Has Reliance Standard wrongfully handled your disability insurance claim?
Has Reliance Standard mishandled your disability claim? Disability insurance companies often deny valid claims to cut costs, hoping claimants will give up. Don’t let that happen to you. A denial isn’t the end; if this company has denied or terminated your claim, a Reliance standard long term disability lawyer can help.
At Marc Whitehead & Associates, we know their tactics and how to fight back. With over 30 years in business, we’ve helped countless individuals overturn Reliance Standard disability claim denials and secure the benefits they’ve paid for.
Contact us for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. We’ll explain your rights, outline your options, and guide you every step of the way. Let us handle the fight while you focus on your health. You deserve the benefits you’ve earned—and we’ll make sure you get them.
Call or text (800) 562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
Reliance Standard Disability Insurance Claim Denial Tactics
Insurers deny claims for many reasons, both in error and by plan. Our attorneys will examine your case to reveal any wrongful denial on the part of Reliance Standard. We will develop your case to rebut their allegations, point-by-point.
Our Reliance Standard long term disability lawyers are prepared for every strategy the insurance company might use to undermine your claim. These tactics often include:
- Claiming that your inability to work stems from reasons not covered by your policy
- Arguing that you failed to provide sufficient medical evidence or alleging that they never received your medical records
- Creating unnecessary delays due to a lack of communication
- Withholding payments while taking months to schedule an Independent Medical Examination (IME)
- Conducting a paper-only review instead of offering a fair medical evaluation, often overlooking critical details beyond what’s in your doctor’s records
- Dragging out decisions by requesting extensive past medical records or excessive test results
- Failing to acknowledge the severity of your impairment, paying little attention to your medical evidence and the physician’s statements showing how your particular condition affects you
- Requiring that you submit information that is neither practical nor reasonable to produce
- Refusing to provide your claim file and records to you
- Using video surveillance and field interviews to intimidate you into saying the wrong thing or giving up
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 562-9830
How to File a Reliance Standard Disability Appeal
A denied disability claim from Reliance Standard doesn’t mean your fight is over. You have the right to appeal—and doing so can help you secure the benefits you deserve. While the process may seem overwhelming, breaking it into steps can make it more manageable:
1. Review the Denial Letter
Carefully read the denial letter. It will outline the reasons for the denial—such as insufficient medical evidence or failure to meet policy terms. Understanding this is crucial to building a strong appeal.
2. Gather Evidence
Collect all relevant documentation to strengthen your case. This may include updated medical records, statements from your doctor, test results, and proof of how your condition impacts your ability to work.
3. Consult an Attorney
Working with a Reliance Standard disability lawyer can make all the difference. An experienced attorney will:
- Analyze the denial letter and identify weaknesses in the insurance company’s reasoning.
- Help interpret your policy’s language and requirements, ensuring your appeal aligns with its terms.
- Gather additional evidence, such as expert opinions, vocational reports, or testimony, to bolster your claim.
- Handle communication with Reliance Standard, ensuring your claim is taken seriously.
4. Submit Your Appeal
Disability insurance companies have strict procedures and deadlines for appeals. Missing even one deadline could jeopardize your claim. An attorney ensures your appeal is complete, compelling, and submitted on time.
About Reliance Standard
In business for over 100 years, Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company is a member of the Tokio Marine Group, a global insurance and reinsurance group, incorporated in Japan.
In the United States, Reliance Standard specializes in employee benefits products. The company sells group disability income insurance, various health and life insurance coverages, and asset growth and retirement annuities. In New York, the insurance line is marketed through First Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company.
Reliance Standard Disability Insurance: Short and Long Term Disability Benefits
Reliance Standard offers a line of insurance products, including group short term and long term disability insurance.
The company also provides voluntary short and long term disability benefits. With voluntary plans, the employer and employee may both invest in group benefits, or the employee pays premiums.
Is Your Reliance Standard Disability Claim Subject to ERISA?
Group and individual claims differ and are governed by separate laws. Employer-sponsored group benefits are subject to strict federal regulations known as the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).
Alternatively, individually purchased plans fall under state law. Also, certain voluntary group plans may be exempt from ERISA rules. In disability appeals and claim litigation, ERISA laws tend to lean in the insurance company’s favor, not the claimant’s.
For this and many other reasons, it is critical to know under which laws your claim will be governed. We must take a good look at your policy and benefit plan to be certain. Our Reliance Standard disability denial lawyers will promptly verify the governing law and understand all implications.
Why Choose Our Reliance Standard Long Term Disability Claim Lawyers?
At Marc Whitehead & Associates, disability law isn’t just something we do—it’s all we do. With over 120 years of combined experience, we’ve helped thousands of clients successfully handle Reliance Standard disability claim denials and appeals.
Here’s why clients trust us:
- We Wrote the Book: Marc Whitehead has literally written the book on long term disability insurance policies, offering unmatched knowledge.
- Double Board-Certified Attorney: Marc Whitehead is board-certified in both disability law and litigation, a distinction few attorneys share.
- Proven Results: We’ve recovered millions in disability benefits for our clients.
- Compassionate Advocacy: We understand how emotional and stressful this process can be. Our team is here to support and guide you every step of the way.
When you work with us, you’re not just hiring an attorney—you’re gaining a team dedicated to fighting for the benefits you’ve earned. Contact us today to get started.
Contact Marc Whitehead & Associates
Our firm handles appeals and lawsuits against Reliance Standard, and we are prepared to assist you now. We represent disability cases comprising all manner of disabling medical conditions in all 50 states.
If you are preparing to file an initial Reliance Stand disability claim, we provide exceptional long term disability application assistance. If you need help today, contact us for a free case evaluation and learn how we can help.