What You Should Know Before You Read:
- How you communicate with your disability insurance company can significantly affect the outcome of your claim.
- Insurers document every phone call, email, and letter, often using claimant statements against them.
- Careful, accurate communication protects your credibility and strengthens your claim.
- Dabdoub Law Firm represents clients nationwide and has a proven record of success in disability insurance cases, including complex communications with insurers.
Understanding the Importance of Communication in Long Term Disability Insurance Claims
Every conversation with your disability insurance company matters. Claims examiners and insurance company representatives document your statements. These notes often influence approval decisions, appeal outcomes, and even federal court litigation. Your conversation could also trigger the insurance company to conduct in-person or online surveillance. Many claimants do not realize how easily an innocent comment can be misinterpreted.
Insurers are also trained to ask questions that prompt you to minimize symptoms or inadvertently contradict your medical records. This is not accidental. Insurers rely on inconsistencies to deny claims or argue that your condition has improved.
To protect yourself, it is essential to understand how to communicate clearly and strategically. The following do’s and don’ts offer guidance for navigating these conversations without jeopardizing your case.
1. Keep All Communications Professional and Precise
Even routine conversations can become part of the claim record. Professional and concise communication helps prevent misunderstandings.
Do:
- Speak clearly, calmly, and briefly.
- Stick to the facts and answer only what is asked. If it is a yes or no question, only answer with yes or no.
- Review your notes or medical updates before speaking with the insurer.
- Confirm key points in writing when appropriate.
Do Not:
- Make statements like “I feel fine today” or “I am doing better” without explaining context.
- Engage in casual conversation that may be misinterpreted.
- Volunteer unnecessary information. Oversharing is not helpful when talking to disability insurance companies.
2. Request That All Important Communications Be in Writing
Phone calls benefit the disability insurance company, not the claimant. Written communication reduces the risk of misinterpretation and preserves a clear record. This is true for communication between your treating provider and your disability insurance company as well.
Do:
- Ask for important instructions or decisions in writing.
- Respond to significant questions by email or letter when possible.
- Keep copies of all outgoing and incoming correspondence.
Do Not:
- Trust verbal assurances from an insurance representative.
- Assume the insurer will accurately document your statements.
3. Prepare Before Speaking With the Insurance Company
Preparation helps ensure you do not contradict your medical records or downplay your symptoms. Insurers look for inconsistencies, even minor ones.
Do:
- Review your symptoms and limitations before any scheduled conversation.
- Have your medical notes, appointment summaries, and medication lists available.
- Write down key points you want to communicate.
Do Not:
- Rely on memory alone during important calls.
- Improvise when asked about symptoms, treatment, or work capacity.
4. Be Honest and Specific About Your Limitations
Accuracy is critical. Insurers evaluate credibility closely, and both exaggeration and understatement can damage your case.
Do:
- Describe your symptoms as they truly are.
- Explain fluctuations, such as good days and bad days.
- Clarify that temporary improvement does not equal recovery.
Do Not:
- Downplay your conditions when symptoms are severe.
- Overstate symptoms to gain sympathy.
- Let embarrassment prevent honest reporting.
5. Call Dabdoub Law Firm Before Dealing With Complex or Repeated Requests
Insurers often escalate reviews, request detailed forms, conduct surveillance or schedule interviews when they are preparing to deny or terminate benefits. Legal representation at this stage is essential.
Do:
- Contact a disability insurance attorney if communications become demanding or confusing.
- Allow your attorney to take over communication entirely.
- Seek immediate help if the insurer requests an IME, a functional capacity evaluation, or a recorded statement.
Do Not:
- Respond to complicated inquiries without advice.
- Assume the insurer is acting neutrally. They are protecting their own financial interests.
How Dabdoub Law Firm Helps Protect Claimants During Long Term Disability Insurance Company Communications
We step into your shoes and handle all correspondence and communication with your disability insurance company. No more guessing what their motive is or whether you are saying the wrong thing. Our firm ensures that your statements, records, and responses align with your medical evidence and policy requirements. By managing communications directly, we protect claimants from common insurer tactics designed to create confusion or inconsistencies.
Dabdoub Law Firm assists clients nationwide by:
- Handling all direct communications with the insurer
- Preparing claimants for interviews and questionnaires
- Ensuring accurate and complete documentation
- Correcting mischaracterized statements in claim files
- Preparing appeals with comprehensive medical and occupational support
- Litigating unfair denials in federal court
We have taken on every major disability insurance company and understand the tactics they use. Because of our expertise in disability and life insurance law, we know how to protect claimants at every stage of communication. Our firm was built to win disability insurance cases.