Do you need a Liberty disability denial lawyer? We understand that receiving a long-term disability claim denial from Liberty Mutual can be frustrating and confusing, especially when you are facing steep ongoing medical costs, reduced or lost wages, and other financial challenges. Unfortunately, this is not an uncommon occurrence, as insurance companies are for-profit businesses and incentivized to deny claims. The good news is that receiving a claim denial is not the end of the story. You have options and Marc Whitehead & Associates can provide strong representation in the appeals process to help you get the benefits you deserve. Our proven approach gives you the best chance for a positive outcome. Put our experience to work for you and call us today for a free consultation.
Liberty Mutual Denying and Delaying Claims
Liberty Mutual is well known for delaying and denying policy benefits and has a long history of consumer complaints. This can be seen in the American Association of Justice listing them as one of the ten worst insurance companies. Google searches are rife with mentions of wrongful denials, lengthy bureaucratic and legal processes, and even class-action lawsuits their customers have been involved with.
This insurance company’s long-term disability policies can be sold to individuals, professional associations, and small companies. According to Fortune, Liberty Mutual is one of the largest long-term disability insurers in the country, has more than 45,000 employees in 29 different countries, and is the sixth-largest property and casualty insurer globally.
Liberty Mutual has issued many denials that were then successfully appealed or challenged in court and developed a reputation for overreaching on denials and needlessly delaying the process.
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How Liberty Mutual Long Term Disability Claims May Be Denied
After a claim for benefits, insurers have a deadline to respond to any claim. This can vary depending on the type, but an example is a requirement in federal law for decisions on employer-provided long-term disability to be made within 45 days.
There are several ways in which Liberty Mutual may attempt to delay or deny your claim. As a partial but non-exhaustive list, this includes allegations or claims of:
- Insufficient medical evidence
- Absence of an adequate physicians’ report
- Ability to work
- Insufficient proof of physical disability
- Nonpayment of premium
- A “materially false” answer was provided on the application
Should your claim be denied, the plan administrator will give you a written or electronic notice. This will include:
- What part of the policy the denial was based on
- Notice that you are entitled to all documents related to your claim, such as the rules or policy your claim was denied under, at no cost
- Why your claim was denied (such as one of the reasons listed above)
- Time limits
- Description of the appeal process
What to Do if You Receive a Liberty Mutual Disability Claim Denial
Once you receive a denial of your long-term disability benefits, a clock starts on your window to appeal. This timeframe is governed by either federal law or your insurance policy.
After receiving your denial, the likely next step will be to file the mandatory appeal. This appeal is required to be included in long-term disability plans by ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974). While plans may add to this time period, ERISA requires at least 180 days.
If you are denied at the mandatory appeal, some companies will provide a second, or voluntary, administrative appeal. If the second appeal is denied or does not exist, after the mandatory appeal, the matter will likely need to be litigated in court to move forward.
While an attorney is not necessary to move forward with an appeal, these matters can become complicated questions of fact and law. Working with an attorney on your case can help to establish a better record to be sent for the mandatory appeal, second appeal, or court should the appeal process not result in an approval. This will allow a knowledgeable professional to put together your case from beginning to end.
Because of the limited time for appeal, potential appellants should contact an attorney with expertise in their specific type of insurance claim soon after they receive a denial. Documents like the notice from the previous section, as well as medical records and other documents pertaining to the claim and denial, will be essential and will help guide the course of the attorney’s work.
A Liberty Disability Denial Lawyer can Help with Your Appeal
Marc Whitehead & Associates knows that disability claims can be denied on little to no grounds. This is par-for-the-course for insurance companies like Liberty Mutual and our long-term disability attorneys can help you fight back. Call today to schedule a no-cost case evaluation. No office visit necessary!
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