Do you need an Ameritas disability denial lawyer? The attorneys at Marc Whitehead & Associates can help you fight for benefits owed. Even with its historical pedigree, Ameritas finds ways to reject legitimate claims, in many cases, when they should be approved.
If you have received an Ameritas disability claim denial, you have the right to appeal. An Ameritas disability denial lawyer at Marc Whitehead & Associates is here to advocate for you in your long-term disability appeal.
Ameritas Disability Claim Denials
Long-term disability insurance providers like Ameritas must state the reasons for their denials. Sometimes these reasons are valid but other times, they are wrongful denials. Some common reasons given for denial include:
- Insufficient information or documentation to support the claim;
- Expired policy;
- Medical evidence inconsistent with the claim of disability;
- Company belief that the claimant is not being truthful about disability claim;
- Suspicion that claimed disability was caused by a pre-existing condition
- False statements in insurance application;
- A policy exclusion that prevents coverage
Ameritas is required to inform you of the reason for its denial of your claim. It is a good idea to review this reason with an Ameritas disability denial lawyer. Sometimes the denial can be overturned relatively easily by providing updated information. Other times, you may need to assemble additional evidence, including the reports of experts and personal witnesses, to prove your claim.
What to Do After an Ameritas Disability Denial Lawyer
When you are relying on the security that a long-time disability policy was supposed to provide and then receive a claim denial, it is understandable to feel upset, confused, and anxious. Take the time to understand your rights and consider fighting the decision.
It is a good idea to obtain a copy of your disability policy. You may need to seek a copy from your employer’s human resources department. Keep a copy of the denial letter because this should list the reasons for claim denial, as well as instructions for appeal. Deadlines are important; if you miss the appeal deadline, you may forfeit your right to payment.
Speak with a seasoned disability attorney as soon as possible. Early advice can save you time and increase the likelihood of a successful appeal. Not every claimant hires an attorney for an appeal but most insurance companies and benefits administrators take claims more seriously when the party has legal representation. An attorney can also advise you on what information will most strengthen your position.
How to file an Ameritas Appeal
To succeed, a disability appeal must follow rules, procedures, and deadlines.
First, review your denial letter to determine the reason for denial and the deadline to appeal it. The reason stated in the letter should provide you with an outline of what documentation you need to compile for your appeal.
Second, send a letter to Ameritas requesting a complete copy of your claim file. The company must provide it for you free of charge. The file may be large but it should provide valuable information about the company’s reason for denial.
Third, provide a supplement of information. This supplement MUST contain all of the evidence needed to prove your claim; ERISA laws will not allow you to present any additional information once the appeal process ends. If you need to later file a lawsuit, you will also be prohibited from submitting any original evidence; you will be limited to what you presented during your application and appeal.
Lastly, choose a lawyer who is experienced in long-term disability claims. Not all insurance-related claims are the same so specialized knowledge related to ERISA claims is important.
Filing a Lawsuit Against Ameritas?
You may be able to file a lawsuit against Ameritas over its denial of your claim, but that cannot be your first attempt to right the wrong. Federal ERISA laws govern most long-term disability plans and these laws require claimants to exhaust all options for administrative appeal before filing a lawsuit.
Discuss Your Case with an Ameritas Disability Denial Lawyer
An Ameritas disability claim denial may feel like a moment of defeat but it does not need to be the end of the story. The law offices of Marc Whitehead & Associates counsel individuals whose long-term disability claims have been unfairly rejected.
If Ameritas has denied your long-term disability benefits claim, contact us to speak with an Ameritas long-term disability claim denial lawyer. The deadline to file an appeal begins counting down right away, so quick action is important. We put our vast industry knowledge to work for our clients. We are happy to serve clients nationwide from our offices in Texas.
