claims process so that you can obtain the financial relief you need from your injury or condition.
Call Capitan Law For a Free Consultation Today
If you have a back or spine condition that will prevent you from working and supporting yourself and your family, contact an experienced long term disability lawyer for help right away. We’ll help you understand your policy and the coverage that is available to you, and we’ll help make sure you get the full benefits you’re entitled to. Was your long term disability claim denied? We’ll be ready to help you appeal this decision and will work to get your claim back on track.
Call us today at (267) 419-7888 or contact us online to schedule your confidential consultation.
