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Hankey Marks & Crider > Long-Term Disability
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Indiana Long-Term Disability Lawyers

Long-term disability insurance policies provide benefits that are designed to relieve the financial burden you may face when health conditions prevent you from working for a long period of time, usually after short-term disability benefits run out after three to six months.

Unfortunately, many well supported claims are denied. The majority of long-term disability denials are governed by ERISA. ERISA law is complex, and the insurance companies have legal teams experienced in this area of law. It is critical that a denied claimant have their own qualified attorney by their side in fighting back. Insurance companies will often seem helpful, telling unsuspecting claimants, or implying to them, that they do not need their own attorney and that the claimant can handle the appeal on their own. Vague instructions, confusing appeal forms, and misleading information only lead to insufficient information and documentation being submitted, and the appeal ultimately being denied.

Our attorneys have successfully represented clients, both during the administrative appeal process and in litigation in State and Federal court, against the following insurance companies:

  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Guardian Life
  • Hartford Insurance
  • Liberty Mutual
  • Lincoln
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  • MetLife
  • Mutual of Omaha
  • Prudential
  • Reliance
  • Standard
  • UNUM

The above list represents only a portion of the insurance companies we have successfully represented clients against. The attorneys at Hankey Marks & Crider are trusted members of communities across Indiana. With over 75 years of combined experience, our team has the legal knowledge you want on your side. We are dedicated to our clients, and dedicated to ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve. As our motto states, we offer experience, compassion, and justice. This means that we do not see you only as a client, but also as our neighbor.

Stacy and Ashley

Trusted members of
communities across Indiana

With over 75 years of combined experience, our team has the legal knowledge you want on your side. We are dedicated to our clients, and dedicated to ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve. As our motto states, we offer experience, compassion, and justice. This means that we do not see you only as a client, but also as our neighbor.

We are ready to do everything in
our power to protect your rights

If you are dealing with the denial of your long-term disability benefits and do not know where to turn, our attorneys are ready to help. Our consultations are always free and confidential. Do not sign anything from the insurance company without speaking to one of our attorneys first. Contact us through online chat, email, or call (317) 634-8565 today!

Awards & Associations

The National Trial Lawyers Top 40
Avvo Top Contributor 2016
Avvo Top Attorney Social Security
Elite Lawyer Badge
Million Dollar Advocates Forum Badge
Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum Badge
Defending Liberty
BBB Business Accredit
American Association for Justice
Top Lawyer 2014 ASLA
Super Lawyers 2021
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What will a Long-Term Disability attorney do for me?

Obtaining your long-term disability benefits is often a long and confusing process. However, these benefits can mean the difference between financial stability or ruin for you and your loved ones. One mistake during the application or appeal process could slow down or even fully prevent your insurance provider from approving your benefits. You should not have to worry about this additional stress when you are also working to manage your health conditions. These are some of the ways our long-term disability attorneys can help you:

  • Communicate with the insurance company on your behalf.
  • Evaluate your claim and give advice on how to strengthen your case.
  • Order your medical records and timely submit them to the insurance company.
  • Review your medical records and give you advice on how to strengthen your case.
  • Obtain statements and opinion forms from your medical professionals.
  • Obtain a report from a Vocational Expert.
  • Advocate your position with the insurance company and file your appeal timely.
  • If necessary, file a lawsuit in State or Federal court.

Many insurance companies try to find any reason to deny claims. It saves insurance companies millions of dollars at the expense of deserving individuals. Insurance companies will often draft policies that are complex and confusing. We have an in-depth understanding of ERISA and disability laws and are prepared to work with you to ensure that you receive the money you deserve. We will also communicate with the insurance company and advocate on your behalf during this difficult time, allowing you to focus on your health.

Contact our office today for a free confidential consultation

 (317) 634-8565

Why should I choose
Hankey Marks & Crider?

The lawyers at Hankey Marks & Crider have dedicated significant time and practice to work with ERISA law, disability law, and litigation. We pride ourselves in the knowledge this has given us, which allows us to better assist our clients and ensure that a disability does not derail your life. We are dedicated to our clients, work hard to keep and earn our clients’ trust, and are dedicated to ensuring our clients receive the benefits they deserve. We are here to help you in every step of your long-term disability claim process, from appeals to litigation. With over 75 years of combined experience, the attorneys at Hankey Marks & Crider know what it takes to obtain a successful outcome for their clients. Our lawyers are dedicated to working diligently to get you the money that belongs to you, and by providing a free consultation, you have nothing to lose.

