A lot of consumers ask me, “What do I need to do to fulfill my obligations to get these disability benefits?”  There are many things you need to do.  You need to fill out forms that the company sends you.  You need to participate in an interview if they want to speak with you over the phone or meet with you in person. You need to tell your doctors that they’re gonna be called or they’re gonna receive forms to fill out on your behalf.  And often you need to gather your medical records yourself to supply them to the company.  They’re not going to go out and get every little piece of evidence to prove your case for you.  You’re obligated to do that.  And you really should do the best you can to give them everything they need so they make the right decision to pay you.  But I hasten to add, don’t do it alone.  You’re not used to filling out these types of forms.  You’re busy working on your disability and trying to get better.  Use council.  The forms can be tricky.  The interviews can be very scary.  You can tell the company more than you want to or less than you need to, so go armed with council.  You can have council right next to you during an interview.  You don’t have to speak to the company on the phone without your lawyer on the phone with you.  And armed with a friend that’s your lawyer, you can do much better and hopefully your benefits will be paid. And then the table turns.  The insurance company has an obligation under the law to pay you as soon as it’s reasonably clear that liability is due, so they can’t sit back and wait and wait and wait.  They have to act promptly, and that’s an obligation they have.  But you have an obligation to cooperate, and we can help you make sure that you cooperate to get those benefits that you deserve.