Need Help Fighting for Your Disability Benefits? Speak With an Illinois Disability Lawyer at Our Firm
When you are injured and unable to work, disability benefits can make all of the difference for you and your family. At Tucker Disability Law, we have more than 40 years of combined experience and are equipped with the resources needed to simplify the claims process for you. Our nationally recognized firm can help you win the benefits you deserve.
If you need help appealing a VA claim denial or seeking long term disability insurance benefits, call to speak to an Illinois disability lawyer at our firm. We welcome discussing your case during a free consultation.
Disability Insurance Claims
Employer or Group Disability Insurance
When your disability insurance is provided by your employer or you have opted into group disability insurance, your plan is governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). ERISA is a federal law that provides employees with a number of protections.
ERISA has a major impact on long term disability insurance claims and short term disability insurance claims. Whether you are at the initial filing step or appealing, it is crucial to understanding how to handle an ERISA claim.
Our Illinois disability lawyers work with clients across the country. Our firm can help you file your initial claim, appeal a denied claim and litigate for your benefits.
Individual Disability Insurance
When an individual purchases their own coverage, they likely have individual disability insurance. If you have a private or individual disability insurance plan, your plan is not subject to ERISA. Illinois state insurance laws and your insurance policy will determine how you handle your claim. We recommend speaking to an experienced Illinois disability lawyer for help filing, appealing or litigating your claim.
The Disability Insurance Claim Process
The disability insurance claim process can be complicated and difficult to navigate successfully without help. If you are injured or have an illness that prevents you from working, contact our attorneys for a free consultation.
Below, we provide an outline to help get you started and guide you through the process.
Filing Your Initial Claim
To begin the disability insurance claim process you will start by filing a claim. It is important to understand that there are key differences between filing for group or individual disability insurance benefits.
If you have questions about your initial claim, consult a disability attorney in Illinois with experience in handling cases in the state. Working with an attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your short or long term disability insurance claim. An attorney can help you gather strong evidence and account for everything within your initial claim.
After you file, the insurance company will investigate your claim. At this point, your insurer will run their investigation and may ask you to take a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE). An FCE is a four hour test that helps indicate what a person is physically capable of doing. Unfortunately, the insurance company may use the FCE to deny or undervalue your claim.
Once the insurer has investigated your claim, they will either grant or deny your disability insurance benefits. If your insurance company undervalued or denied your benefits, you can choose to appeal your claim.
The Appeals Process
When you choose to appeal your claim, it is important to understand there are differences between appealing group and individual disability insurance claims. Your insurance policy may also impact your appeals process.
We recommend discussing filing a long term disability appeal with an Illinois disability lawyer at our firm. Our attorneys can help you meet deadlines, prepare your appeal and file a lawsuit if your appeal is denied.
Filing a Lawsuit
If you have received a notice of your appeal denial, you have the option to file a lawsuit against your insurance company for the disability insurance benefits you deserve. Our firm can help you fight for your benefits and litigate on your behalf.
VA Disability in Illinois
In the state of Illinois, there is a system in place to help veterans who are injured and unable to work receive the benefits need. However, it may take a long time to move through this system. It could potentially take years to receive your VA disability benefits. This is why we recommend starting this process right away.
Below, we provide an outline to successfully guide you through the process. If you receive a claim denial after you have filed your claim, contact our disability lawyers for help appealing the decision.
State Resources
- Chicago Regional Office in Chicago
How to Win VA Disability Benefits in Illinois
Before you file your VA disability claim, you will want to determine whether you are eligible for benefits. If you meet all of the eligibility criteria, your next step is to begin filing your claim.
Filing your disability claim can either be done online or at a regional office. To support your claim you will need to gather evidence and supporting documentation. This can include:
- Private medical records
- VA medical records
- A written statement about your condition
- Discharge papers
- Witness statements from fellow service members
A disability attorney cannot help you file your VA claim. However, if your claim is denied our attorneys can assist you with your appeal.
Appealing a VA Disability Claim Denial
If you receive a denial for your VA disability claim, our attorneys can help you appeal by:
- Filing your Notice of Disagreement (NOD)
- Gathering evidence for your claim
- Filing the appeal
- Monitoring your case
- Representing you during all proceedings
Our disability attorneys help veterans across the country recover VA service-connected compensation. Contact our firm to discuss your appeal during a free consultation.
Cities We Serve in Illinois
Our disability lawyers in Illinois counsel clients throughout the state. Cities we serve include:
- Chicago
- Aurora
- Rockford
- Joliet
- Naperville
- Springfield
- Peoria
- Elgin
- Waukegan
- Champaign
Need a Disability Attorney in Illinois? Contact Our Firm Today
If you need help obtaining VA benefits or disability insurance benefits in Illinois, contact our firm to schedule a free consultation. At Tucker Disability Law, our attorneys can help you understand your legal options and provide you with the best chance at winning the benefits you deserve. Contact us at (866) 282-5260 to discuss your case.
