What Do I Do If My Waterford 3 Disability Claim Was Denied?

Entergy’s Waterford Steam Electric Station, Unit 3, also known as Waterford 3, is a nuclear power plant in Killona, LA is a steam electric station that supplies approximately 10% of the state’s power needs.

With an estimated 800 employees, Waterford 3 Nuclear Generating Station is one of the largest employers in St. Charles Parish.

At Waterford 3, safety is paramount. But, even though there are countless safety precautions and procedures in place to protect their workers, accidents can and do happen. No system is perfect.

Waterford 3 Long-Term Disability

If you have an illness or injury that causes you to now be unable to work at Entergy Waterford 3, be advised, getting approved for long-term disability isn’t always easy. I see it too often as a Louisiana long-term disability lawyer.

Though you have been paying into your company’s insurance plan, your insurer is often more worried about their bottom line than your well-being.

You will most likely have to fight for your monthly benefits.

If you filed a claim for long-term disability and had your disability denied, the following steps should get you back on the right track.

First 3 Steps in Appealing Your Entergy Waterford 3 Disability Denial

1. Get a copy of your policyIt may seem obvious, but sometimes you need to start at square one. Request a copy of your LTD policy plan documents and a description of the summary plan.If your employer provides group insurance, you should be able to get these documents from your HR department. You can also get them directly from your insurer.Though this seems like an easy enough task, it isn’t always as straightforward as it sounds.If your HR department or insurer fails to comply, request the plan documents in writing from the plan administrator at your insurance company. A United States federal law known as ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act) requires the disability insurance company to provide them.Make sure that all requests and correspondence are in writing and sent via certified letter. 
2. Study Your Denial Letter.Review the denial letter sent to you by your insurance company carefully.Note the reason(s) why your initial claim was rejected and gather any other information that might be needed to support your claim. (Some examples of reasons for denial are, not providing enough medical evidence to support your claim, incomplete medical records, etc…)Also, keep in mind that the majority of claims are denied during their first application, and forms from your insurance company are often designed to elicit responses that will result in a denial.Explanations of how and when to file your appeal will also be contained in your denial letter. It is imperative that you mark any and all deadlines on your calendar.Failure to meet a deadline is the fastest way to sink an otherwise worthy claim. 
3. Consider Seeking Legal Advice.Handling your claim on your own can be stressful at best.If you have been considering hiring an attorney to handle your Waterford 3 LTD denial, you should do so as soon as possible.Whether fair or not, many insurance companies and plan administrators seem to take a disability case more seriously when you are represented by legal counsel.Look for an experienced attorney who specializes in ERISA law.They are the most equipped to put your case in the best possible light. They will do their best to obtain additional medical evidence and solicit opinions from your doctors or vocational experts. 

Seeking the advice of a disability attorney right here in St. Charles Parish is the best way to give your Waterford 3 Steam Electric Station LTD appeal a fighting chance.

An experienced attorney can guide you through the ins and outs of the appeals process and knows the tricks that the long-term disability insurance company will try to use to prevent you from receiving benefits.

If you are applying for disability benefits or appealing a denial, give our office a call at 985-240-9773.