Top 10 Best Long Term Disability Lawyers

A long-term disability (LTD) lawyer helps individuals who are struggling to obtain the disability benefits they are entitled to. Many insurance companies deny, delay, or underpay claims, making it difficult for disabled individuals to receive financial support when they need it the most. An LTD lawyer assists clients by reviewing their insurance policy, gathering medical evidence, handling appeals, and negotiating with the insurance company to ensure fair treatment. If necessary, they also represent clients in court if the insurer refuses to pay benefits. A disability lawyer understands the complex laws and regulations governing LTD claims and can increase the chances of a successful outcome.

You should hire a long-term disability lawyer if you are facing difficulties with your claim, such as a denial, delay, or underpayment of your benefits. Insurance companies often use vague reasons to deny claims, hoping that applicants will give up. If you are confused by the claims process, struggling to provide strong medical evidence, or dealing with insurer pushback, a lawyer can step in and handle the legal work on your behalf. It is also advisable to consult a lawyer before filing your initial claim to ensure everything is correctly submitted and to prevent costly mistakes that could lead to a denial.

Insurance companies deny LTD claims for various reasons, often prioritizing their profits over paying rightful benefits. Some common reasons for denial include:

• Insufficient medical evidence – If your medical records don’t strongly support your disability, your claim may be rejected.
• Failure to meet the policy’s definition of disability – Some policies require you to be unable to perform your current job, while others require you to be unable to work any job at all.
• Missed deadlines – Many disability claims have strict deadlines for submitting documentation and appeals.
• Surveillance or independent medical exams (IMEs) – Insurance companies may use surveillance or biased medical exams to argue that you are not as disabled as you claim.
• Pre-existing condition exclusions – Some policies do not cover conditions diagnosed before your coverage began.

An LTD lawyer can review your denial letter, identify weak areas in your claim, and build a strong appeal to fight back against the insurance company’s tactics.

A long-term disability lawyer can significantly improve your chances of overturning a denied claim. First, they analyze your denial letter to understand why your claim was rejected. Then, they gather stronger medical evidence, work with doctors to obtain detailed reports, and submit a well-documented appeal. If the insurance company still refuses to pay, the lawyer can take the case to court or negotiate a settlement to ensure you receive the financial support you deserve. Without legal representation, many applicants struggle to navigate the appeals process, which is intentionally complicated by insurers to discourage claims.

The timeframe to appeal a denied LTD claim depends on your insurance policy, but in most cases, you have 60 to 180 days from the date of the denial. Missing this deadline can permanently forfeit your right to appeal, making it crucial to act quickly. If you are unsure about your deadline or how to proceed, consulting a disability lawyer as soon as possible is highly recommended. A lawyer can ensure that your appeal is filed correctly, supported with strong evidence, and submitted before the deadline expires.

In most cases, yes, you need to prove that you are unable to perform your job duties due to your medical condition to qualify for LTD benefits. However, some policies allow partial disability benefits, which means you can work limited hours while still receiving some financial support. Your insurance policy will define whether you must be fully unable to work or if you can qualify under a residual disability clause. A lawyer can help interpret your policy and guide you on whether you should continue working while applying for benefits.

To successfully obtain LTD benefits, you need to provide compelling evidence that proves your medical condition prevents you from working. The most important evidence includes:

• Medical records that document your diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment plan.
• Doctor’s statements that specifically outline how your condition limits your ability to work.
• Functional capacity evaluations (FCEs) that assess your physical and cognitive limitations.
• Prescription history to demonstrate ongoing treatment.
• Statements from family, friends, or coworkers describing how your disability affects your daily life.

Many claims are denied due to weak medical documentation, so having a lawyer help collect and organize evidence can significantly strengthen your case.

Most long-term disability lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t have to pay upfront. Instead, they only get paid if you win your case, typically taking a percentage (often 25% to 40%) of the backpay benefits awarded to you. Some lawyers also offer flat fees for specific services, such as reviewing an insurance policy or filing an initial claim. Since many LTD applicants struggle financially, contingency-based fees make legal assistance accessible without adding extra financial burden.

Yes, insurance companies frequently review disability claims and may attempt to terminate benefits after a period of time. Common reasons include:

• Medical improvement – If the insurer believes your condition has improved, they may stop payments.
• Surveillance evidence – Insurers sometimes hire private investigators to monitor claimants for signs that they are not as disabled as claimed.
• Failure to comply with medical treatment – If you don’t follow prescribed treatments, the insurer may argue that you are not making an effort to recover.
• Change in policy terms – Some policies switch from “own occupation” to “any occupation” after a certain period, making it harder to qualify.

If your benefits are unfairly stopped, a long-term disability lawyer can challenge the insurer’s decision and fight to have your payments reinstated.

Finding a trusted and experienced long-term disability lawyer can be challenging, but VouchSpot makes it easy by carefully selecting lawyers based on their expertise, client success rates, and reviews. Instead of wasting time searching for legal help, VouchSpot provides a curated list of top-rated disability lawyers who specialize in LTD claims.

By using VouchSpot, you can:

• Connect with experienced lawyers quickly instead of searching on your own.
• Read real client reviews to find a lawyer with a track record of success.
• Find an attorney familiar with insurance company tactics to fight back effectively.
• Save time and effort by accessing a pre-vetted list of reputable disability lawyers in your area.

With VouchSpot, you can confidently choose a lawyer who has proven experience in handling long-term disability cases, increasing your chances of securing the benefits you rightfully deserve.