[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"disability-benefits":3},{"id":4,"title":5,"Accolades":6,"CallBack":27,"CommonTypes":32,"Hero":83,"HowItWorks":101,"QuestionsAnswers":105,"Stats":152,"TypesGrid":155,"description":209,"extension":210,"meta":211,"stem":340,"theme":214,"__hash__":341},"matters/practice-area/disability-benefits.json","Disability Insurance Claims",{"order":7,"props":8},4,{"matterName":9,"accoladeImages":10},"disability",[11,15,19,23],{"src":12,"alt":13,"tag":14},"westwise/accolades/general/PI-AVVO%201.png?updatedAt=1746866576008","AVVO top attorney personal injuries logo","personal",{"src":16,"alt":17,"tag":18},"westwise/accolades/general/BestLaw.png?updatedAt=1748974280915","Best Law Firms Logo","firms",{"src":20,"alt":21,"tag":22},"westwise/accolades/general/Top-25-motor-vehicles-lawyers-2x.png?updatedAt=1748986603176","Top trial lawyers logo","trial",{"src":24,"alt":25,"tag":26},"westwise/accolades/general/Leading-Plaintiff-Consumer-Lawyer-1-jpg%201.png?updatedAt=1746866575996","Top leading plantiff customer lawyers logo","plantiff",{"order":28,"props":29},1,{"backgroundClass":30,"highlightClass":31},"bg-section-gradient","",{"order":33,"slots":34,"props":38},6,{"descriptor":35},{"content":36,"props":37},"disabling conditions",{"class":31},{"imgSrc":39,"types":40},"westwise/car_accident_2x.webp?updatedAt=1747469930091",[41,48,55,62,69,76],{"title":42,"description":45},{"content":43,"props":44},"Musculoskeletal Disorders",{},{"content":46,"props":47},"These include conditions like chronic back pain, herniated discs, arthritis, and sciatica. An attorney from one of our partner firms can help gather the medical evidence needed to prove how these conditions limit your ability to work.",{},{"title":49,"description":52},{"content":50,"props":51},"Mental Health Conditions",{},{"content":53,"props":54},"Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder can be just as debilitating as physical injuries. Insurers often challenge these 'invisible' disabilities, but we can help you build a strong case for your claim.",{},{"title":56,"description":59},{"content":57,"props":58},"Neurological Disorders",{},{"content":60,"props":61},"Conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, or stroke can make it impossible to continue working. These complex cases require detailed medical documentation to secure benefits.",{},{"title":63,"description":66},{"content":64,"props":65},"Cancer",{},{"content":67,"props":68},"The effects of cancer and its treatments (like chemotherapy and radiation) can prevent you from working. A disability lawyer from a partner firm can handle your claim so you can focus on your health and recovery.",{},{"title":70,"description":73},{"content":71,"props":72},"Cardiovascular Conditions",{},{"content":74,"props":75},"Heart disease, congestive heart failure, and recovery from a heart attack can severely limit your physical abilities. We help demonstrate to the insurer that you are unable to perform your job duties.",{},{"title":77,"description":80},{"content":78,"props":79},"Chronic Illnesses",{},{"content":81,"props":82},"Fibromyalgia, Lupus, Long COVID, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome often involve subjective symptoms that insurers are quick to dismiss. An experienced lawyer knows how to document these conditions effectively to fight for your benefits.",{},{"order":84,"slots":85,"props":95},0,{"mainTitle":86,"descriptor":89,"supportingText":92},{"content":87,"props":88},"Work with trusted attorneys on your",{"class":31},{"content":90,"props":91},"disability insurance claim",{"class":31},{"content":93,"props":94},"Our partner law firms have helped thousands across the country get the help they deserve for their disability insurance claim.*",{"class":31},{"imgSrc":96,"backgroundClass":97,"showHeroDisclaimer":98,"heroDisclaimerHTML":99,"CallBack":100},"/westwise/hero_office_r6.jpg?updatedAt=1754409229077","bg-white",true,null,{"backgroundClass":30,"highlightClass":31},{"order":102,"props":103},3,{"matterName":104},"disability claim",{"order":106,"props":107},7,{"imgSrc":108,"items":109},"/westwise/Lawyers_Collage.webp?updatedAt=1752065553360",[110,117,124,131,138,145],{"question":111,"answer":114},{"content":112,"props":113},"What should I do if my disability claim is denied?",{},{"content":115,"props":116},"If your disability claim is denied, it’s crucial not to miss the deadline to appeal, which is often very strict (typically 180 days for ERISA claims). First, request a complete copy of your claim file from the insurance