Long-Term Disability Claims
Serving clients throughout Massachusetts, including Boston, Worcester, and surrounding communities
Protecting Your Rights When a Disability Prevents You From Working
A serious injury, illness, or medical condition can change your ability to work and provide for yourself and your family. Long-Term Disability (LTD) insurance benefits are designed to provide financial support when you are unable to continue working, but obtaining the benefits you are entitled to is often more complicated than expected.
Insurance companies frequently deny valid claims, delay payments, or challenge whether a claimant meets the policy requirements. Our attorneys help individuals navigate the LTD claims process, from initial applications through appeals and litigation when necessary.
What Is a Long-Term Disability Claim?
Long-Term Disability (LTD) insurance provides income replacement benefits when a medical condition prevents you from working for an extended period of time. These benefits may be available through an employer-sponsored plan or an individual disability insurance policy. Unlike Workers’ Compensation, which generally applies to workplace injuries, Long-Term Disability benefits may apply regardless of whether your condition occurred at work.
Experienced Representation for Long-Term Disability Claims
At Sullivan & Hartley, P.C., we represent individuals seeking Long-Term Disability benefits through employer-sponsored plans, private disability insurance policies, and other disability coverage.
We assist clients with:
Filing initial Long-Term Disability claims
Reviewing disability insurance policies and eligibility requirements
Appealing denied or terminated LTD benefits
Challenging insurance company decisions
Gathering medical documentation and supporting evidence
Protecting benefits after an insurance company questions eligibility
Understanding how LTD benefits interact with other disability-related claims
Understanding
Overlapping Disability Benefits
Many individuals do not realize that their disability situation may involve multiple sources of benefits. After becoming unable to work due to an injury or illness, you may be eligible for more than one type of benefit, including Long-Term Disability (LTD), Workers’ Compensation, or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
Navigating multiple claims at the same time can be complicated. The benefits you receive, the requirements you must meet, and the deadlines you must follow can vary depending on the type of claim.
Our attorneys regularly assist clients with complex cases involving:
Workers’ Compensation & Long-Term Disability claims
Long-Term Disability and SSDI claims
Multiple disability benefit applications and appeals
Denied or terminated disability benefits
For example, an individual injured at work may have a Workers’ Compensation claim while also qualifying for Long-Term Disability benefits or Social Security Disability Insurance.
Our attorneys help clients understand how these benefits work together and identify all potential sources of benefits available based on their circumstances.
Common Reasons
LTD Claims Are Denied
Insurance companies may deny or terminate LTD benefits for many reasons, including:
Claiming your medical condition does not meet the policy definition of disability
Disputing Medical Evidence
Arguing you can perform another occupation
A denial does not necessarily mean you are not entitled to benefits. Many denied claims can be challenged through the appeals process.
Relying on insurance company medical reviews
Claiming insufficient documentation
Conducting surveillance or investigations
You May Have
More Than One Claim
Many people come to us believing they only have one type of disability claim. During our review, we often discover additional benefits or legal options they may qualify for.
If you are unable to work because of an injury, illness, or medical condition, we can help evaluate your situation and explain your options.
How Sullivan & Hartley, P.C. Can Help With LTD Appeals
When a Long-Term Disability claim is denied, timing is critical. Many policies have strict deadlines for submitting an appeal and additional evidence.
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Review the denial letter
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Identify weaknesses in the insurance company’s decision
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Develop supporting medical and vocational evidence
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Prepare a strong appeal
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Pursue additional legal remedies when necessary
Frequently
Asked Questions
A Long-Term Disability (LTD) claim is a request for disability insurance benefits when an injury, illness, or medical condition prevents you from working for an extended period of time. LTD benefits may be available through an employer-sponsored disability plan or an individual disability insurance policy.
Yes, in some situations, individuals may be eligible for both Workers’ Compensation and Long-Term Disability benefits. These benefits serve different purposes and may have different requirements. Sullivan & Hartley, P.C., can help evaluate how these claims interact and what benefits may be available.
Insurance companies may deny LTD claims for many reasons, including disputes over medical evidence, questions about your ability to work, insufficient documentation, or disagreements about whether your condition meets the policy’s definition of disability.
If you believe you may be eligible for Long-Term Disability benefits, it is important to understand your policy requirements, filing deadlines, and the documentation needed to support your claim. Because LTD claims can involve complex insurance policies and strict deadlines, it is important to understand your rights before filing a claim or responding to a denial.
Our attorneys at Sullivan and Hartley, P.C. can help review your situation, explain your options, and determine what benefits you may be entitled to.
