Common Mistakes When Making a TPD Claim
Accidents happen out of the blue, and they often take you by surprise, leaving you unable to work or do basic tasks like you used to. When this happens, you may need to file a TPD claim, which is possible to do yourself, but it can be complicated, and people often make mistakes that result in their claim being rejected. These are some of the most common mistakes people make when they make a claim.
What is a TPD insurance claim?
A TPD claim refers to placing a claim with your TPD insurance policy to access your benefits if you’ve been seriously injured or fall ill and, as a result, you can’t work until you have recovered. This is usually for injuries or illnesses that take extended periods of recovery before you’re fit to return to work or if you’re unable to return to work altogether.
There’s a lot that determines whether you’re eligible for this or not. The claim also differs depending on which insurer you’re with and the product you have. That said, the amount is almost always paid out as a lump sum.
Who can lodge a TPD claim?
The general requirement for being able to place a claim is if you’re unable to work permanently or for an extended time because of your illness or injury. With a closer look at the policy, this is who can lodge a claim:
- You’re unable to return to your current job due to your disability
- You’re unable to work at any job
- You can’t perform basic chores or duties at home
Common mistakes people make when submitting a claim
Most claims are made by individuals who work in high-risk conditions, such as medical professionals, emergency responders, transportation workers, and those in the construction and mining industries. Here is what many of them get wrong when they make a claim.
Incomplete or incorrect documentation
One of the most common mistakes individuals make when submitting claims is providing forms that are incomplete or inconsistent. A claim submission typically involves several key components, including medical reports, employment histories, and personal statements.
These documents need to align and present a coherent picture of the current situation. For example, if the medical report states one thing about your condition while your personal statement indicates something entirely different, it can raise red flags for the insurer. Moreover, if any details are missing or unclear, it can lead to significant delays in processing the claim or, in the worst-case scenario, result in the claim being rejected altogether.
Misunderstanding policy definitions
TPD policies are full of technical language. Many people assume they qualify based on how unwell or injured they feel, without realising the insurer applies a particular legal test. A common issue is that being unable to do your old job automatically qualifies you, when the policy requires proof that you cannot work in any suitable role at all.
Delaying your claim
Some people wait too long before lodging a claim, hoping they will recover or return to work. While this is understandable, delays can create problems. Evidence may become harder to gather, and insurers may question why the claim was not made earlier.
Missing deadlines for extra evidence
Insurers often ask for additional medical reports, employment records, or assessments. These requests usually come with strict deadlines. Missing them can lead to delays or the insurer deciding without all the necessary information.
Not disclosing relevant information
Neglecting to share your past medical history or any previous injuries can significantly jeopardise your claim. It’s crucial to be transparent, as those details can make all the difference in your case!
Not getting professional help
TPD claims involve more than just filling out forms; they require a blend of legal and medical evaluations. Many individuals overlook the intricate and technical nature of the process, often seeking assistance only after their claims have been denied.
Avoid making these mistakes
If you want to avoid making the same mistakes so many other people have made, your best chance is hiring an experienced lawyer. A good choice is Smiths Lawyers. They’ve been handling TPD claims for decades and are well-versed in navigating the courts and the approval process.
Final thoughts
You don’t know what you don’t know, and since you’ve never processed a TPD claim before, the chances are that you’ll make a mistake that could result in your claim being rejected. Consider the mistakes above to avoid them, and hire a lawyer with experience in TPD claims to improve your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.