When you can no longer work because of illness or injury, long-term disability (LTD) benefits are supposed to provide financial relief. Yet in New Jersey, many claims are denied on the first try. Building a strong claim requires preparation, persistence, and an understanding of what insurance companies look for.
Medical Documentation Is Key
The foundation of any LTD claim is medical proof. New Jersey courts expect clear evidence that your condition prevents you from working. This means gathering detailed medical records from the very first appointment through your ongoing treatments.
Keep copies of hospital records from facilities like Hackensack University Medical Center, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, or Cooper University Hospital. Collect reports from specialists, test results, prescription histories, and physical therapy notes. The more consistent and comprehensive your documentation, the stronger your claim becomes.
Showing the Financial Impact
Insurance companies want to see more than medical paperwork. They also look at how your disability affects your livelihood. If you missed workdays at your job in Newark, had to reduce your hours in Jersey City, or lost out on opportunities in Trenton, document it.
Include pay stubs, timesheets, or written statements from your employer. If your condition impacts your future ability to earn—such as permanent restrictions from a doctor—this should also be documented. In many New Jersey cases, vocational and economic experts help demonstrate long-term earning losses.
Pain, Suffering, and Daily Life
While LTD claims focus heavily on medical and financial evidence, your personal story matters too. Living with a disabling condition can mean daily pain, stress, and emotional strain. Many New Jersey residents keep journals to track symptoms, pain levels, and how their conditions affect routine activities like driving on the Garden State Parkway, attending community events in Camden, or even caring for family.
This kind of evidence humanizes your claim, showing the real impact behind the paperwork.
Understanding Insurance Policies in New Jersey
Insurance policies can be complex and filled with exclusions. Some policies offered through employers in cities like Princeton or Atlantic City may have stricter definitions of “disability.” Others may require proof that you cannot work in any occupation, not just your current one.
Review your policy carefully, and be aware of deadlines for filing appeals. Missing a deadline is one of the most common reasons claims fail, even when the evidence is strong.
Why Legal Guidance Helps
Disability insurance companies often look for reasons to deny or limit claims. Having experienced legal support can help you gather the right evidence, meet deadlines, and challenge unfair denials.
At the Law Offices of Eric A. Shore, we understand the stress and uncertainty that comes with not being able to work. If you are in New Jersey and need help with your LTD claim, visit 1800cantwork.com or call 1-800-CANT-WORK to learn more about your options.