company. This file contains all the evidence they used to make their decision. Do not just write a simple letter to appeal; this is your most important chance to build the record. Before you submit anything, contact us. An experienced disability partner law firm can review the denial letter and your file, identify the insurer's weaknesses, and help you gather the necessary medical and vocational evidence to build the strongest possible appeal.",{},{"question":118,"answer":121},{"content":119,"props":120},"How do I know if I have a disability insurance case?",{},{"content":122,"props":123},"You may have a strong case if: 1) You have a disability insurance policy (either through your employer or purchased privately). 2) You have a medical condition that prevents you from performing the duties of your job. 3) Your claim for benefits has been unfairly denied or terminated by the insurance company. Even if you're just starting the process and are worried about a denial, getting legal advice early can be beneficial. Contact us for a free case review of your situation.",{},{"question":125,"answer":128},{"content":126,"props":127},"What kind of benefits can I recover?",{},{"content":129,"props":130},"The primary goal is to get your rightful benefits paid. This could mean: 1) Reinstatement of Monthly Benefits: Forcing the insurer to approve your claim and start paying the monthly benefits you are owed. 2) Payment of Back Benefits: Recovering all the monthly payments you missed from the time of the wrongful denial to the present. 3) Lump-Sum Settlement: In some cases, it may be possible to negotiate a one-time, lump-sum buyout of your future disability benefits. An attorney from one of our partner firms will evaluate all options to maximize your financial recovery.",{},{"question":132,"answer":135},{"content":133,"props":134},"How long do I have to file an appeal or lawsuit?",{},{"content":136,"props":137},"The time limit, or 'statute of limitations,' is one of the most critical aspects of a disability claim. For employer-sponsored plans under ERISA, you typically have only 180 days from receiving a denial letter to file your administrative appeal. If that appeal is denied, the time limit to file a lawsuit varies by state and the specific policy language. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from recovering benefits. It is vital to act quickly and consult an attorney as soon as your claim is denied.",{},{"question":139,"answer":142},{"content":140,"props":141},"Will I have to go to court for my disability claim?",{},{"content":143,"props":144},"Probably not. Most disability claims are resolved without going to a full trial. Many cases are won at the administrative appeal level. If a lawsuit is necessary, it is often resolved through negotiation, mediation, or a settlement. For ERISA cases specifically, there is usually no trial with live witnesses; instead, a judge reviews the claim file and legal arguments from both sides. Our partner law firms prepare every case as if it will go to court, which puts us in a strong position to negotiate a favorable outcome for you.",{},{"question":146,"answer":149},{"content":147,"props":148},"How much does it cost to use Westwise for my disability claim?",{},{"content":150,"props":151},"There are zero upfront costs. Our partner law firms handle disability insurance cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no attorney's fees unless and until they win your case and recover benefits for you. The fee is a percentage of the benefits recovered, so there is no financial risk to you to get the expert legal help you need.",{},{"order":153,"props":154},2,{},{"order":156,"props":157},5,{"title":158,"description":159,"types":160},"We help with a wide range of disability insurance claims","From appealing initial denials to filing lawsuits for wrongful terminations of benefits, our partner law firms are ready to help.",[161,169,177,185,193,201],{"title":162,"description":165,"icon":168},{"content":163,"props":164},"Long-Term Disability (LTD) Claims",{},{"content":166,"props":167},"When you can't work for an extended period, LTD policies should provide income. Our partner attorneys fight back against insurers who unfairly deny or terminate these vital benefits.",{},"fa-solid fa-calendar-check",{"title":170,"description":173,"icon":176},{"content":171,"props":172},"Short-Term Disability (STD) Claims",{},{"content":174,"props":175},"Even a temporary disability can be financially devastating. Our partner law firms can help you challenge a wrongful denial of your