If you receive a call or letter from your insurance company requesting an interview related to your long-term disability, don’t panic. It doesn’t mean you are about to lose your benefits or that your claim is about to be denied. An interview with an insurance company representative is not uncommon. In fact, up to 50% of claimants are interviewed. Nevertheless, you can prepare for a long-term disability interview so you feel more confident, and an individual disability insurance claim lawyer can be a tremendous help if you choose to do so.
You may have the option of either interviewing in person or over the phone. If you agree to an in-person interview, the representative of the insurance company may want to come to your home for the interview. The representative will observe you to see if your behavior is consistent with the severity of the symptoms you claimed.
For example, if your disability claim states you can’t sit for more than 15 minutes at a time, but you sit for 30 or 45 minutes, they will note the apparent inconsistency between your claim and the reality of the situation.
The length of your interview will vary depending on the kind of disability you have, the stage of your claim review, and how thorough the representative is. Interviews usually last between 20 and 45 minutes, but could take an hour or more. The representative’s questions are meant to give them a better understanding of your case.
Has Your Condition Changed?
The representative will ask and observe whether your condition has improved, remained the same, or worsened. If the representative believes your condition has improved since you filed your claim, your approval may be in jeopardy. Don’t give them reason to believe this!
How Do You Spend Your Day?
The purpose of this question is for the representative to get an idea of the way your disability impacts your everyday activities. In particular, they might ask about your ability to care for personal needs, cook, clean, drive, or shop.
What Are Your Symptoms?
The representative may not be aware of all your symptoms or may not have your complete medical records. This is an excellent time to provide that information and answer any questions about the type, frequency, and severity of your symptoms.
When Were You Unable To Work?
It’s natural for the representative to want to know when your disability began and what caused your inability to work. They want to know if there was a specific event or if your condition progressed over time, rendering you unable to work. They may be trying to determine if you had another reason for leaving unrelated to your disability. An example of this would be wanting to retire or being in danger of losing your job.
What Are Your Hobbies And Activities?
There are numerous ways your hobbies or activities outside the home can demonstrate that your claim may be unfounded. Do you play a sport? Do you have a hobby that requires special skills? Or do you spend a great deal of time out of the house? Any inconsistencies between your claim and behavior could be a red flag to the insurance company.
What Are Your Plans Regarding Returning To Work?
The representative wants to know if you plan to return to work and gauge your motivation to do so if your condition were to improve. If you haven’t considered this question, it’s time to do so now.
Have You Traveled Recently?
If you have traveled recently or plan to in the near future, the representative will wonder if travel plans are an indication that you’re able to do other things, such as work.
How Long Can You Do Certain Activities?
This question may be difficult to answer if your symptoms fluctuate in severity or are only active periodically. The representative may ask about your ability to walk, stand, sit, etc., to ensure your activities are consistent with your doctor’s report or your statements.
What Kind Of Treatment Have You Received?
The insurance company wants to know if you are complying with your physician’s treatment plan and if the treatment has improved your condition. Keep in mind that the representative may not be aware of your treatment and may press you for more detailed information than you find necessary.
Do You Take Medication?
You may be asked about any medication(s) you are taking, if they have improved your condition, or if you experience any side effects. Once again, the representative wants to be sure you’re complying with your doctor’s recommendations.
At CJ Henry Law Firm, PLLC, we can help you prepare for your long-term disability interview questions. You may be wondering, “Are there any long-term disability lawyers near me I can trust?” Contact us today to speak to an Ocala FL long-term disability lawyer – you’ll find there is.
