Epilepsy affects over 3 million Americans. Despite all available therapies, many people live with persistent epileptic seizures, and deal with complications from the side effects of treatment. At Mehr Fairbanks Trial Lawyers, we are dedicated to obtaining epilepsy disability benefits for clients across the U.S. who have this particular condition and other medical conditions that cause serious seizure disability.
We understand that proving epilepsy to be a disabling condition can be highly problematic. We act with great determination to do all that is required in order for our clients to win epilepsy disability benefits under long term disability insurance policies.
About Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a chronic disorder, the hallmark of which is recurrent, unprovoked seizures. A person is diagnosed with epilepsy if they have two unprovoked seizures (or one unprovoked seizure with the likelihood of more) that were not caused by some known and reversible medical condition like alcohol withdrawal or extremely low blood sugar.
The seizures in epilepsy may be related to a brain injury or a family tendency, but often the cause is completely unknown. The word “epilepsy” does not indicate anything about the cause of the person’s seizures or their severity.
Many people with epilepsy have more than one type of seizure and may have other symptoms of neurological problems as well. Sometimes EEG (electroencephalogram) testing, clinical history, family history, and outlook are similar among a group of people with epilepsy. In these situations, their condition can be defined as a specific epilepsy syndrome.
Epileptic seizures occur when permanent changes in a person’s brain cause the brain to be overactive or erratic. The brain sends out sudden, abnormal signals, which result in repeated, unpredictable seizures.
Epilepsy may stem from a medical condition or injury that affects the brain, such as stroke, abnormal blood vessels, dementia, traumatic brain injury, or infections. Sometimes the cause is unknown, which is referred to as idiopathic.
Every person who has epilepsy will experience seizures, but not everyone who has a seizure has epilepsy. A single seizure that does not happen again is not epilepsy.
Individuals who suffer from epilepsy can be severely limited from daily activities and working. Symptoms vary from person to person. Some people may experience staring spells associated by a brief loss of consciousness, while others suffer from violent convulsions and unconsciousness. The type of epileptic seizure and exact symptoms depends on the part of the brain affected and cause of epilepsy.
Winning Epilepsy Disability Benefits on a Disability Insurance Policy
Individuals living with epilepsy who apply for long-term disability benefits are often unfairly denied by their insurance providers.
Insurance companies resort to various reasons for denial. For instance, the may claim that your epilepsy is a pre-existing condition or challenge the legitimacy of your epilepsy disability (inferring that you are “not disabled enough”) or claim that you should be able to control the epilepsy with medication.
In addition, disability insurance claims are very fact-specific, and approvals are based on how the contract is written. You must be able to prove that you are disabled under the terms of the policy.
Our firm is a respected advocate in the fight against denied ERISA (group) disability insurance, and private long-term disability insurance that is denied in bad faith. We will help you perfect your claim so you can get the benefits you deserve.
Never assume that a denial of benefits is the end of your claim. The insurance companies hope that you abandon your claim in response to their delay tactics and claim denials. The truth is, when unfair denials are challenged by recognized legal representation, the facts of your disability will emerge so that justice can be served.
Contact Us Today
Our firm routinely works with complicated medical facts surrounding Epilepsy disability. We communicate with treating doctors and experts, and challenge insurance company physicians and other experts who seek to further their own interests. We have helped many disabled people, who are unable to work because of epilepsy, successfully appeal denials and secure the benefits they deserve. Do not give up on your claim. Call Us Toll Free Today at 800-249-3731.