Long-Term Disability
Long-Term Disability (LTD) insurance is private coverage purchased by you or your employer. For anyone diagnosed with a disabling condition, protecting that coverage should be a priority.
LTD is contract-based: the policy specifies what coverage is provided, the requirements to obtain benefits, and the amount of financial assistance. Most policies replace between 60% and 80% of your pre-disability income.
If your claim is denied, get representation
Should your insurance company deny your claim, it is incredibly important to obtain representation. Many insurers encourage claimants to simply submit a letter for their appeal. What they don’t tell you is that there are only one or two opportunities to appeal — and that no additional records can be submitted once those appeals are exhausted.
If you file your own appeal, your attorney may not be able to give the court anything new should you be denied again and a lawsuit becomes necessary. The record built during the administrative appeal is often the record a federal court will review.
The two-year shift
Most claimants are denied either at the time of their initial claim or after two years of benefits. The majority of insurance contracts change the definition of disability after two years: instead of considering only your past work, the insurer will then consider your ability to perform many other types of employment.
Insurers typically have a doctor or nurse review your file before issuing a denial. We have found that these reviews are often not conducted by physicians specializing in your condition, and that they are not always thorough or honest.
Act promptly — the clock is short
When a denial is issued, there are very specific time periods for appeal. Because it takes considerable time to review the claim file and gather supporting records, you should contact counsel promptly if you receive a denial. As always, there is no cost or obligation for an initial call — reach us at (610) 570-5253 or jhall@jrhlegal.com.
Insurers we’ve handled claims against
We have previously handled Long-Term Disability claims against numerous insurers, including:
- Unum
- Cigna
- The Hartford
- Sun Life
- Reliance Standard
- MetLife
- Mutual of Omaha
- The Standard
- Aetna
- Liberty Mutual
- Colonial Life
- Aflac
- Mass Mutual
- Prudential
- Assurant
Received an LTD denial letter?
The sooner we can review your policy and file, the stronger your appeal. Call or send a message — the initial consultation is free.