Houston Long-Term Disability Lawyer
When you have purchased a long-term disability insurance plan, you are relying on the insurance company to be there for you in the unlikely event that you need it. The reality is that it takes a lot of work to persuade an insurance company to pay your claim, which can include an extensive initial file and a potential lawsuit if they will not pay.
At Raval Trial Law, we can guide you through the process and advocate strenuously on your behalf, whatever it entails. Contact us today at (713) 324-8118.
Why Choose Raval Trial Law?
Raval Trial Law brings experienced representation in insurance litigation to every disability claim we handle. Rather than juggling dozens of practice areas, we concentrate our efforts where insurance companies deny legitimate claims, and that concentrated focus directly benefits our clients. Our case results demonstrate what our dedicated representation can accomplish for people fighting wrongful benefit denials.
From your initial consultation forward, you work directly with a Houston disability denial lawyer who understands your case inside and out. We structure our firm intentionally to prevent the frustrations common at larger practices, such as endless phone transfers, messages that go unreturned, and clients who never speak with the attorney handling their file.
When you call, you reach someone who knows your name and your situation. We provide regular updates, explain developments, and remain accessible throughout the process. This commitment to direct attorney-client communication reflects our belief that how we treat clients matters as much as the results we achieve.
What Is Long-Term Disability Insurance and How Do I Qualify for Benefits?
Many people carry disability coverage that should provide financial support in the event of a disabling condition that prevents you from working. This policy is provided as part of employee benefits packages or purchased directly through an insurance company.
Every long-term disability policy contains a definition of the term “disabled” that you must meet to qualify for benefits. At first, disability means that your medical condition leaves you unable to perform the duties of your own job that you held before your health deteriorated. Once you have received benefits for 24 months, you must then prove that you are unable to do any type of work for which you are reasonably qualified.
Filing a Long-Term Disability Claim
If you are unable to work for the long term, you must file a claim with your insurance company for disability benefits. This claim must be well-documented to persuade the insurance company to grant benefits. Your initial claim typically includes the following evidence:
- A personal statement that describes your condition and how you are unable to work because of it
- A statement from your attending physician that explains your diagnosis, restrictions, limitations, prognosis, and treatment plan
- Medical records that provide evidence of your condition and show the treatment plan
- Functional assessments of your ability to do your job
- Occupational evidence that shows what your job requires
- Proof of your income and earnings
The insurance company reviews your initial claim and has a limited amount of time to approve or deny it. Do not be surprised if they do the latter, as initial denials are common.
Your Appeal Rights When Your Claim Is Denied
When you privately purchase your own disability insurance, your policy becomes a contract between you and the insurance company, and Texas law governs your claim. When your policy comes through your job, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), a federal law, controls any dispute you have with the insurance company.
ERISA sets strict appeal procedures, including first filing an internal appeal with the insurance company before you can appeal through the courts. For a privately purchased policy, you can sue the insurer directly in state court (however, some insurance companies insert language into the policy that requires you to go through their appeals process before you can sue).
The law requires insurance companies to review claims in good faith. If the insurance company acts in bad faith, such as by denying your claim without a reasonable investigation or unreasonably delaying their response, you can sue them for damages directly. These damages are in addition to the amount that they must pay you under your policy.
Potential Outcomes of a Long-Term Disability Appeal
When you sue the insurance company in a Texas court, you may obtain any of the following results:
- The court will overturn the insurance company’s denial and force it to pay your claim
- The court will rule against you, but you then have the right to appeal your case to a higher court
- You may negotiate a settlement with the insurance company that pays you either some of the money you deserve or all of the money that you are due on a lump-sum basis
The Benefits of a Long-Term Disability Lawyer
Regardless of whether you got your policy through work or privately, insurance companies are notoriously stringent when it comes to disability insurance claims. If they grant your long-term claim, they will need to pay you a large portion of your earnings for at least two years, and potentially much longer beyond that. They need very little excuse to deny your claim and force you to fight.
You may consider hiring us at the outset of your claim, before you even file it with the insurance company. When you work with Raval Trial Law, you are not handed off to endless legal assistants. You work directly with an attorney who is easy to reach and personally involved in your case.