short-term disability benefits.",{},"fa-solid fa-calendar-day",{"title":178,"description":181,"icon":184},{"content":179,"props":180},"ERISA Disability Claims",{},{"content":182,"props":183},"Most employer-provided disability plans are governed by complex federal laws (ERISA). Navigating the strict deadlines and procedures requires specific experience.",{},"fa-solid fa-building-shield",{"title":186,"description":189,"icon":192},{"content":187,"props":188},"Private Policy Claims",{},{"content":190,"props":191},"Individual disability insurance policies have their own rules. A partner attorney can help you interpret your policy and hold the insurance company to its contractual obligations.",{},"fa-solid fa-file-signature",{"title":194,"description":197,"icon":200},{"content":195,"props":196},"Bad Faith Insurance Denials",{},{"content":198,"props":199},"When an insurer acts unreasonably or unfairly in denying your claim, you may have a case for bad faith, potentially allowing for additional damages.",{},"fa-solid fa-gavel",{"title":202,"description":205,"icon":208},{"content":203,"props":204},"Social Security Disability (SSDI/SSI)",{},{"content":206,"props":207},"Our partner law firms handle appeals for government-administered disability benefits, guiding you through the complex Social Security Administration (SSA) process.",{},"fa-solid fa-landmark","We help you get your disability benefits approved. Free case consultation. Partner law firms ready to fight the insurance companies for you.","json",{"path":212,"body":213},"/practice-area/disability-benefits",{"title":5,"description":209,"theme":214,"Hero":215,"CallBack":225,"Stats":227,"HowItWorks":229,"Accolades":231,"TypesGrid":238,"CommonTypes":271,"QuestionsAnswers":307},"legal",{"order":84,"slots":216,"props":223},{"mainTitle":217,"descriptor":219,"supportingText":221},{"content":87,"props":218},{"class":31},{"content":90,"props":220},{"class":31},{"content":93,"props":222},{"class":31},{"imgSrc":96,"backgroundClass":97,"showHeroDisclaimer":98,"heroDisclaimerHTML":99,"CallBack":224},{"backgroundClass":30,"highlightClass":31},{"order":28,"props":226},{"backgroundClass":30,"highlightClass":31},{"order":153,"props":228},{},{"order":102,"props":230},{"matterName":104},{"order":7,"props":232},{"matterName":9,"accoladeImages":233},[234,235,236,237],{"src":12,"alt":13,"tag":14},{"src":16,"alt":17,"tag":18},{"src":20,"alt":21,"tag":22},{"src":24,"alt":25,"tag":26},{"order":156,"props":239},{"title":158,"description":159,"types":240},[241,246,251,256,261,266],{"title":242,"description":244,"icon":168},{"content":163,"props":243},{},{"content":166,"props":245},{},{"title":247,"description":249,"icon":176},{"content":171,"props":248},{},{"content":174,"props":250},{},{"title":252,"description":254,"icon":184},{"content":179,"props":253},{},{"content":182,"props":255},{},{"title":257,"description":259,"icon":192},{"content":187,"props":258},{},{"content":190,"props":260},{},{"title":262,"description":264,"icon":200},{"content":195,"props":263},{},{"content":198,"props":265},{},{"title":267,"description":269,"icon":208},{"content":203,"props":268},{},{"content":206,"props":270},{},{"order":33,"slots":272,"props":275},{"descriptor":273},{"content":36,"props":274},{"class":31},{"imgSrc":39,"types":276},[277,282,287,292,297,302],{"title":278,"description":280},{"content":43,"props":279},{},{"content":46,"props":281},{},{"title":283,"description":285},{"content":50,"props":284},{},{"content":53,"props":286},{},{"title":288,"description":290},{"content":57,"props":289},{},{"content":60,"props":291},{},{"title":293,"description":295},{"content":64,"props":294},{},{"content":67,"props":296},{},{"title":298,"description":300},{"content":71,"props":299},{},{"content":74,"props":301},{},{"title":303,"description":305},{"content":78,"props":304},{},{"content":81,"props":306},{},{"order":106,"props":308},{"imgSrc":108,"items":309},[310,315,320,325,330,335],{"question":311,"answer":313},{"content":112,"props":312},{},{"content":115,"props":314},{},{"question":316,"answer":318},{"content":119,"props":317},{},{"content":122,"props":319},{},{"question":321,"answer":323},{"content":126,"props":322},{},{"content":129,"props":324},{},{"question":326,"answer":328},{"content":133,"props":327},{},{"content":136,"props":329},{},{"question":331,"answer":333},{"content":140,"props":332},{},{"content":143,"props":334},{},{"question":336,"answer":338},{"content":147,"props":337},{},{"content":150,"props":339},{},"practice-area/disability-benefits","bpsPstHLFXEr3hRjLRTKlp1bU-XB3FFrEmlHgnPDIG4"]