Getting a Qualified Attorney to Help You Through the Difficulties of Florida Disability Claim
Finding your way around Florida’s complicated system of disability legislation may be challenging at best. Although it is legally feasible to submit a claim on your own, the procedure can be drawn out and difficult. It is in your best advantage to begin the claim-filing procedure with a qualified expert if you are thinking about doing so.
All too frequently, those who start their filing on their own eventually require support. It may be quite liberating to know that you have a knowledgeable attorney to turn to for support from the start.
If your situation has reached the point where it is necessary to submit a claim, you certainly need all the assistance you can get. Long-term, engaging a lawyer will enable you to continue focusing on looking after yourself.
Overview of the disability claims process in Florida
In Florida, claiming for disability benefits is, again, a difficult procedure, but a legal representative can help you through it all. Starting the process includes completing an application that the Social Security Administration (SSA) currently provides online, over the phone with a representative, or in their physical office.
You must submit accompanying paperwork for your employment record, financial situation, and health records alongside your application. Your application file is reviewed by medical and vocational specialists at a Disability Determination Services facility in Florida once you have completed it. If your application is accepted, you will typically start getting SSDI benefits six months after your disability first becomes apparent.
Further, you will be provided with an explanation of the decision and the basis for the refusal for your application denial. The SSA will issue an appeal form, and you’re given 60 days following the announcement of the unfavorable decision to appeal once again. It is advised that you get legal counsel since a qualified attorney can analyze your application and the explanation of determination and recommend the most effective course of action to increase your chances of being approved.
The following stage after requesting reconsideration is to schedule a hearing in front of an administrative law judge, who will interrogate you about your prior employment and any medical issues that prohibit you from working.
Below you will find the different types of disability claims:
Long-Term Disability Claims
Whenever an employee is out from work for quite a lengthy period because of a covered disability, long-term disability insurance (LTD) ensures that they still get a part of their paycheck. These absences might be the consequence of accidents, illnesses, or injuries sustained on or away from work.
As their funds might not be enough to pay daily expenditures if an ailment or accident takes them out from work for longer than their permitted paid sick days, LTD is a crucial sort of insurance for employees.
Individuals pay the premiums for a long-term insurance coverage, and so when you become disabled, you submit a claim with information about your diagnosis and documentation of your incapacity to work. This is how long-term disability insurance functions. Your benefit payments will start following the waiting time.
ERISA Claim Procedure
Workers health and retirement benefits are safeguarded under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).
Employees who take part in a benefit plan governed by ERISA have a number of rights. Moreover, ERISA offers legal grounds for pursuing such rights.
The ERISA legislation allows for a wide variety of claims. You might be eligible to file a claim for the reasons listed as what the Congress has filed:
- Fiduciary responsibility breach;
- Receive benefits owed under an ERISA-covered plan;
- Anti-retaliation; and
- Violations of ERISA or a plan’s conditions
Professional Disability Claims
It costs a lot of money for insurance companies to pay out professional disability insurance claims. Insurance firms have a strong incentive to reject well-known claims.
Professional disability plans, also defined as individual disability income (IDI) insurance, are often purchased for people in particular professions who earn more than $100,000 annually. The plans are often purchased as a type of income replacement, in the event that CFOs, CEOs, doctors, dentists, attorneys, sports, engineers, architects, and other professions are struck with a crippling health condition.
These individuals usually work for themselves, and all of their professional and private expenditures are covered by the income from their specialized profession or skilled practice. The denial of their disability claim can be the hardest news they ever get.
Short-Term Disability Claims
Once employees are out of work due to a disability claim, short-term disability is an income replacement incentive that offers a portion of pre-disability wages on a weekly basis. It often encompasses injuries and illnesses that occur off the job that workers’ compensation does not.
The following are the most common sources of a short-term disability claim:
- Maternity/pregnancy leave
- Accidents
- Diseases
- Injuries
The medical issue must not be connected to the workplace or duties associated with the employment in order to qualify for short-term disability benefits; otherwise, it can be compensated by the company’s workers’ compensation insurance.
Health Insurance Claims
An request for benefits offered by your health plan is referred to as a claim. Before money is paid out for your care, you or your doctor must submit a claim. If you go to a doctor who accepts your insurance, they should submit the claim on your account. But if you go to a provider who is not in your insurance network, you might have to submit the claim on your own and pay for the service up front before requesting repayment from your insurer, if your insurance plan supports out-of-network care.
Numerous insurance companies need pre-certification for non-emergency care in addition to the claim being submitted (pre-certification occurs prior the medical procedure is conducted, whereas a claim is filed after the care has been done). There are appeals procedures that individuals and medical professionals can use if a claim is rejected, regardless of how the provider determines the situation.
Understanding Disability Claims in Florida
An individual who suffers from a mental or physical condition that significantly hinders one or more of their major activities of daily life is referred to as a “individual with a disability“.
In order to be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) funds, you need to:
- Have a a health condition that qualifies for disability under Social Security’s rigorous guidelines.
- Have had employment bearing Social Security benefits.
Specifically, according to Social Security’s definition of disability, you must have a physical, mental, or combination of mental impairments that preclude you from participating in significant gainful employment. The handicap or impairments must have lasted at least a year or be predicted to cause mortality.