The right attorney can help you:
- Build a persuasive claim file before submission
- Strengthen your medical documentation and supporting evidence
- Identify weaknesses in your application before the insurance company does
- Respond strategically to requests for additional information
- Prepare for an Insurance medical Examination: if one is required
You certainly need professional help if your initial claim has been denied. The insurance company is not going to budge unless they absolutely have to, and they will not feel the need when you do not have a long-term disability lawyer. Having legal representation shows the insurer that your claim will be taken seriously and challenged when necessary.
At Raval Trial Law, you receive direct access to your attorney and a personal approach backed by strong performance. When your income and financial security are at stake, that level of attention matters.
Contact a Houston Long-Term Disability Insurance Attorney
You often need a legal fighter when you file a long-term disability insurance claim, and that is what we are at Raval Trial Law. We take the time to get to know you and learn more about your case, and we will work tirelessly for you to get the benefits that you deserve. Contact us online or call (713) 324-8118 to schedule an appointment to speak with our team.
When a large powerful insurance company mishandled my Disability claim, I sought legal assistance and was referred to a law firm in Houston, Texas. Amar Raval responded quickly, rapidly assessed my situation and began negotiating on my behalf. Ultimately, a lawsuit was required and a fair settlement was reached. Mr Raval was diligent, professional, attentive, determined and always available to discuss my stressful situation. I highly recommend him and Raval Trial Law to evaluate and handle any legal challenge.
I am very thankful for Mr. Raval and his help with our health insurance company. I have no doubt that our medical bills would not have been paid without his intervention and diligence. I appreciated his communication and would recommend him to anyone having problems with an insurance company.
Outstanding service. Mr. Raval is attentive to details, timely in feedback, and forward thinking so that we are well prepared for next steps. We couldn’t recommend a more efficient attorney to accommodate our goals!
Mr. Raval was a wealth of information, kind, helpful and I felt listened to. While he was unable to represent us due to needing another state lawyer, he went above and beyond in helping me find someone that would help and explained the ins/outs of our insurance policy in terms I could understand. Highly recommend.
Mr. Amar Raval is a great communicator, supportive, and considerate. He has a very good knowledge and understanding of insurance law in Texas. He was always patient with me and made sure to explain all aspects of my case. Having Mr. Raval as my lawyer was the best decision I could have made and I will always appreciate the impact he’s had on my life! I highly recommend Mr. Raval. He is the best!
Raval represented us against a corporate giant demonstrating expertise in corporate and personal injury law. We were educated about the process and kept informed at each step, with options available. We were highly satisfied with the outcome. Not only that Raval was able to win the case for us but was able to get a favorable ruling which sets a favorable precedence on similar cases relarted to subrogation of medical expenses incurred by injured party.
I received a bill from the hospital for $25,000 stating my insurance company did not approve my knee surgery. After investigating, attorney Amar Raval found that the hospital did not follow the proper procedure or process to get my surgery authorized through my insurance company. He was able to get the case dismissed due to the hospital not having any proof that I was at fault or was responsible for the bill.
Mr. Raval was awesome. In the wake of the passing of my father, several issues arose regarding his life insurance. Mr. Raval was referred to me for this instance. He was kind, courteous, compassionate, truthful, and most of all he helped myself and my family understand the situation we had chosen to undertake. Everything he and Tracy did made us feel like we were talking to family members who had the ability to help. Mr. Raval resolved our situation in our favor. It was more than we could hope for. I would highly recommend and hire him again, if the situation ever needed it.
I would like to recommend this firm. I have no words to express my gratitude to them for everything they did for me and my claim. I was denied my private long term disability claim by a well known insurance company.
They reviewed my case and immediately started the appeal which was successful. Their professionalism and compassion helped me in every step. I was worry free knowing that they were taking care of my claim.
If you ever need a disability lawyer this is the firm to call.
Amar Raval and his team are who you want on your side when dealing with an insurance company that is delaying your benefits. He stays in contact and is a go-getter. I enjoyed working with him.
Mr. Raval was the first attorney I found in a web search. Three other attorneys I spoke with as well recommended him. So, we first encountered his excellence among his peers. We hired him to represent my wife against an LTD (long term disability) claim denial. He convinced the insurance company to reverse its decision to deny my wife’s claim. His detailed and factual presentation set a tone of integrity that couldn’t be overlooked. We won justice and peace of mind. This was also a victory for healthcare over health insurance companies.
