Illinois Disability Insurance Law Firm Providing Support

Author

Reads 1.2K

A Man in a Wheelchair Using a Laptop
Credit: pexels.com, A Man in a Wheelchair Using a Laptop

If you're struggling with a disability insurance claim in Illinois, don't hesitate to seek help from a reputable law firm.

Disability insurance can provide financial support during a difficult time, but the claims process can be complex and time-consuming.

In Illinois, disability insurance claims are governed by the Illinois Insurance Code, which requires insurance companies to provide fair and timely claims processing.

Navigating the claims process on your own can be overwhelming, especially if you're already dealing with a health issue.

Disability Benefits

If you're injured or develop an illness and can't work, your disability insurance policy should be there to help. Not always, unfortunately.

Thousands of people in Illinois are currently disabled and unable to work, and many thought their employer-sponsored group disability plans would cover their disabilities.

A long-term disability does not protect your job, unlike military deployment or maternity, so your only foreseeable source of future income may be your individual or group's long-term disability payments.

Wounds on the Persons Knuckles
Credit: pexels.com, Wounds on the Persons Knuckles

Conditions that most individual or group long-term disability insurance policies should cover include:

  • Rehab after a motor vehicle crash
  • Maternity complications
  • Knee injuries and knee replacements
  • Whiplash/neck problems
  • Tennis elbow
  • Surgery recovery
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome and cubital tunnel problems
  • Tendonitis, sprains, dislocations, and fractures
  • Herniated disks, degenerative joint problems
  • Heart disease, diabetes, and strokes
  • Lyme disease
  • Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and migraines
  • Cancer
  • HIV
  • Sprains and strains
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Neck, thoracic, and back pain
  • Scoliosis and problems with the spine
  • Pneumonia, asthma, and lung conditions
  • Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and sarcoidosis

Consult with a seasoned, top-rated Illinois disability attorney to determine if your injury or illness entitles you to individual or group long-term disability insurance benefits.

Appealing Denied Claims

If your long-term disability claim is denied, don't give up hope. You have the right to appeal the decision and fight for the benefits you deserve. In Illinois, the law allows for victims to appeal a denial from their insurance companies, and in some cases, you may even be able to file a second appeal if your first was denied.

The process of appealing a denied claim can be complex and time-consuming, but with the help of an experienced Illinois disability insurance attorney, you can navigate the system and increase your chances of success. Our attorneys can create a strong appeal on your behalf and file it within any deadlines, ensuring that you don't miss the opportunity to pursue the benefits you deserve.

Sophisticated law office featuring a leather chair, desk, and decor for a professional setting.
Credit: pexels.com, Sophisticated law office featuring a leather chair, desk, and decor for a professional setting.

If you're struggling to understand the reasons behind your denied claim, an Illinois disability attorney can help you decipher the fine print of your policy and identify potential loopholes that may be working against you. They can also work with a network of medical providers and vocational experts to gather additional evidence to support your claim.

Some common reasons insurance companies deny disability claims include insufficient medical evidence, failure to meet the definition of disability, pre-existing conditions, policy exclusions and limitations, missed deadlines, non-compliance with treatment, and inconsistent or contradictory information. By partnering with an experienced attorney, you can receive help gathering and presenting strong medical evidence, navigating policy definitions, and appealing denied claims.

Here are some key facts to keep in mind when appealing a denied disability claim in Illinois:

  • Illinois law uses a de novo standard, which means that a judge will review the insurance company's file and decide whether or not you meet the definition of disability under the policy based on your medical records.
  • If you have an individual disability insurance policy, you are entitled to many consumer rights and remedies, including the ability to file suit without an appeal.
  • If you have a group or employer-sponsored policy, the process for appealing your wrongful denial is much more limited and complex, and will generally fall under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).
  • In some cases, you may be able to file a second appeal if your first was denied, but you must do so within any deadlines.

Don't let a denied disability claim discourage you from seeking the benefits you deserve. With the help of an experienced Illinois disability insurance attorney, you can navigate the appeals process and increase your chances of success. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step towards fighting for your rights.

Getting Help

Disabled parking sign on street with transport
Credit: pexels.com, Disabled parking sign on street with transport

If you're dealing with a denied disability insurance claim, don't give up hope. You have options.

You're likely riddled with questions and concerns about your policy and the denial process. Disability insurance companies often use complicated coverage limitations to deny valid claims.

One common issue is self-inflicted injuries. These are injuries you caused to yourself on purpose, which can include attempting suicide or purposely inflicting self-harm to take advantage of benefits.

