Getting your benefits claim denied can be a major cause of frustration. Whether your claim was for health insurance, disability, workers’ compensation or social security, you might need legal intervention. Getting a denial letter does not mean that the fight is over. With the right legal help, you can make an appeal and be successful. Below are some tips to consider when deciding which lawyer will be best for your benefit denial case.
Find a Lawyer Who Specializes In Benefit Denial Cases
Not all lawyers do the same type of thing. Law is broad, with many attorneys working in different areas. For benefit denial cases, you want a lawyer who understands the type of benefits you were denied, and can successfully appeal the denial.
If the claim was long-term disability benefits, get a lawyer that understands insurance companies and does disability appeals. With lawsuits against Unum, for example, they should understand common grounds for Unum denials. Specialized experience means that the lawyer stands a better chance of being familiar with the rules, deadlines, and general strategies that work in an appeal.
Examine Their Track Record and Reputation
A good lawyer will have a record of helping clients win their cases when denied benefits. They may not have won every case, but they will have a record of winning, strong feedback from past clients, and experience.
Take the time to read testimonials on their website or review websites. Ask questions like; How many benefit denial cases have they had? Have they gone to hearings or court for their clients? Do they have experience with the same insurance company or government agency that denied your claim?
Observe How They Communicate
Good communication is important, particularly at stressful times such as a denied claim. When you first meet with the lawyer, pay attention to how they treat you. They should listen to your story and explain your legal options clearly. A good benefit denial lawyer won’t use complicated legal terminology to confuse you. They want you to understand what’s going on and what to expect moving forward.
Know How Their Fees Work
Many benefit denial lawyers use contingency fees. This means you will pay them from your winnings. Ask what percentage they take and if they charge other fees. A reputable attorney will clearly communicate how their billing agreement is set up so you have no surprises going forward. Make sure you get the fee agreement in writing.no surprises going forward. Make sure you get the fee agreement in writing.
Go with Your Gut Instinct
After you have met with a lawyer, think about how the experience went for you. Did the lawyer seem knowledgeable and confident? Were they genuinely interested in helping you? Did you feel comfortable speaking with them? You need to trust and feel comfortable with whoever represents you. If the initial consultation did not feel right to you, keep looking until you find someone that matches your expectations.
Endnote
Choosing a lawyer for your benefit denial case requires careful consideration. Go with one that can stand by your side and navigate the appeals process competently. The right lawyer can give you a fighting chance to get the benefits you deserve.