Long Term Disability Claims Attorneys for Depression
If you have depression, you know how debilitating it can be. It can impair your ability to maintain adequate employment and earn the income you need for daily living expenses. If you’re no longer able to work because of your depression diagnosis, contact Capitan Law for assistance applying for long-term disability insurance.
Depression is a leading cause of disability. It affects more than 264 million people around the world. It affects you not only mentally and emotionally, but also physically. When you have this mental illness, it can be a challenge to get through the day.
At Capitan Law, we understand the struggles you’re facing. Our long-term disability claims attorneys will work hard to ensure you receive the insurance benefits you need and deserve. Call us at (267) 419-7888 today to schedule your free consultation.
Understanding the Impact of Depression
Depression, or major depressive disorder, is a mental illness that affects how you think, act, and feel. It causes mood changes, sadness, and lost interest in activities you once enjoyed. It can also result in various physical problems that diminish your capacity to function at work and in everyday life.
There are two main types of depression that anyone can develop:
Major depression causes symptoms that last most of the day, every day, for at least two weeks. It interferes with a person’s ability to sleep, eat, work, study, and enjoy life. It’s possible for only one episode to occur, but mostly they happen in multiple episodes.
Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) causes symptoms that last for more than two years. This form can lead to major depressive episodes that include periods of minor symptoms.
Common symptoms of depression include:
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- Feeling sad or depressed
- Appetite changes
- Weight loss or gain
- Loss of interest in usual activities
- Trouble concentrating, thinking, or making decisions
- Fatigue
- Slowed movements or speech
- Increase in purposeless physical actions
- Thoughts of suicide or death
For a doctor to diagnose you with depression, the symptoms you experience must last at least two weeks and contribute to a noticeable change in prior levels of functioning. Some medical conditions have similar symptoms, so it’s critical that you consult with a doctor to rule out other diagnoses.
People experience depression differently. The symptoms can vary from one person to the next. Some are more likely to develop it than others. Depending on your gender or age group, it can manifest in noticeably different ways.
- Women – Doctors diagnose women with depression more than men. The higher depression rate may be due to lifecycle, biological, and hormonal factors. Common symptoms include worthlessness, guilt, and sadness.
- Men – The symptoms experienced by men tend to be irritability, tiredness, and anger. They could have difficulty sleeping, lose interest in activities, and engage in reckless behavior.
- Older adults – Typically, older people are less likely to admit what they are feeling. Their symptoms can also be less obvious than in other groups of individuals. Existing medical conditions, such as heart disease, are more likely to contribute to depression.
- Young children – Symptoms manifest in ways that might be difficult to diagnose. They could refuse to go to school, worry about their parents’ mortality, or pretend to be sick.
- Older children and teens – Irritability, sulking, and getting into trouble at school are common for this age group. Teenagers could also experience symptoms associated with eating disorders, anxiety, and substance abuse.
How to Apply for Long Term Disability Insurance Benefits
If your doctor diagnoses you with depression and can no longer do your job, you should immediately notify your employer. Most long-term disability insurance companies require that you file your claim within a specific timeframe. You can find the deadline on your employer-paid policy or your individual policy. It’s critical that you request a copy of it from the insurance company so you can review the terms and conditions.
If your employer provides the LTD plan, they will give you a form you’ll need to complete detailing your condition. You should also provide the insurance company with your medical records and a physician statement that explicitly expresses your depression diagnosis and how it interferes with your job. If you purchased your own insurance policy, you could submit all of the above information directly to the insurance company.
Disability Benefits Available for Depression
Policies can vary, but most will only provide benefits to individuals whose disability lasts for at least six months. Payments are around 50 to 80 percent of the average monthly wages you earned before your diagnosis. After you apply, there is an elimination period that will follow before you start receiving benefits. It can last anywhere from 30 days to one year.
When the elimination period ends, you will begin receiving your monthly payments. The duration will depend on the conditions listed on your policy. However, some have limitations when it comes to mental illness.
Most insurance companies will limit benefits to 24 months. There are some exemptions that will allow you to collect payments past the 24-month limit if you remain disabled. Some policies allow for indefinite benefits.
Speak to an Experienced Long Term Disability Claims Attorney
At Capitan Law, we advocate for our clients’ rights and ensure they receive the maximum LTD benefits they deserve. We know the importance of replacing your lost wages so you can afford medical treatment and other associated costs. When you hire us, we’ll ensure the insurance company pays what they owe you.
We have been representing individuals with depression for years. We can file an initial claim, appeal a denied claim, and litigate cases in court. Our goal is to help our clients get through this challenging time in their lives and move forward with the financial assistance they need to recover.
If you or someone you love is struggling with depression and can’t return to work, call Capitan Law at (267) 419-7888 to schedule your free consultation with one of our depression long term disability claims attorneys.
