Topic: Any Lyme knowledgable attorneys handle long-term disability?
ConnieMc
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 191
posted
Info needed for a friend. Her evil LTD carrier cut her off right after she was awarded SSDI. And they even provided representation to help her get her SS benefits. As soon as they got their reimbursement back, they cut benefits.
This person is in NC but the attorney does not have to be in NC. Doesn't matter where the attorney is as long as they know Lyme and LTD. Erisa law is very complicated and she needs a specialist.
If anyone knows of a good one please PM me and I will pass nfo on to her.
Thank you.
Also if no Lyme knowledgable LTD attorneys, what about those who have had success with similar cases like CFS or Fibro.
Posts: 2276 | From NC | Registered: Oct 2000
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A couple of points -- have you read her LTD policy? -- many policies have what is called an offset clause -- it is perfectly legal for them to decrease the amount of the LTD payment by an amount equal to or a percentage of the SSDI payment AS LONG AS IT IS IN THE POLICY.
This is why they are willing to help file for SSDI in most cases. It benefits them if you get the SSDI. It does benefit the person as well because of medicare insurance.
2nd, it is my understanding that the attorney for LTD must be licensed to practice in the state where the case is filed -- this can be in any state where the LTD insurance company is licensed to do business I think. Don't think it matters where the person lives -- the company is what decides the juridiction.
Hubby was very happy with his LTD disability attorney -- he can practice in Indiana and a couple of other states -- New Jersey and New York. He is not a specialist in Lyme etc, just a very sharp legal mind. Let me know if you want the contact info.
Bea Seibert
Posts: 7306 | From Martinsville,VA,USA | Registered: Oct 2004
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lymednva
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9098
posted
When my dx was still CFS I used attorneys experienced in CFS for both SSDI and disability retirement (I didn't trust the LTD company!).
I found them to be helpful because they knew so much about how CFS(Lyme, now) can affect the body, brain, etc. They in turn sent me to the right specialists for testing that would back up my claims.
So, since many of us were first dx'd with CFS and there are many similarities it seems that if you can't find a LL attorney you might be able to use one who is CFS literate.
Just a thought. My reasons for being disabled have not changed, just the basic cause has a new name. I still have severe cognitive problems, severe fatigue and profound dysautonomia, for starters.
-------------------- Lymednva Posts: 2407 | From over the river and through the woods | Registered: Apr 2006
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Truthfinder
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8512
posted
I agree with Lymednva. I got my SSD approved based on Fibro & depression (I think).
Maybe we need a new forum here entitled "Seeking a Disability Lawyer"?
We might not even have to keep the names secret like we do for doctors. Haven't thought that far ahead about it.
Tracy
-------------------- Tracy .... Prayers for the Lyme Community - every day at 6 p.m. Pacific Time and 9 p.m. Eastern Time � just take a few moments to say a prayer wherever you are�. Posts: 2966 | From Colorado | Registered: Dec 2005
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ConnieMc
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 191
posted
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Posts: 2276 | From NC | Registered: Oct 2000
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