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Types of Cases We Handle

When you are filing for long-term disability benefits, there are many different steps you must take, and information that you must understand. It is essential to complete each part of your claim correctly, and our firm is prepared to work with you throughout this process. We have significant experience helping our clients with many of the common problems that arise with disability benefits, including:

Long-Term Disability benefits

A long-term disability is typically one that lasts for more than 6-12 months. These benefits make up a percentage of your typical paycheck when you find that an injury or illness prevents you from working. You may receive benefits for time anywhere between six months and three years, and they may even be extended beyond this time if you are permanently unable to return to work. However, it is highly recommended that you speak with an attorney at Hankey Marks & Crider as it can be difficult to receive these benefits in a timely manner.

Short-Term Disability benefits

While this type of disability is one that is not expected to last longer than one year, these are also the benefits you will be eligible for when you first learn that you are unable to continue working. Although these last for only a short period, they can be essential for your financial well-being while you are working to understand the long-term effects of your injury or illness, and waiting for long-term disability benefits to begin.

ERISA
Claims

ERISA is the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act, which sets a minimum standard for voluntary health and pension plans. This complex law governs the majority of short and long-term disability claims.

Life Insurance
Claims

Even if you do not have disability insurance, in some cases where you are facing serious illness or disability, your life insurance policy may be able to act as protection. However, there are only certain circumstances under which this may be possible where you have obtained an add-on known as a “disability rider,” available in two forms, so it is important that you fully understand your policy and your options.

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VA Claims

Working with the VA is, in many cases, challenging. Legitimate claims are often denied because of mistakes made on paperwork. Our attorneys have extensive experience helping veterans receive the benefits they deserve.

Long-Term
Disability benefits

A long-term disability is typically one that lasts for more than 6-12 months. These benefits make up a percentage of your typical paycheck when you find...

Short-Term
Disability benefits

While this type of disability is one that is not expected to last longer than one year, these are also the benefits you will be eligible for when you first...

ERISA
Claims

ERISA is the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act, which sets a minimum standard for voluntary health and pension plans...

Life Insurance
Claims

Even if you do not have disability insurance, in some cases where you are facing serious illness or disability, your life insurance policy may be able to act...

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VA Claims

Working with the VA is, in many cases, challenging. Legitimate claims are often denied because of mistakes made on paperwork. Our attorneys have extensive experience helping veterans receive the benefits they deserve.

Although these topics cover many of the cases we have worked with, this is not an exhaustive list of our abilities. If the specific circumstances of your case are not discussed in any of these descriptions, do not hesitate to contact our office for advice. We offer a free confidential consultation, during which we can help you choose the right steps to take.

Long-Term Disability Statistics

Across the United States, it is common that people are more prepared for the event of their death than if they were to become disabled. However, thousands of people become temporarily or permanently disabled each year.

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32.06%

According to the Social Security Administration, only 32.06% of people who applied for disability benefits were approved in 2016, leaving thousands without the financial support they needed. In Indiana, the number of people with a disability remains at roughly the same percentage as for the rest of the country.

126,000

In Marion County, there are approximately 126,000 people with a documented disability, which accounts for almost 14% of the county’s population.

4,000

According to the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, in 2017 alone, there were almost 4,000 new disability waivers approved by the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your case is uniques and will come with a specific set of questions related to your circumstances, which a Hankey Marks & Crider attorney
will help your answer. The following are a few of the questions that clients frequently ask when they consider filing for SSD.

Long-term disability insurance policies provide benefits that are designed to relieve the financial burden you may face when health conditions prevent you from working for a long period of time, usually after short-term disability benefits run out after three to six months. Here are some of the biggest reasons why we recommend you have a short and long term disability insurance policy

  • If you are injured while working, your workers compensation claim could become the subject of a legal battle between you and the employer or their insurance company. During this time, short and long-term disability benefits can provide you with financial stability.
  • Your short and long-term disability benefits will cover lost income, whereas other types of coverage may not.
  • Being approved for Social Security Disability benefits can be a lengthy process. Your short and long-term disability benefits can provide you with financial stability while you are going through this process.
  • The Social Security Administration has found that 25% of 20 year olds will become disabled before they reach retirement age. Becoming disabled before retirement age is more common than most believe.

When you are planning to file for long-term disability benefits, you will be required to include several different forms of information. All of this information helps to demonstrate to your insurer that you have a valid disability that is covered under the terms of your policy contract. However, if you provide too little information, or the wrong type of information, this may seriously delay your application or prevent it from being approved. Typically, the most important types of information you will need to collect include:

  • Background information about your home-life, work, criminal record, etc.
  • Indication that you are either partially or completely unable to perform your job
  • Records of all tests performed by a medical professional related to your disability
  • Medical records for all appointments you’ve had with medical professionals related to your disability
  • A letter from your treating physician that provides their confirmation of disability
  • Information about your current income

Even if you provide all of this information, your insurance provider may still find a reason to deny your claim. If this is the case, or you have other questions about your application, contact Hankey Marks & Crider for a free evaluation of your claim.

