Understanding Elimination Periods and Benefit Triggers in Long-Term Care Policies
Long-term care insurance is designed to offer peace of mind as you or a loved one ages and begins to need help with everyday activities. However, when the time comes...
Proving Partial Disability for Business Owners and High-Income Professionals: Income Drop Isn’t Always Enough
Disability insurance policies often include partial or “residual” disability benefits for those who can still work in a limited capacity. These benefits are especially important for business owners, executives, doctors,...
Total vs. Partial Disability: Why the Definitions in Your Policy Are More Dangerous Than They Sound
Most people assume that “total” and “partial” are self-explanatory regarding disability insurance. However, the reality is far more complex, and the definitions buried in your policy language can majorly impact...
I was so scared when my disability insurance company denied my claim. I had no idea how to prepare an appeal. I thought I would lose my house. They walked...
Former Client
I contacted Disability Insurance Law Group and they have been taking care of me since that first call. Alicia and her staff fought for me and kept me informed at...
Ms. B.
As a practicing general dentist for 35 years I did all the right things I was told to do by advisors. When I became unable to practice dentistry after a...
Dr. S.
My experience being a client of Ms. Mindy Chmielarz of Disability Insurance Law Group: I contacted Mindy from an advertisement after reviewing her AV rated status from her legal peers on...
Dr. JM
I realized one year ago I was going to need to file my disability claim and was urgently in need of expert legal counsel. My claim was extremely complicated and...
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am very grateful to Mindy Chmielarz for helping me with my disability claim. She is extremely experienced and knowledgeable in disability law. She was a tremendous asset and it was...
BT
I worked as a teacher for 15 years. I was in a car accident and despite 3 surgeries, I remained in constant pain. I filed my claim for disability insurance...
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I struggled to continue to practice as a dentist after I was diagnosed with MS. After I developed a tremor in my hands, I knew I could no longer treat...
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I never imagined that I would have to discontinue my medical practice due to a disability. Unfortunately it happened, but I had appropriate disability insurance coverage. I knew that proper...
Disability insurance is designed to provide income if a worker cannot perform their work due to disability. Unfortunately, disability insurance policies and employee benefit plans are often written with ambiguous and confusing contract language, making them difficult to pursue for the benefits workers are entitled to receive. This is true for Standard disability insurance policies, too.
For many U.S. workers, their employers offer disability benefits as part of their employment packages. This is especially true for most group policies governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), many of which Standard underwrites.
Their website states, “Replace part of your paycheck if you can’t work because of a covered illness, injury, or pregnancy,” making their coverage seem straightforward. However, Standard scrutinizes and reviews their disability claims very closely before making a claim decision. They have some of the most qualified disability claims examiners in the disability industry, some of whom are attorneys. This typically means most of their disability insurance claims are denied almost immediately.
That is why we are here. Our disability insurance attorneys represent Standard policyholders nationwide — no matter where they live or work in the U.S. — with only their best interests and true success in mind so our clients can pursue the benefits they are entitled to from their employer-provided coverage or personal policies.
How Can I Appeal an Individual or ERISA Disability Claim Denial?
Appealing a disability claim denial, whether an individual disability insurance claim or one governed by ERISA involves several steps to ensure you are complying with the insurance company’s appeal policies and procedures.
To follow is a general guide to help you navigate the appeals process:
FOR INDIVIDUAL DISABILITY INSURANCE CLAIMS
Review the Denial Letter
Carefully review the denial letter from the insurance company. Understand the reasons for the denial and the specific policy provisions cited.
Gather Additional Evidence
Collect additional medical records, opinions from treating physicians, or other evidence supporting your disability claim. This may address the reasons cited for the denial.
Contact the Insurance Company
Communicate with the insurance company to discuss the denial and request a copy of your claim file. Understanding the insurer’s perspective can help you address specific concerns.
Submit a Written Appeal
Prepare a comprehensive written appeal addressing each reason for denial. Explain why you believe the denial is unjust, providing relevant evidence and documentation to support your case.
Follow Deadlines
Adhere to all deadlines specified by the insurance company for submitting the appeal. Failure to do so may result in your right to appeal forfeiture.
If your individual disability insurance claim is denied, contact our skilled Standard insurance claims attorneys today to learn how we can help you navigate the appeals process with precision.
FOR ERISA DISABILITY CLAIMS
Review Denial Letter and Plan Documents
Carefully review the denial letter provided by the insurance company and the summary plan description. Understand the specific reasons for the denial and the applicable plan provisions.
Request Your Claim File
Request a copy of your entire claim file from the insurance company. This includes all documents, records, and communications related to your claim.
Internal Appeal with the Plan Administrator
File an internal appeal with the plan administrator following the guidelines outlined in the denial letter. This often involves submitting a written appeal, additional supporting documentation, and other requested information.
Consult Our ERISA Disability Claims Attorneys
If the internal appeal is unsuccessful, contact our skilled disability attorneys specializing in ERISA claims. We assess the strength of your case and guide you on whether to pursue further legal action. We can help you evaluate any settlement offers and ensure you are treated fairly. If the internal appeal is denied, we can file a lawsuit in federal court and guide you through this process, ensuring compliance with ERISA procedures and deadlines.
With over 50 combined years of experience, our nationwide Standard disability insurance attorneys know that understanding the definition that dictates your coverage is critical to winning and maintaining your disability benefits.
Whether you are considering applying for benefits, are waiting for a claim’s decision, or have been denied, we can assist you with your Standard disability claim anywhere in the country, starting with a free consultation.
We are fully dedicated to providing transparent legal services that allow us to pursue real results for real people who need our help – no matter where they live or work in the U.S.
If you are receiving resistance from Standard for your U.S. disability claim, or if your claim has already been denied, contact our dedicated disability insurance attorneys nationwide at 954-989-9000 or online to schedule a free, confidential case assessment without delay.
Do You Need Legal Counsel? We Invite You To Contact Us For A Free Consultation.
Fill out the form and we’ll be in touch with you shortly, or call us now at 954-989-9000.