Don't let the insurance company confuse you with questions about self-inflicted injuries. If you didn't purposefully hurt yourself, be clear and direct about what happened.

Pre-existing injuries or illnesses can also be a problem. If you had a previous injury or illness, be honest about it, but also explain how it relates to your current condition.

Injuries sustained as the result of illegal or reckless activities, such as driving under the influence, can also lead to denied claims. Be prepared to explain the circumstances surrounding your injury.

A Couple Talking to a Lawyer
Credit: pexels.com, A Couple Talking to a Lawyer

If you're unsure about your policy or the denial process, seek help from a seasoned Illinois disability attorney. They can offer free policy analysis and claim consultations to protect you from falling into traps set by your insurance company.

Here are some common exclusions to watch out for:

  • Self-inflicted injuries
  • Pre-existing injuries or illnesses
  • Injuries sustained as the result of illegal or reckless activities

Our Services

Our attorneys for denied disability claims will strive to minimize the disruptions in your life and maximize the compensation you receive, so you can focus on your health.

We've recovered millions of dollars for hundreds of clients facing denied disability claims, so you can trust that we have the experience and expertise to help you.

Understanding Law

Illinois has one of the most favorable laws for people seeking disability benefits from a disability insurance company.

In 2005, the Illinois Department of Insurance issued a ban on discretionary clauses in all accident, health, and disability insurance policies.

Discretionary clauses give the disability insurance company sole authority to decide who will receive disability benefits, making it harder for individuals to get a termination or denial overturned.

A federal court will generally rule in favor of the insurance company after a final decision is made, unless the decision was wrong and unreasonable.

The standard for defeating an insurance company's decision is high, requiring the judge to disagree with the decision and find it was unreasonable.

Lawyer Services

Diverse colleagues gathering in conference hall of law firm and discussing details of contract while working together
Credit: pexels.com, Diverse colleagues gathering in conference hall of law firm and discussing details of contract while working together

Our lawyer services are designed to help you navigate the complex process of appealing a denied long-term disability claim. We understand that insurance companies often have teams of lawyers and billions of dollars at their disposal, making it difficult for individuals to fight for the compensation they deserve.

At Sokolove Law, our attorneys for denied disability claims will strive to minimize the disruptions in your life and maximize the compensation you receive. This allows you to focus on your health and well-being.

We've recovered millions of dollars for hundreds of clients facing denied disability claims, and we know the ins and outs of these laws. Our experienced Illinois disability lawyers have recovered over $133 Million for individuals and families nationwide.

If your long-term disability claim is denied, our Illinois bad faith insurance lawyers can help you understand why and develop a thorough appeal against the company's decision. We offer a free, no-obligation case review to see if we can help you fight back against your insurer's denial.

Lawyer consulting clients in a modern office setting, serious discussion.
Credit: pexels.com, Lawyer consulting clients in a modern office setting, serious discussion.

Here are some examples of our past settlements:

Our goal is to provide you with the financial relief you need to pay for medical bills, daily living expenses, and more. Since 1979, Sokolove Law has helped thousands of families nationwide secure the compensation they deserve.

Client Support

At our Illinois disability insurance law firm, we understand the challenges of navigating the complex disability claims process. We've seen how frustrating it can be for individuals to deal with denied claims and lengthy appeals.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, over 2.3 million individuals in Illinois have a disability, which equals 24% of the state's adult population. This staggering number highlights the need for experienced legal representation.

We've helped many clients in individual disability litigation receive their long-term disability benefits. Our team of attorneys is dedicated to providing personalized support and guidance throughout the process.

One of the most common reasons insurance companies deny disability claims is due to insufficient medical evidence. This can be a major obstacle for claimants, but our attorneys are skilled at gathering and presenting strong medical evidence to support claims.

Lawyers in an Office
Credit: pexels.com, Lawyers in an Office

Here are some common reasons insurance companies deny disability claims:

  • Insufficient Medical Evidence
  • Failure to Meet Definition of Disability
  • Pre-existing Conditions
  • Policy Exclusions and Limitations
  • Missed Deadlines
  • Non-Compliance with Treatment
  • Inconsistent or Contradictory Information

Our law firm offers a free consultation to discuss your case and provide feedback on your evidence. We're here to help you understand your rights and options, and to advocate for your interests throughout the process.

Types of Claims Handled

Our Illinois disability insurance law firm handles a range of claims to help individuals and families receive the benefits they deserve. We represent clients with private or group insurance coverage, including those governed by ERISA.

