Have you bought a long term disability policy from the Lincoln National Insurance Company through your employer only to find your claim for benefits denied when you become unable to work due to an injury or illness?
The Lincoln National Insurance Company is one of the nation’s leading providers of both private and group employer short term and long term disability insurance policies.
The Lincoln National Insurance Company is a part of the Lincoln National Corporation, a Fortune 500 company. The Lincoln National Corporation was founded in 1905 and is currently headquartered in Radnor, Pennsylvania. In 2016, the Lincoln National Corporation reported their total assets as amounting to $262 billion.
If you’re one of the many policyholders who have experienced problems with your disability claim approved by Lincoln National, Marc Whitehead & Associates invite you to a schedule a free consultation with our nationally recognized disability law firm. We’ve successfully handled thousands of employer group LTD claim appeals, obtaining the benefits our clients deserve after being unfairly denied by holding major insurance companies like Lincoln National responsible when they wrongly deny valid claims for disability benefits.
Why Does Lincoln National Deny Valid Disability Claims?
One word: money. The less money Lincoln National pays out in LTD benefits, the more money the company makes. Insurers like Lincoln National use federal ERISA’s rules and regulations to impose strict standards and deadlines designed to discourage policy holders from pursuing their benefits and increase company profits.
It’s important to be aware of some of the tactics Lincoln National employs to deny a claim:
- Lack of a full examination: Their denial is based on a paper review of the policyholder’s disabilities rather than an in-person examination by a qualified physician.
- Incomplete or selective review: Lincoln National failed to fully review your medical records when making their decision.
- Failing to consider actual job duties: Lincoln did not consider your claim in light of your actual job duties; or they did not properly classify your occupation resulting in a flawed vocational analysis.
- Lack of medical evidence: They said the medical documentation contained in your claim file does not support “disability” as defined by your policy (even though you may already be approved for Social Security Benefits).
- Changes in the definition of your disability: Once the definition of disability changes from own occupation to any occupation — usually after 24 months — Lincoln may claim you are no longer disabled and deny or terminate benefits.
- Denial based on video surveillance: Insurance company investigators may try to record you during the course of your daily routine to try and capture a “gotcha” moment that shows you aren’t really as disabled as you claim.
- Denial based on social media activity: Like their video surveillance, they monitor Facebook and other social media postings in an effort to obtain proof that you aren’t disabled.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-562-9830
How Do I Appeal a Lincoln National Disability Denial?
Lincoln National generally requires two appeals with denied claims. In other words, most claims have a two-step appeal process — so if your claim is denied on the first appeal, you will have an opportunity to submit a second. In the event they have denied both appeals, your only legal recourse is to file a lawsuit.
When reviewing a disability claim, Lincoln National requires that all evidence must be submitted with specific, written details. They use templates and form letters that make it easier for them to retrieve information from claimants and their doctors. The problem is, these forms may not specifically request certain information that is critical to your successful claim.
Let Us Submit an LTD Benefits Denial Appeal that Gets Results
In order to maximize your chances of success, you need the help of a law firm that knows precisely what information Lincoln National and other insurance companies require for a claim to be approved.
In addition, you need an attorney who ensures the insurance companies review and consider your entire medical record, not just some tidbits cherry-picked by the insurance company.
At Marc Whitehead & Associates, we work closely with you and your physicians to develop the medical support necessary to properly document and support your claim. Our leading national long term disability denial lawyers have successfully resolved numerous disability claim denial disputes involving Lincoln National and others, either during the appeal stage, or by filing a lawsuit with the court.
Don’t risk missing out on the benefits you’ve paid for and deserve. You have a right to appeal the insurance company’s decision, and we are here to help. If you need help today, call us at 800-562-9830 for a free case evaluation.
Call or text 800-562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
