To avoid some of the legal pitfalls as you seek to gain benefits, do the following when at all possible. When you feel you are unable to work, but before you file a disability claim, consult your doctor. Make sure that your doctor recommends that you take time off from work. Your doctor will need to fill out forms that explain his or her diagnosis, the medical reasons you are unable to work, and the prospects of returning to work at your old job — or any other job. You will have to fill out forms as well, and sign releases that allows your insurer access to your medical records.
        Do not assume that filling out the forms, and doing everything your disability insurer asks to do, will be enough. The attorneys at Krafchick Law Firm have taken on many clients who have faithfully answered every question posed and provided all information requested, yet still were denied benefits.
        To strengthen your case, you should get signed statements from friends, family and co-workers supporting your claim. If your doctor agrees to write a more extensive report, make sure he or she understands the process. Hastily written reports create problems that can hinder rather than help your claim. You might consider getting evaluations from other types of health care providers that will support the diagnosis of your personal physician, or will counter the claims by doctors hired by the insurance company. Gather and send in all supporting medical literature that you can find — preferably from peer-reviewed journals.
        Understandably, this is a complicated process. Needless to say, there is a great benefit in consulting a knowledgeable attorney to help you perfect your claim. Unfortunately, few attorneys have devoted their practice to helping people secure their disability benefits.
        The attorneys at Krafchick Law Firm have handled ERISA and non-ERISA disability claims for over a decade, and have helped their clients nationwide get their benefits. The cases that prove to be the most difficult are cases that come in late in the process. The earlier our involvement, the better our chances to affect the content of your claim file. Krafchick Law Firm has significant trial experience. However, nearly all of our cases have been solved favorably, without the need to go to trial.