People seek short-term disability and long-term disability benefits when they are facing an injury or illness that prohibits them from being able to carry out their current employment duties, or ability to seek and carry out alternative work duties for a period of time. When someone files a disability claim through their group benefits, they are seeking the financial, medical and social support promised to them through their employee disability insurance. Other individuals seek disability benefits through insurance boards such as WSIB and ODSP, which also provide financial support to those facing a medical situation that has prohibited them from being able to work. No matter which entity you seek disability benefits from, many people who file disability claims are faced with denial. What many people do not know is that insurance companies often deny disability claims for illegitimate reasons, in hopes that those seeking insurance coverage will simply give up on pursuing their benefits, due to the difficulties and added stress that an initial denial can present.
By speaking with a lawyer who specializes in denied disability claims, you should gain a peace of mind and have access to the support you need at this time. TSF Law specializes in long-term disability claims and understands the ins-and-outs of insurance companies. We have seen many cases where short-term disability and long-term disability claims have been wrongfully denied, leaving many people suffering from an illness or injury with a sense of further defeat and added stress. We make it our priority to fight insurance companies that have wrongfully denied disability claims, and fight for those who fall victim to an insurance companies illegitimate decision making and mistreatment.
Added Stress is Not Okay
We understand that having to cope with a disability that requires leave from work is stressful enough, but levels of stress can really increase when one is faced with a denied disability insurance claim. When one is expecting access to funds to manage their current medical state, and are faced with a denied claim, a rush of emotions and financial difficulties often begin to flood one’s reality as well. It is important that you learn to manage your stress when facing a denied disability claim and to remember not to panic! Stress can increase exponentially when someone is faced with situational pressures and demands, especially those that are perceived to be threatening, such as a denied disability claim. Incurring financial loss and difficulties when already dealing with a debilitating medical diagnosis can prolong one’s suffering and recovery period.
Given that most insurance companies prolong wait times and are unreachable after denying an insurance claim, this feeling of being “left in the dark” can lead to long-term stress which can be harmful. According to the Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), when stress becomes overwhelming and prolonged, the risks for mental health problems and medical problems increases. This is not something anyone should incur when trying to gain access to the disability benefits they are entitled to. Furthermore, having to deal with an insurance company that is harassing you, or acting in bad faith, can add fuel to the fire; this is completely unacceptable.
Identifying the Signs & Symptoms
Stress that has manifested as a result of a denied insurance claim may be emotional, physical, or show in one’s behavior or thinking process. According to CAMH studies, stress symptoms include:
Cognitive:
* Difficulty concentrating, thinking and making decisions
* Memory problems
* Negative or reduced self-confidence
* Consistent worrying
Emotional:
* Moodiness
* Decrease in morale
* Irritability
* Feeling hopeless or helpless
* Feeling apprehensive, anxious or nervous
* Feeling depressed
* Feeling unhappy or guilty
* Feeling agitated
* Inability to relax
Physical:
* Headaches
* Muscle Tension
* Increase in physical pain or discomfort
* Stomach problems
* Nausea or vomiting
* Loss of libido
* Rapid heart rate
* Increase in blood pressure
* Fatigue
Behavioral symptoms can manifest in several ways. Some people notice, during high levels of stress, that they have had changes in their sleeping and eating habits. Such changes can include loss of appetite, binge eating, insomnia, or oversleeping. With stress, one can begin suffering from social withdrawal and begin neglecting family and work responsibilities. Many people when stressed develop nervous habits such as nail biting, clenching and grinding or teeth, restless legs and foot tapping. Some individuals notice an increase in their use of caffeine, cigarettes, alcohol and drug use. All of these symptoms can have further adverse effects that begin to become more and more debilitating to those who are already suffering from a medical condition.
Feel More Secure: Contact a Lawyer
Overall, when facing mounting levels of stress, one is impacted negatively in many areas of their life and notice a decline in their overall performance and productivity. Having to deal with these symptoms and outcomes of stress can threaten one’s well being, especially when they are already facing the reality of a disabling illness or injury.
When facing a denied disability claim, it is important that you maintain a sense of emotional well-being and support. Being able to cope with the difficulties of a denied insurance claim is important to both your health and the outcome of fighting for your rights to proper coverage. By working with an attorney who specializes in denied disability claims, you will be able to manage the stress caused by a denied insurance claim, as well as manage your illness or injury which has made you have to apply for disability coverage in the fist place.
Prioritizing your needs and applying your focus where you need it most is important to TSF LAwyers. Our legal team will assume all further communication with your insurance company and even help gather documents needed to appeal a denied disability insurance claim. We work compassionately and for our clients, with full knowledge of their legal rights and pursuit of financial support. If you have been faced with a denied disability claim, a denied short-term disability claim or denied long-term disability claim, do not hesitate to contact us today. We offer free consultations and want to alleviate as much stress as possible during this time of healing.
