Unum Long-Term Disability Denial
Unum has been known to wrongfully deny long-term disability (LTD) benefits for policyholders across the country, leaving them empty-handed and wondering how they’ll pay for their expenses. If your LTD claim was wrongfully denied, a top disability may be able to fight your Unum disability denial and get you the benefits you’re owed.
Why Take Legal Action?
By challenging a wrongful disability insurance denial, you can pursue the benefits and justice you deserve.
Results Secured
- $1.36 million for a New York man whose Aetna long-term disability claim and appeal were denied
- $1.21 million for a California worker denied disability benefits
- $975,000 for a physician who lost his hearing and was denied long-term disability benefits by Unum
About Unum Denied Disability Claims
When people are unable to work for a long stretch of time because of an injury or illness, long-term disability benefits are crucial.
Founded in 1848, Unum is one of the oldest and largest providers of disability insurance in America. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for individuals with long-term disability insurance policies issued by Unum to find that the insurer has unjustly denied their claims.
An Unum long-term disability denial may be considered insurance bad faith, which means the insurer failed to uphold its duty to act fairly with a policyholder in order to protect profits.
Not only is insurance bad faith illegal, but it can also have devastating consequences on those who were denied benefits. After an Unum disability denial, a policyholder may lose their home, savings, and more.
However, an Unum disability denial is not the final word on a claim. In many cases, policyholders have options and can fight back to get the benefits they deserve.
Our legal partners have secured over $127 million for policyholders whose disability claims were unjustly denied. Get a free case review and see if they can help you fight an Unum claim denial.
What to Do If You’re Facing an Unum Disability Denial
Unum is a multibillion-dollar company with vast resources that it may use to make it difficult for policyholders to file a successful appeal and access the LTD benefits they deserve.
However, individuals can level the playing field by working with an Unum disability lawyer who is knowledgeable about both disability law and Unum claim denial tactics.
An Unum disability attorney can:
- File an appeal after an Unum long-term disability denial
- Request a second appeal if Unum denies the initial appeal
- Submit a complaint to the policyholder’s state Department of Insurance
- File an Unum lawsuit and pursue a settlement
- Represent the policyholder in court, if necessary
Keep in mind that you have a limited amount of time to appeal an Unum disability denial or potentially take legal action against the company.
Contact our disability denial case managers at (888) 726-9160 now or fill out our online form to find out how we may be able to help you fight back against Unum’s denial.
Steps to Appeal an Unum Claim Denial
Appealing an Unum long-term disability denial can be challenging, especially since Unum will look for any reason to deny a claim. However, by working with an Unum disability lawyer, you can significantly improve your chance of a successful appeal.
An Unum lawyer can guide you through the appeals process and make it as stress-free as possible, so you can focus on your health.
1. Get a Free Case Review
Get a free case review right now and see if you can work with a top Unum disability attorney. If you qualify, your attorney will explain your legal options and what to expect going forward.
2. Gather Evidence
Your attorney and their support staff will collect different types of evidence to build a strong appeal on your behalf.
This may include:
- Insurance policy documents
- Employment records
- Medical records
- Physician statements
Your legal team will focus on strengthening your initial claim to show that you meet the necessary qualifications and to avoid an Unum disability denial.
3. File the Appeal
Your attorney will file your appeal with Unum so that it meets the insurer’s requirements.
Sometimes insurers like Unum deny valid claims because a claim is incomplete or contains a filing error.
Your legal team will contact Unum to ensure your appeal was received and keep in touch with the insurer to check that it’s moving through the appeals process.
If your appeal is denied, your attorney may be able to ask for a second appeal. In most cases, people must go through the appeals process before being able to file a lawsuit against Unum for a claim denial.
4. File an Unum Disability Lawsuit
If you’ve exhausted all of your opportunities to appeal an Unum long-term disability denial, you may still be able to get the benefits you’re entitled to through a lawsuit.
Sometimes, a lawyer can file an Unum disability insurance lawsuit and try to get your claim denial reversed. They can also negotiate with Unum for a settlement so you have quicker access to much-needed compensation.
Your legal team will be ready to fight for you in court if a settlement can’t be reached.
In 2022, a New York federal court ruled in favor of an accountant with a progressive spine condition who sued Unum after her claim for long-term disability benefits was denied. Ultimately, she received 45 months of retroactive benefits and future benefits for as long as she meets the conditions of her plan.
Get Help From an Unum Disability Lawyer
If you’re facing an Unum long-term disability denial, don’t give up hope. You may still have options available to you to secure the benefits you deserve.
LawFirm.com works with top disability appeal lawyers who have secured over $127 million on behalf of those who were unjustly denied benefits.
Our legal partners:
- Can handle cases in all 50 states
- Have 40+ years of experience
- Never charge any upfront fees
- Understand Unum’s claim denial tactics
Get a free case review right now to see if we can connect you with a top Unum lawyer to fight your claim denial.
Unum Disability Denied FAQs
How do you appeal a long-term disability denial from Unum?
The first step to appeal an Unum long-term disability denial is to submit an appeal letter explaining why you’re entitled to benefits, in addition to any documents that may support your claim.
To improve your chances of a successful appeal, it’s best to work with a skilled disability attorney. Not only are they experts in this area of the law and know about the strategies Unum uses to deny valid claims, but they are fierce advocates who will fight on your behalf.
Why Unum would deny a claim?
There are several reasons why Unum would issue a long-term disability denial.
These include:
- Failure to receive proper medical attention for an injury or illness
- Medical condition is not covered under the LTD insurance policy
- Problems with paperwork
- Submitting a claim after the policy deadline
- Undisclosed pre-existing health condition
While some reasons for a claim denial are valid, others may be considered an act of bad faith.
How long does Unum take to approve long-term disability?
Insurance companies like Unum generally have 45 days to make a decision on an initial long-term disability claim. However, they may be able to request extensions if they need more time.
The details of this timeframe should be outlined in your policy documents.
Is there an Unum class action lawsuit?
No, there is no class action lawsuit against Unum at this time. However, many policyholders have filed individual suits to overturn Unum long-term disability denials.
Get a free case review to see if a top Unum disability lawyer can help you with a claim denial.
Fact-Checked and Legally Reviewed by: LawFirm.com
LawFirm.com makes it easier to take legal action. We have information, lawsuit guides, and breaking news about drugs, products, and other issues that could affect you.
- Consumer Affairs. “Unum Insurance Company Reviews.” Retrieved from: https://www.consumeraffairs.com/insurance/unum.html. Accessed on September 10, 2024.
- Sokolove Law. “Unum Long-Term Disability Denial.” Retrieved from: https://www.sokolovelaw.com/disability-insurance-denial/long-term-disability-denial/insurance-providers/unum/. Accessed on September 10, 2024.
- Unum. “Disability Insurance.” Retrieved from: https://www.unum.com/employees/benefits/disability-insurance. Accessed on September 10, 2024.