Fort Lauderdale Long-Term Disability Attorney

What Are Considered Qualifying Disabilities?

Qualifying disabilities are typically long-lasting or permanent. A written statement from a medical professional is usually required to support the claim that you are unable to work for months, years, or more.

Other factors, like your policy’s exact terms and your job’s requirements in Broward County, also affect how insurance carriers evaluate your case. In Fort Lauderdale, people in physically demanding fields—like marine trades, aviation, healthcare, or tourism—often face unique challenges, with injuries or illnesses that impact long-term earning ability. Insurers review both your doctor’s records and independent medical exams, sometimes asking local specialists for additional input, especially in occupations common in South Florida.

Disabilities that can warrant long-term disability claims include:

• Arthritis
• Back or spinal injuries
• Brain injuries
• Broken bones or limbs
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Fractures
• Multiple sclerosis
• PTSD
• Seizures
• Severe mood disorders, including bipolar disorder

What Are the Different Types of Disability Insurance?

Long-term disability policies usually fall into two main categories. Own occupation disability coverage protects your ability to work in your current job.

Many in Fort Lauderdale choose own occupation coverage because so many local jobs require physical skills or training. Fields like aviation or marine work often need job-specific protection. Knowing the type of policy you have helps you set realistic expectations for your benefits, especially when local contracts involve unique rules or collective bargaining common in South Florida workplaces.

These policies may give you benefits if a disability makes you unable to do your specific job, even if you could do other work. By contrast, any occupation disability insurance only applies if your disability keeps you from working in any job at all.

Any occupation coverage can be harder to qualify for. When a claim gets approved, there’s usually an “elimination period.” This is a waiting period before benefits start; most long-term disability plans require a wait of at least 90 days.

The benefit period in your policy determines how long you receive payments. Some benefit periods last years or even until retirement, but your benefits can end if you recover and return to work. Review policies carefully to understand this timeline.

How Workers’ Compensation Differs from Short and Long-Term Disability

Short-term disability coverage fills a similar role to long-term disability, but it’s for conditions you can recover from within a few weeks or months. These policies usually cover a smaller portion of your pay—typically between 40% and 60%—and often only last up to three months.

In Fort Lauderdale, employers may offer workers’ compensation as well as disability coverage, with eligibility rules and benefits that vary by industry. Knowing the difference between Florida’s workers’ compensation laws and private disability insurance clarifies the process if an injury or illness occurs during hurricane season or busy work periods. Some physically intensive jobs in South Florida require more extensive documentation and stronger evidence when making a claim, especially when the cause or timing of the injury comes into question.

Short-term disability insurance is generally less expensive than long-term options and is sometimes paid for by employers. It usually requires a much shorter waiting period, often just a week or two.

Workers’ compensation differs from disability insurance. It covers injuries that happen on the job while you’re performing your work duties. In contrast, disability insurance applies to injuries or illnesses that happen off the job and prevent you from working.

Why Are Long-Term Disability Claims Denied?

If a qualifying disability truly prevents you from working as spelled out in your policy, the insurer should not deny your claim. However, some insurers still deny long-term disability claims, preventing people from getting the financial help they need.

In Broward County, insurance companies sometimes question wage records or raise concerns about incomplete medical documentation from local providers. Insurers may also request extra paperwork not clearly listed in the policy, making the process even harder for people in Fort Lauderdale. Keeping careful records, copies of correspondence, and regular communication with your insurer builds a strong foundation if you need to appeal.

Insurers may attempt to deny long-term disability claims for one of several reasons, including:

• Disagreements over the extent of the disability. Each policy defines “disability” differently. The insurer may argue your condition doesn’t meet that definition or say you can still do your job. Insurers often use in-house doctors to review your evidence, who might not always agree with your healthcare provider’s assessment.
• Suspected fraudulent activity. A policyholder must disclose all known medical issues and relevant job or hobby information. If the insurer thinks you left out or misrepresented facts during the application, they may deny your claim. Some insurers use this reason to reject claims whenever they can’t easily verify details.
• Inadequate evidence. Insurance companies often require extensive proof of your disability. Even with a doctor’s letter and your medical records, insurers may declare the evidence insufficient and deny your claim.

