Our attorneys represent policyholders in disputes against New York Life for disability claims denial. Whether you have a private disability policy or are covered under a group long-term disability plan from New York Life, we can legally assist you with your claim.
If you have had a claim denied by New York Life, call us today
Toll Free at (800) 562-9830. We handle cases nationwide.
In operation for 166 years, the New York Life Insurance Company is one of the world’s largest sellers of insurance, including disability insurance, long-term care insurance, and group policies sold through AARP and other specialty markets.
As providers of disability insurance plans, New York Life sells individual (personally purchased) and group (employer-sponsored) long-term disability policies. In fact, it was the first company to insure people with disabilities and the first to issue a policy with a disability benefit in which total disability is considered permanent after a pre-set period.
Why Would New York Life Deny Your Disability Claim?
A primary reason that New York Life would deny your disability claim concerns the company’s bottom line. If it can find a reason for denial, it will do so. In addition, New York Life knows that disabled people usually do not have the ability or resources to fight an insurance company giant. It relies on that fact to manage its numbers and boost profits. Part of the business strategy involves counting on disabled patients to give up. Unfortunately, it often works.
You need an experienced disability insurance attorney to fight for you and appeal New York Life’s decision. Because deadlines for appealing a claim are short, contact a lawyer as soon as you receive your denial. These time-sensitive deadlines are another way insurance companies try to avoid paying claims. Miss a deadline, and you may lose the ability to appeal the decision.
Reasons New York Life might deny your disability claim include:
- Failure to submit sufficient medical evidence to support your claim–It is your responsibility to submit medical records proving that you are too disabled to work. It is not the insurance company’s responsibility to gather this evidence. Make every effort to collect and submit all relevant documentation.
- Policy exclusions–New York Life might determine yours was a pre-existing condition, or your policy otherwise excludes coverage for specific medical issues.
- Missing medical records–Any missing information from your doctor, such as clinical notes, may trigger a denial. Therefore, it is crucial to include all medical evidence, including notes from specialists, when submitting your disability claim.
- Failure to follow a treatment plan–Most long-term disability patients are given a treatment plan by their healthcare providers. However, suppose there is no evidence that you followed it, which depending on the diagnosis, may range from physical therapy to rehabilitation to mental health counseling. In that case, your claim will likely be denied. Without ongoing treatment, proving that you can no longer work is difficult.
- Your condition does not meet the definition of total disability–Every policy defines total disability. After two years, a claimant’s status may change from the inability to perform their job to “any” position based on education, experience, and skills. At this stage, many insurance companies claim that disability status has changed.
- Surveillance video–Insurance companies are increasingly using surveillance video or scouring social media accounts for evidence that a person is not truly disabled. Avoid posting photos of yourself on social media, no matter how innocuous, to avoid misinterpretation. For instance, if you claim your disability does not allow you to lift more than 10 pounds, do not post photos of yourself carrying your children, grandchildren, or even a pet.
It is also not unusual for a New York Life doctor to declare that you can work. That decision is made even if they never examine you. The physician reviews your file, disagrees with your doctor’s interpretation, and your claim is denied. It does not matter whether this doctor practices in an area concerned with your particular illness or disability.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-562-9830
Disputes against New York Life for Disability Claims Denial
Now a Fortune 100 company, New York Life has earned a distinguished reputation among insurance companies. Still, over the years, many cases have been fought and won against New York Life for disability claims denial or wrongful termination of prior benefits.
New York Life sells individual and group disability income policies across the United States that are underwritten by the Unum Group. New York Life also sells individual disability policies through BISYS Insurance Services.
If your claim has been delayed, denied or terminated by New York Life, the attorneys of Marc Whitehead & Associates can help you fight back. We have successfully represented denied claims against almost every major disability insurance company in the United States, including New York Life.
Many New York Life group disability claims will be regulated by ERISA law. There is a major difference between claims governed under ERISA law, than claims that fall under state insurance law. If your group policy benefits have been withheld, denied or terminated, as ERISA claim attorneys we are fully able to fight on your behalf to receive your rightful benefits under federal statutes.
Most individual long-term disability claims will be regulated by bad faith insurance laws. If you have reason to believe that New York Life mishandled your claim on your individual policy, or denied it without valid reason, we can help you pursue a bad faith insurance claim to collect damages and hold the company accountable for its wrong actions.
In all cases, our attorneys are fully prepared to assist you with your claim. Contact us now at 800-562-9830 to ask a question to a lawyer about your New York Life disability claims denial.
Learn more about what you can legally do when your disability benefits are denied.
Call or text 800-562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form