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What Clients Have to Say

I would refer anyone to Hankey Marks & Crider. I have nothing to say but a group of excellent people. Anytime I had any questions is all I had to do was call my rep and they would get back with me within 24 hours with my answer. I would like to personally thank Hankey and his staff for making this such a great experience!!!! I can never thank you enough.

Tiffney R.

I had been denied my Social Security the first time about 12 years ago. I gave up, I didn't file an appeal. UI did everything I could to work and help with our expenses, to no avail. About 3 years ago I felt forced to try to file again, even encouraged by my Dr. Again, I was denied. But this time I didn't give up. I needed the help and I believed by law I should have it. So I called Hankey Law. I was skeptical at first and my husband was even more so.  The wait for a hearing is beyond crazy and there is very little anyone can do to speed it up. During the wait the Hankey team was there to help with my anxiety and impatient fears. They continued to keep my medical information current. We finally went to court, twice The Hankey Team was there all the way to the end and then some. We won!!! I couldn't just thank 1 or 2 people at Hanky they really are a team. We used to snicker when Mr. Hanky said in those commercials "We hope you never need us, but if do we're here when need us". I'm not sure that's the exact quote but it's 100% true. I'm very grateful they were there when I needed them.

Shelby S.

Lynne was very helpful and informative guiding me through the twist and turns involved with achieving Disability benefits. With her talented and professional knowledge I was awarded Disability. Highly recommend Hankey Marks & Crider.

Randy G.

Several years ago I became seriously ill, had to give up my job and needed help in getting Disability.  Within 1 day of asking others Hankey's Law Office was recommended by 5 people!  It was a no brainer.  Hankey it would be.  I was extremely naive & nervous with the process and needed a lot of guidance.  Hankey's staff was very pleasant & helpful.  My biggest shout-outs go to Jered, my Case Manager and Sondra Burger, the Attorney for my case. Jered had the patience of a saint to field my nerves and questions. He was always prompt with return phone calls and handled my questions in a calm, kind and knowledgeable manner.  Sondra Burger was the advocate you need as you go to Court.  She gave clear directions and stood strong beside me as I answered my questions.  She made sure and errant answer would not affect my case.  I was fully aware of her presence and support, leading me to speak up for myself and my needs.  I am sincerely grateful.

Cindy T.

I recommend Hankey Marks & Crider to everyone I know that needs assistance. They are top notch people. Everyone that I've had the pleasure of being in contact with has been very helpful and always get back to you in a timely manner. We most recently worked with Stacy Crider and Melissa Davidson, and they were both fantastic. Thank you for all your help and for listening to my problems. You're great!!!

Kim B.

Melissa with Hankey law did a wonderful job in helping me get my ssdi benefits as well as getting my dead beat health insurance to pay for cheating me out of 2years of long term disability benefits. I would recommend Hankey law to anyone needing help in those situations!

Travis P.

I would refer anyone to Hankey Marks & Crider. I have nothing to say but a group of excellent people. Anytime I had any questions is all I had to do was call my rep and they would get back with me within 24 hours with my answer. I would like to personally thank Hankey and his staff for making this such a great experience!!!! I can never thank you enough.

Tiffney R.

The staff At Hankey Marks & Crider, were outstanding. Mr James DuBach and Lynn worked my disability case. They always returned my calls, and kept me informed on any changes in my case. Would highly recommend Hankey Law. My case went on for about 3 yrs., they stayed on top of everything from beginning to the end.

Michael M.

I wanna say a big heart felt thanks to everyone At Hankey Marks & Crider you have all been an awesome group of people and big shout out to James and Lori you have been so helpful to me and no matter what the issue is or was or how big or small you all are so helpful and no matter how busy you answered all my questions even if they were a small issue to you but a big one to me i will recommend your law office to anyone in need of your services thank you all for all you have done for me!!!! And thank you to everyone at your offices for being such nice helpful people!

Cindy M.

Excellent service!! I they are very helpful and informative. If they were out of the office they always returned my calls and answered all my questions. ( and I had many ) Anna was my case manager and did a superior job in helping me understand everything. To top it all off they won my case for me!! Thank you Mr. Hankey, Anna and Ashley. I will highly recommend Hankey law firm to everyone I know.

Deborah F.
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If you or a loved one is applying for long-term disability benefits, or those benefits have been denied, you deserve to have someone in your corner! The attorneys at Hankey Marks & Crider can help protect your rights. Hankey Marks & Crider will provide you with a free confidential consultation to help you determine the next best step for you. Do not hesitate to contact our office by email, online chat, or by calling (317) 634-8565 today!

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