Commonly Asked Questions

What Steps Should I Take if My Long-Term Disability Claim Is Denied in Fort Lauderdale?

If your long-term disability claim is denied in Fort Lauderdale, act promptly. Review the denial letter for reasons your claim was rejected. Next, gather more medical evidence and other documentation to prove your disability and work limitations. It’s also wise to consult with a long-term disability attorney in Fort Lauderdale familiar with insurance policy terms and the appeals path. With over 45 years of experience, our firm assists clients with denied claims and guides them to pursue the benefits they deserve.

How Much of My Paycheck Can Long-Term Disability Insurance Cover in Fort Lauderdale?

In Boca Raton, long-term disability policies may cover different amounts of your income, depending on the specific plan you purchase. Higher-priced policies may pay up to 80% of your wages. More affordable options typically cover between 40% and 60%. It’s important to read your policy closely and know your benefit levels. Our team reviews these terms with you so you’re clear on your rights.

Can a Long-Term Disability Attorney Help Me With the Appeal Process in South Florida?

A long-term disability attorney in South Florida can play a key role with appeals after a denied claim. An attorney may review your policy, collect key evidence, and develop a case-specific appeal. Our team has a proven record of recovering millions for clients and supports those facing wrongful denials.

What Is the Benefit Period for Long-Term Disability Insurance in Florida?

Long-term disability benefit periods in Florida depend on the individual policy. Many offer coverage for several months, years, or even until retirement age. You should review your plan so you know how long coverage lasts. Our attorneys can explain these terms to prepare you for future needs.

How Can I Strengthen My Long-Term Disability Application?

Preparing a strong long-term disability application increases the chance of approval. Provide full medical documentation and detailed records from your healthcare team. Track dates of treatment, prescriptions, and therapies. Work with healthcare providers who understand the insurance process and clearly explain how your disability affects work.

Consistency strengthens your claim. Your descriptions of symptoms and limitations should match medical records. Present a fair picture, avoid exaggeration, and focus on facts. Our long-term disability lawyer in Fort Lauderdale helps address insurer objections and ensure you provide all supporting documentation.

What Should I Do If My Insurer Requests Additional Medical Examinations?

If your insurer asks you to undergo more medical exams, don’t panic—these requests are common. You should attend these exams and answer any questions about your disability. Request a written explanation of what the insurer expects from the exam and why.

Keep notes about the exam, and explain to doctors how your condition limits your work. Bring a friend or relative if you prefer support during the visit. Always review the results and work with your personal medical provider if any corrections are needed.

Is There a Time Limit to File a Long-Term Disability Claim in Florida?

In Florida, insurance policies set deadlines for filing claims. Check your policy for specific limitation periods that apply once a disability begins. Missing a deadline may mean your claim gets denied.

Notify both your employer and insurer as soon as you know your disability may affect your work. If you’re unsure about timing, review your policy and ask a lawyer so you meet all requirements and protect your benefits.

Can I File a Long-Term Disability Claim While on Other Benefits?

You can often file a long-term disability claim while receiving other types of benefits. Policies have “coordination” or “integration” clauses affecting how multiple benefits work together. For example, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or workers’ compensation benefits may change the amount your disability insurer pays you.

Tell your insurer about all benefits you receive. While total payout might be lower due to offsets, these combined benefits can provide important financial support. A legal adviser in Fort Lauderdale can clarify how your benefits interact, so you keep as much compensation as possible.

What Happens If I Can Return to Work Part-Time?

If you recover enough to return to work on a part-time basis, many long-term disability policies offer a “partial disability benefit.” This helps offset the income lost from reduced working hours. You’ll need detailed records from healthcare providers to prove your part-time status is medically required.

Report any new income or hours to your insurer to keep your benefits in compliance. Policies define partial disabilities differently; failing to follow those rules can limit your eligibility. With proper guidance, you can transition back to work and continue getting benefits when allowed.