We have experience with disability insurance claims, which can be filed for various reasons such as illness, injury, or chronic condition. Our dedicated Illinois insurance claims attorneys can guide you through the process.

Disability insurance claim denials can be frustrating, but we're here to help you appeal and fight for your rights. We also handle life insurance claims, long-term care insurance claims, accidental death & dismemberment insurance claims, and healthcare and eating disorder insurance claims.

Here are some of the specific types of claims we handle:

  • Disability Insurance Claims
  • Disability Insurance Claim Denials
  • Life Insurance Claims
  • Long-Term Care Insurance Claims
  • Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance Claims
  • Healthcare and Eating Disorder Insurance Claims

Gathering Evidence for Claims

An Attorney in Blue Suit Holding a Pen
Credit: pexels.com, An Attorney in Blue Suit Holding a Pen

If your Illinois disability insurance claim has been denied, it's essential to gather evidence to support your appeal.

Your legal team will determine why your insurance provider denied your claim and what additional information may be needed to change their decision. This involves reviewing your medical records and identifying any potential gaps or inconsistencies.

To strengthen your appeal, your legal team may gather statements from people who can assess how your impairment impacts your ability to work.

This can include testimony from medical experts who can provide insight into your condition and its effects on your daily life.

Your legal team may also obtain additional records to substantiate your injury, such as medical test results or witness statements.

To identify and remedy any administrative errors or technicalities set in place by the insurance company, your legal team will review the denial letter and insurance policy documents.

Here are some examples of evidence that can be used to support your claim:

  • Testimony from medical experts
  • Statements from people who can assess how your impairment impacts your ability to work
  • Additional medical records to substantiate your injury
  • Identification and remedy of any administrative errors or technicalities set in place by the insurance company

By gathering and presenting this evidence, you can increase your chances of a successful appeal and receive the disability benefits you deserve.

Why Choose Us

Signboard representing rule for disabled people parking only near vehicles and sidewalk in city
Credit: pexels.com, Signboard representing rule for disabled people parking only near vehicles and sidewalk in city

We have over 45 years of experience helping injured clients stand up to companies that caused them harm. Our Illinois disability insurance law firm has a proven track record of securing over $133 Million for victims of denied disability claims.

Our lawyers work on a contingency-fee basis, which means we only get paid if you do. This means you don't have to worry about upfront or hourly costs.

We have access to key resources, including vital evidence about many insurance companies that have a history of wrongfully denying long-term disability claims. This helps us build strong cases for our clients.

Our experienced Illinois disability lawyers have recovered over $133 Million for individuals and families nationwide. We're passionate about helping you get the compensation you deserve.

Here are some of the reasons why partnering with our Illinois disability insurance law firm can make a big difference:

  • Insufficient Medical Evidence: We can help gather and present strong medical evidence to support your claim.
  • Failure to Meet Definition of Disability: We understand the complexities of disability insurance policies and can help you navigate the fine print.
  • Pre-existing Conditions: We can help you understand how your pre-existing condition may impact your claim and work to build a strong case.
  • Policy Exclusions and Limitations: We're familiar with common policy exclusions and limitations and can help you understand how they may apply to your claim.
  • Missed Deadlines: We can help you stay on top of deadlines and ensure that your claim is submitted on time.
  • Non-Compliance with Treatment: We can help you understand how non-compliance with treatment may impact your claim and work to build a strong case.
  • Inconsistent or Contradictory Information: We can help you gather and present consistent and accurate information to support your claim.

Our attorneys are familiar with ERISA and the de novo standard of review, and we have experience handling cases against all major disability insurance companies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most a disability lawyer can charge?

The maximum amount a disability lawyer can charge is 25% of your back pay, up to $9,200, whichever is lower. However, attorney fees are often paid directly by the SSA, and lawyers may charge less than the maximum allowed.

Does Illinois have state disability insurance?

Illinois does not have a state disability insurance program, but residents can apply for federal programs like SSDI and SSI. Learn more about your options for disability benefits in Illinois.

Should I get a lawyer for disability appeal?

Getting a lawyer for your disability appeal can significantly increase your chances of approval, with 60% of claimants getting approved when represented by a lawyer or advocate. Consider hiring an experienced attorney to help you navigate the process and improve your chances of a successful outcome.

Wilbur Huels

Senior Writer

Here is a 100-word author bio for Wilbur Huels: Wilbur Huels is a seasoned writer with a keen interest in finance and investing. With a strong background in research and analysis, he brings a unique perspective to his writing, making complex topics accessible to a wide range of readers. His articles have been featured in various publications, covering topics such as investment funds and their role in shaping the global financial landscape.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.