Disability Benefits

Applying for disability benefits can be overwhelming. The paperwork is endless. Your disability benefit claim may be denied because of a technicality. Meanwhile, your medical condition may only be getting worse. This can be true whether you are an employee of a private business or the federal government. Do not let the disability system discourage you. Melville Johnson, P.C. has experienced long-term disability lawyers who can help guide you through the process.

Whether you suffer from a work-related injury, a debilitating illness, or other long-term health problems, you deserve help. When we take a case, we offer effective legal counsel — and the determination to pursue every possible avenue until your disability benefits claim is resolved.

The Claims Process

Unfortunately, it is very common for claimants to go through the entire lengthy process, only to find out that their claim has been denied (or their insurance terminated) and that they have exhausted their options.

In this process, it is crucial to be proactive from the beginning. Melville Johnson, P.C. can help.

We can:

Determine the type of policy you have — We know the legal differences between the various types of benefit plans, and what that means to your case. For instance, insurance through your employer is protected by the federal government through ERISA. Private disability insurance, which you may have secured on your own, is governed by your state's laws.

Ensure that you receive all of the benefits your plan provides — We obtain full medical records, work intimately with your doctors, review your plan in depth and evaluate your claim in light of the applicable laws. Please note that if your employer fires you to avoid paying long-term disability benefits, they are in clear violation of ERISA laws.

Focus on settling the claim prior to litigation — Legally, you must go through the entire administrative appeals process before you can sue. Just as important, ERISA law limits the evidence that can be presented in Court. This often will work against you. For both these reasons, you need a lawyer at the earliest possible stage. We strive to negotiate lump-sum buyouts of long-term disability policies through assertive dispute negotiation, without going to court.

Bring a lawsuit when necessary — The federal court system is very complex, as are ERISA and other insurance-related laws. We have successfully represented people who have been denied long-term disability benefits — and our attorneys can do so in federal courts anywhere in America.

If you are having issues collecting long-term disability insurance, we will dedicate ourselves to negotiating a fair settlement with your plan or insurance company and to suing when necessary.

For a free consultation with a Case Intake Manager at Melville Johnson, P.C., call 877-524-9111 toll free, or contact us online.