The capacity to act in the physical and mental tasks normally necessary to work at a job or in self-employment constitutes substantial gainful activity. The following are some of the activities:
- Sitting
- Walking
- Lifting objects
- Ascending stairs
These also include additional physical activities that you are paid to do as well as mental duties like memorizing and following instructions.
Types of disability benefits available in Florida
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are the two primary sources of Social Security Disability (SSD) recompense in Florida.
SSDI is determined on both employment record and disability. A person can be eligible for SSDI if they have worked and paid a specified amount into social security. An individual who hasn’t worked or hasn’t contributed enough into social security will not be eligible for SSDI but may be eligible for SSI.
While SSI is awarded according to disability, age, salary, and other assets.
In some circumstances, a person may be eligible for both.
The Role of a Florida Disability Claims Lawyer
In Florida, a disability claims attorney is essential in guiding disabled people through the difficult application procedure for Social Security Disability payments.
To determine if a person has a good possibility of getting benefits authorized, they first evaluate their case and eligibility. Further, they compile the required paperwork and proof to back up their client’s claim, including medical documentation and evaluations from healthcare professionals.
The attorney assists the client in navigating the frequently complex claims procedure after the claim is submitted. The client’s interactions with the Social Security Administration (SSA) are similarly handled, and it is made sure that all required documentation is correctly filled out and timely filed.
The attorney can defend their client in proceedings and appeals if the first claim is rejected. To establish that their client is qualified for disability payments, they do this by presenting facts, questioning witnesses, and making arguments.
Finding the Right Disability Claims Lawyer
There are several variables to take into account while looking for a lawyer for disability claims. To begin, it is critical to select a lawyer with experience and knowledge in disability law. This guarantees that they possess the expertise and abilities needed to properly manage your case.
Second, it makes sense to look at customer reviews and success rates. You may determine the lawyer’s track record and whether they’ve had success in situations comparable to yours by doing this. You should also think about their availability and communication style. Having a lawyer who is accessible and simple to contact is critical.
Choosing the ideal lawyer may also come from research and consultations. Online research, reading reviews, and seeking referrals from friends and relatives are all viable options. Discussions with potential attorneys might also provide you with the chance to ask inquiries and find out more about their philosophy and demeanor.
Furthermore, before selecting a lawyer, it’s critical to comprehend legal rates and payment methods. You must understand these before signing a contract since various lawyers may have varied fee structures, such as hourly rates or contingency fees. It’s crucial to confirm that the attorney’s costs are affordable and reasonable.
Preparing for Your Disability Claim
There are a number of things you can do to increase the likelihood that your disability claim will be successful while preparing for it. Working well with your attorney is one critical determinant. This entails swiftly responding to their inquiries, giving them access to the necessary information and documents, and keeping them updated on any changes to your health or employment situation.
Organizing your documents and supporting evidence is another crucial aspect of getting ready for your disability claim. This comprises any pertinent information that may back up your claims, such as health records, work records, and several others. It will be easier for your attorney to provide a strong argument in your favor if you maintain this data organized and readily available.
While preparing for a disability claim, good medical professional communication is also significant. This entails being open and truthful about your illnesses and restrictions, according to your treatment plan exactly as instructed and maintaining thorough records of all your doctor’s visits and treatments. It’s critical to build up a strong professional relationship with your doctors since they might offer crucial evidence and testimony to back up your claim.
Overcoming Common Disability Claim Challenges
Claim denials are one of the biggest problems people who apply for disability benefits experience today. Afterward, you should review the rationale for the denial of your claim if it is rejected, and then gather any information or medical proof that could further support your claim. You can also request hearings to defend your case in front of a judge and submit an appeal within the predetermined deadline in Florida. To enhance your chances of succeeding in acquiring the advantages you want, it is important to know the procedure and rules.
The drawn-out claims process is another difficulty that can put applicants under a lot of stress both financially and emotionally. By routinely talking with your caseworker or attorney, it’s important to maintain patience and stay informed on the status of your claim. Maintain track of due dates and paperwork requirements, and deliver any information needed without delay. Legal aid institutions or groups that advocate for the disabled can also be an avenue for help.
Furthermore, several falsehoods about disability benefits may deter people from applying for or getting the assistance they require. Some people think that receiving disability payments is too complicated or that they are only accessible to those with permanent impairments. The qualifying requirements, however, differ according to the kind of benefit and the type of disability. It’s key to do your homework, comprehend your alternatives, and get advice from trustworthy institutions like the Social Security Administration or legal experts such as My Insurance Case.
Recover The Compensation You Deserve With Our Disability Lawyers
It’s critical to work with a knowledgeable disability claims attorney who can defend your rights and assist you to obtain the compensation you are entitled to if you are dealing with disability claims in Florida. It might be hard to navigate the complicated legal system and procedures, but an experienced attorney can help you and act as your champion. Get the assistance of a knowledgeable attorney to guarantee your rights are upheld rather than taking the chance of losing out on the advantages to which you are due.
If you are looking for a free, no-obligation conversation with an attorney you can use our contact form or by dialing (866) 780-7585. Here at My Insurance Case, we are ready to defend you and your rights if you believe that you have experienced disability insurance denials and unjust benefits.
