Long Term Disability Attorney in Bakersfield, California
Long-term disability insurance is intended to replace part of a person’s income when a medical condition prevents them from working for an extended period. When benefits are delayed, terminated, or denied, the financial consequences can be significant.
The Law Office of Kevin M. Zietz represents individuals in Bakersfield and throughout California in long-term disability claims involving both individual disability insurance policies and employer-sponsored benefit plans.
A long-term disability attorney can review the policy, medical evidence, occupational duties, and the insurer’s reasons for denying or terminating benefits. The issue is not simply whether a claimant has a serious medical condition, but whether the evidence establishes disability under the specific terms of the policy.
Long-Term Disability Claims We Handle
Long-term disability policies do not all use the same definition of disability. Some initially ask whether the claimant can perform the material duties of their own occupation. Others apply an any occupation standard, either from the beginning or after a specified period of time.
These distinctions can determine what medical, occupational, and vocational evidence is most important to the claim.
Our firm handles disability claims involving physical and psychiatric conditions, including musculoskeletal injuries, neurological conditions, cancer, heart conditions, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis, anxiety, depression, and other disabling conditions.
We also assist clients in responding to insurer requests for medical records, independent medical examinations, surveillance evidence, and evaluations of their ability to work.
Denied Long-Term Disability Benefits
A denial or termination letter should explain why the insurer has refused or stopped benefits. Common issues include insufficient medical evidence, disagreement with treating physicians, disputes about occupational duties, policy exclusions or limitations, pre-existing condition provisions, or a determination that the claimant no longer satisfies the policy’s definition of disability.
For claims governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), the administrative appeal is particularly important. Evidence submitted during the claim and appeal process generally becomes the record a federal court will later review if litigation becomes necessary. Failing to submit important medical, vocational, or occupational evidence during the administrative process can therefore significantly affect the case.
Appeal deadlines are also important. A claimant who receives an ERISA disability denial should have the denial letter, policy, and claim record reviewed promptly rather than waiting until the appeal deadline approaches.
Personal Representation From Kevin Zietz
Kevin Zietz has represented individuals in disability insurance disputes for more than 25 years. When he accepts a case, he handles the matter directly rather than passing responsibility for the claim to a case manager or paralegal.
That includes reviewing the claim and policy, communicating with the client, evaluating the insurer’s position, and determining what additional medical, occupational, or vocational evidence may strengthen the claim.
For Bakersfield residents dealing with a denied or terminated long-term disability claim, direct attorney involvement can be especially important when an insurer is requesting additional documentation or an appeal deadline is already running.
Discuss Your Bakersfield Long-Term Disability Claim
If your long-term disability benefits have been denied, terminated, or delayed, a careful review of the policy, denial letter, and claim file can help identify the issues in dispute, applicable deadlines, and additional evidence that may be needed.
The Law Office of Kevin M. Zietz represents clients throughout California in individual disability insurance claims and handles ERISA disability matters nationwide.
Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation. Our disability cases are handled on a contingency-fee basis. If there is no monetary recovery, there is no attorney fee.
