Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability Attorneys in Grand Rapids

Recover the Benefits You Deserve

When a person sustains a severe injury that leaves them unable to work, they may be able to recover disability benefits that provide a substitute source of income. Disability benefits are available as both short-term plans (when a person anticipates being able to return to work), and long-term plans (which provide benefits to those who do not anticipate being able to return to work).

Applying for disability benefits can be a complex process. If you need assistance with your short-term or long-term disability claim, contact the Grand Rapids disability lawyers of Goodman Acker P.C. today.

Who Qualifies for Short-Term Disability Benefits?

Short-term disability benefits provide coverage to people while they recover from an injury or illness that will keep them out of work for an extended period of time, but not as long as in cases that qualify for long-term benefits. In general, short-term benefit allowances can last for several weeks up to a year, but the terms of coverage will depend on the insurance policy. These benefits must serve as an income replacement during the time that the injury victim is unable to work.

To qualify for short-term disability benefits, a person must have an injury that doctors anticipate will keep them out of work for several weeks or months. Short-term disability recipients are expected to return to their jobs eventually.

Who Qualifies for Long-Term Disability Benefits?

The qualification requirements for long-term disability benefits differ from the qualification requirements for short-term disability benefits because the benefits must account for expenses that will arise over years, or during a lifetime. The conditions that qualify long-term disability coverage are often life-altering. It is expected that the patient will not be able to return to work at any time in the foreseeable future.

Conditions that may be considered as long-term disabilities include, but are not limited to:

• Catastrophic injuries (such as paralysis, brain injuries, or spinal cord injuries)
• Cancer
• Chronic pain
• Vision issues
• Hearing impairment
• Kidney disease
• Stroke

Contact your Grand Rapids disability attorneys:

1500 E Beltline Ave SE Suite 235
Grand Rapids, MI 49506

Why Was My Disability Claim Denied?

A disability claim can be denied for a number of reasons. In some cases, an applicant’s injuries or situations may not qualify for coverage. In other cases, a clerical error on the behalf of the applicant may prompt a claim denial. Claims can also be denied for unlawful reasons — in cases of unjust disability claim denials, an applicant can appeal their case. An appeal may be viable in cases of “just” claim denials as well.

Your disability claim may have been denied because:

• You missed a deadline
• A form was completed incorrectly
• Insufficient evidence
• Not completing mandated treatment
• The insurance company is engaging in “bad faith” practices and wrongfully denied your claim

Why Do I Need a Grand Rapids Disability Attorney?

Our disability lawyers in Grand Rapids can help you recover the benefits you deserve. Applying for disability benefits is a complicated process, and any error could result in a claim denial. Our attorneys have experience with short-term and long-term disability claims and are familiar with the practices of insurance companies such as Cigna, Hartford, Lincoln Financial, and Unum.

Call Now to Discuss Your Case for Free

The attorneys of Goodman Acker P.C. are dedicated to helping injury victims receive the support and care they need. Short-term disability and long-term disability claims can be complex. Our legal team has the experience and knowledge necessary to successfully resolve these claims and will help you understand your rights during every step of the claims process.

Send us a message or call (248) 286-8100 to discuss your case with our short-term disability and long-term disability lawyers in Grand Rapids, MI.

LEGALLY REVIEWED BY BARRY J. GOODMAN

Barry J. Goodman has devoted his professional life to keeping courthouse doors open for victims seeking justice. Always a tireless advocate for his own clients, Goodman sees his responsibility as a Detroit personal injury attorney in a broader sense as well. [ Attorney Bio ]