Amar Raval and the team at Berg, Plummer, Johnson, and Raval are amazing lawyers and great to work with. They explain everything in detail and make the process a better learning experience. They are always available to help quickly and maintain a high level of professionalism. If you need an attorney these are your guys.
We retained this firm a few months ago to assist us with a long term disability claim. We worked specifically with Mr. Amar Raval. He and his staff have been very accommodating and attentive to our case. Mr. Raval had done extensive research into the company we were dealing with which impressed me right from the start. He assumed the stress I had felt from previous dealings with this company. He and his staff are knowledgeable, competent and accomplished what we had not been able to do on our own. We are so glad we used an attorney and so glad we found Mr. Raval. We would highly recommend him and Tracy, his assistant, for their thoroughness and diligence. Very easy to work with and a great advocate. We will continue to use this firm as our legal advisors.
Mr. Amar Raval is a great communicator, supportive, and considerate. He has a very good knowledge and understanding of insurance law in Texas. He was always patient with me and made sure to explain all aspects of my case. Having Mr. Raval as my lawyer was the best decision I could have made and I will always appreciate the impact he’s had on my life! I highly recommend Mr. Raval. He is the best!
Attorney Mr. Amar Raval is exceptionally “Professional”, “Knowledgeable” in U.S. Law . I trust his representation and so should you . You’re using a “Winner”!
Amar Raval is a lawyer that believes in you and your situation and in plain English will advise you on your case for the best outcome. I trust very few people but this is a trustworthy person with my best interest at heart I thank him a lot.
Mr. Raval was quick and to the point, but most importantly he understood my situation, and saved me lots of time and grief. Highly recommended.
Raval Trial Law and specifically Amar Raval has represented me on several occasions for litigation purposes. On both matters Mr. Raval was able to secure the max judgement allowed by the law for those specific litigation cases. I can attest to Mr. Raval’s professionalism, communication skills, attention to detail and ability to think outside of the box in order to get the matter resolved. Mr. Raval’s presence in the courtroom is unwavering and you can tell that he is in his element throughout the trial. Mr. Raval’s knowledge of the law and his experience as a litigator helps to take the stress out of the litigation process. I highly recommend Raval Trial Law to assist with any and all litigation matters.
I have know Amar Raval for many years and I highly recommend Raval Trial Law when litigation is needed. Amar has extensive experience and knowledge when it comes to litigation affairs. He flows through the courtroom which shows how comfortable he is as this is his area. Call him today as he can help fight for your rights.
Amar worked diligently on my case. He kept me informed, explained everything that was taking place, and offered advice. It was a hard case and I was truly satisfied with the results.
Very attentive to detail and an effective communicator . Highly recommend Raval Trial Law!!
Amar is one of the top ERISA lawyers in the state. He is not only super knowledgeable, but also very caring and personable (rare nowadays!). I can vouch for his passion for the clients and trust that he will see the case through to the end to the full betterment on your behalf. Always felt good to have him by your side.
Amar Raval’s expertise within his specialty of Insurance Litigation is unparalleled. He is a true advocate for all of his clients, very professional and an excellent communicator! I highly recommend Amar and his team!
Amar and his team did a fantastic job. I highly recommend them.
Raval represented us against a corporate giant demonstrating expertise in corporate and personal injury law. We were educated about the process and kept informed at each step, with options available. We were highly satisfied with the outcome. Not only that Raval was able to win the case for us but was able to get a favorable ruling which sets a favorable precedence on similar cases relarted to subrogation of medical expenses incurred by injured party.
Called requesting a consult for an unusual health insurance issue. I ended up not requiring legal assistance, but Mr. Raval spent ample time to understand what was going on and providing guidance on how would be best to proceed. Mr. Raval was extremely helpful and I would highly recommend!
Mr. Raval was a wealth of information, kind, helpful and I felt listened to. While he was unable to represent us due to needing another state lawyer, he went above and beyond in helping me find someone that would help and explained the ins/outs of our insurance policy in terms I could understand. Highly recommend.
Mr. Raval listened to what the Hartford insurance company had done to me, he gathered all the documents, letters, phone calls.
Amar told me to let him do the worrying, he went after them with both barrels! Whenever I’ve had questions or called, I was always treated as if I was his only client.
I cannot say enough good things about them and the “customer service” I’ve received, job well done. Thank you so much!
Trial Lawyers for the People
Call Us Today! (713) 324-8118
