Long-Term Disability for Production Managers
Production managers are integral team members in manufacturing facilities. They oversee the production process, prepare budgets, create schedules for workers, and manage day-to-day tasks.
You might spend most of your time in an office. However, directing employees instead of participating in grueling physical labor doesn’t mean you can’t get hurt. You must make critical decisions in a fast-paced, demanding industry as a production manager. Stress and physical injuries can keep you out of work.
Capitan Law understands the toll a disabling condition can take on your job and quality of life. Call our LTD attorneys at (267) 419-7888 for a free consultation to determine whether you qualify for benefits through your long-term disability (LTD) insurance plan.
An Overview of Long-Term Disability Insurance
There are two primary types of long-term disability policies: “own occupation” policies and “any occupation” policies. The type of policy you have may determine whether you, as a production manager, can collect benefits.
Own Occupation Policy
An “own occupation” policy covers people who are unable to perform the tasks of their current specific job:
- True own occupation policy – A true own occupation policy provides LTD benefits based on your inability to return to work at your production manager job. Even if you cannot work at your regular job, you could perform another type of work and still collect LTD benefits.
- Modified own occupation policy – With a modified own occupation policy, eligibility for LTD benefits depends on whether your medical condition allows you to continue working as a production manager. If you cannot perform your job and receive benefits, you can’t take a job somewhere else.
Any Occupation Policy
An “any occupation” policy is a significant hurdle to collecting LTD benefits. If your plan requires that you be unable to work in any occupation, you can’t receive benefits if you can seek employment based on your experience, education, and training. The ability to earn an income in any occupation means the insurance company will likely deny your LTD claim.
Why LTD Insurers Deny Production Manager’s Claims
Why LTD Insurers Deny Production Manager’s ClaimsSometimes, a denied claim is justifiable. Claimants must provide insurers with complete and accurate information by a specific deadline. There must be supporting evidence to prove an injury or illness interferes with job abilities.
However, insurance companies are in the business of making money and want to avoid paying claims. They might deny a production manager’s claim for an illegal or illegitimate reason. When an insurance company acts in bad faith, you might be able to recover the benefits owed to you, and you could pursue additional compensation for the insurer’s actions.
Common reasons an insurance carrier might deny your LTD claim include:
- The insurer believes you can work in another position or industry.
- Your medical records contain inaccurate or missing information regarding your medical condition.
- The LTD policy excludes coverage for mental illness.
- The insurance company disagrees with your physician’s diagnosis and argues that your injury doesn’t prevent you from working as a production manager.
- You missed the filing deadline.
- The physical or mental limitations of your injury don’t impair your job duties.
How to Appeal a Denied LTD Claim
You can make a lot of money as a production manager. The demands of the job and high-stress environment justify the paychecks. When you can’t do your job, the loss of income can cause significant financial strain. Without adequate employment, you wonder how you’ll afford your medical care and daily living expenses.
You can maintain some sense of hope when you file a long-term disability claim. However, the insurance company might issue a denial, leaving you without the benefits you need. Although the situation seems hopeless, other options are available.
You can file an appeal to reverse the insurance company’s decision. First, you must review the denial letter to determine the reason for the denied claim. You might not get another chance to pursue benefits if it’s legitimate. If the insurer acted in bad faith or made a mistake, you can fight the decision.
You can ask your doctors to write statements about your medical condition. They must mention your specific injury or illness and explain how it prevents you from working. Statements from vocational experts can help demonstrate your job’s physical or mental demands and the effects your medical condition has on your performance.
Federal law allows insurance companies to spend up to 45 days reviewing appeals before issuing a decision. They can spend another 45 days processing the claim if necessary. However, they must provide you with written notice and explain why they need additional time to decide.
The insurer might request specific documentation. You must respond and provide the information they ask for promptly. Ignoring their request will likely lead to a denied appeal. If they ask for an independent medical exam, attendance is mandatory. The exam determines whether an independent physician agrees with your doctor’s interpretation and diagnosis of your injury.
If the insurance company denies your appeal, you can file another appeal in federal district court. Someone unaffiliated with the insurer will review your case to determine whether to grant your LTD benefits.
Get Help with Your Claim from an Experienced Long Term Disability Insurance Attorney
Capitan Law understands the challenges production managers encounter after an injury derails their job. We will be your advocate and fight for the long-term disability benefits you deserve. You can count on our legal team to protect your rights and handle every aspect of the claims process.
If you are a production manager and can no longer work due to a medical condition, call us at (267) 419-7888 for a free consultation. We can represent you whether you’re filing an initial claim or appealing a denied claim.
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