The Five Do’s and Don’ts of Long-Term Disability Claims

What You Should Know Before You Read:

Knowing what to do and what to avoid can have a significant impact on the success of a long-term disability claim.
Many denials occur because of avoidable mistakes early in the process.
Understanding how disability insurance companies evaluate claims helps build a stronger case.
Dabdoub Law Firm focuses exclusively on disability, representing clients nationwide with proven record of winning.

Navigating Long-Term Disability Claims the Right Way

Filing a long-term disability claim can be overwhelming. The process involves strict deadlines, complex forms, and medical documentation that must satisfy the insurance company’s definition of disability. A single mistake can delay or even jeopardize your claim. The following five do’s and don’ts will help you protect your rights and strengthen your claim.

1. Do Provide Detailed Medical Support

Your doctor’s documentation is the foundation of your disability claim. Insurers often deny benefits not because they doubt your diagnosis, but because they argue that the records do not demonstrate how your condition limits your ability to work.

Do:

Ask your doctor to clearly describe how your medical condition prevents you from performing your job duties or limits your ability to function normally on a day-to-day basis.
Attend appointments consistently and ensure that your records reflect the severity and persistence of your symptoms.

Do Not:

Rely on vague medical notes or incomplete treatment records. Phrases such as “feeling better” or “stable” can be used out of context to suggest improvement.

2. Do Follow All Recommended Treatment

Insurance companies expect claimants to follow their prescribed treatment plans. If you skip appointments or stop treatment without explanation, the insurer may claim that you are not disabled, or that your condition has improved.

Do:

Continue all recommended treatment unless your physician advises otherwise.
Document any legitimate reasons for discontinuing care, such as side effects or financial hardship.

Do Not:

Allow long gaps in care. Missed or infrequent visits may lead the insurer to question the seriousness of your condition.

3. Do Be Careful About What You Say and Share

Insurance companies often monitor claimants online and in person. Even harmless social media posts or offhand comments can be misinterpreted to suggest that you are capable of working.

Do:

Keep all communication with the insurance company honest and professional.
Be mindful of what you share publicly, including photos and comments that might be taken out of context.

Do Not:

Exaggerate or minimize your symptoms. Accuracy and consistency are critical to maintaining credibility.

4. Do Ask Your Doctor for a Strong Letter of Support

A well-documented claim is one that includes a strong letter from your doctor supporting your inability to work. Your doctors are in the best position to advocate on your behalf from a medical perspective.

Do:

Have a heart-to-heart talk with your doctors. Ask them to write a letter explaining your diagnosis, medical restrictions and limitations, and an explanation about why you are disabled from working.
Include as much detail as possible in a doctor’s letter. Medical conclusions alone are not compelling enough evidence of disability.

Do Not:

Assume the insurer will approve your long-term disability benefits based on your medical records.

5. Do Seek Legal Guidance Early

Long-term disability law is complex, and insurers have teams of experts working to minimize their financial exposure. An experienced disability attorney can help you navigate the process, avoid mistakes, and preserve important rights under your policy and federal law.

Do:

Consult with a disability insurance attorney before submitting your claim or immediately after receiving a denial.
Choose a firm that focuses exclusively on disability insurance law.

Do Not:

Wait until the appeal stage to seek help. Having an attorney with expertise in long term disability claims can make a decisive difference in the outcome of your case.

Why Choose Dabdoub Law Firm

Dabdoub Law Firm represents clients in long-term disability claims nationwide. Our attorneys have taken on every major insurance company and built a record of success in federal court. We are known for our meticulous preparation, litigation strength, and commitment to securing the benefits our clients deserve.

We handle only disability and life insurance cases. This singular focus allows us to anticipate insurance company tactics, apply the most current case law, and deliver results using our internal strategies that have proven to win benefits.

If your long-term disability benefits have been denied or terminated, or if you are preparing to file a claim, contact Dabdoub Law Firm for a free consultation.

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Our team has the knowledge and experience to guide you through every stage of the process.