If you filed an Illinois Mutual disability claim and the company denied benefits, it is important to seek legal counsel without delay. All insurance companies may deny claims for various reasons; some deny claims unfairly.
Illinois Mutual is headquartered in Peoria, IL. The company provides disability income insurance, worksite or group disability insurance and life insurance. It has been servicing customers for over 100 years, and markets its disability insurance products to most of the U.S.
If you feel your claim was wrongly denied by this insurer, contact our law firm. Whether due to an adjuster’s error or a wrongful denial of benefits, disabled claimants often have a strong case that can be won on appeal, or through litigation.
Did Illinois Mutual Deny Your Claim for Individual Disability Income Benefits?
Your claim may be under the company’s individual disability insurance plan. In the event you become injured or ill, personal DI benefits protect you in the following situations:
- Short term disability, where you are totally disabled from your own occupation for a set time period (usually two years or less);
- Long term disability, where you are totally disabled from any occupation.
Your Illinois Mutual disability income policy may also include optional disability insurance riders such as Return of Premium, Guaranteed Insurability and Retroactive Injury Benefits riders.
Illinois Mutual DI claims are governed by state insurance and contract laws.
If your disability income claim is under a private policy, state laws apply (not ERISA). The policy is a contract between you and the insurance company. Accordingly, wrongly denied claims are governed by state contract and bad faith insurance law.
Depending on state law where the policy was issued,
- We may be able to seek punitive damages and other damages;
- Legal remedies, such as breach of contract and bad faith, become pertinent to resolving disputes between you and the insurer;
- You are allowed a jury trial (instead of a federal judge deciding your claim);
- You may introduce new evidence to the claim.
Business Expense Disability Income
Illinois Mutual also offers business expense disability income insurance that pays monthly benefits for eligible fixed business expenses, if you become disabled due to injury or sickness. The business expense policies also feature optional riders.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-562-9830
Do You Have Group Disability Insurance Benefits from Illinois Mutual?
You may have an Illinois Mutual group disability plan through your employer. Various options are available so be sure to read your policy carefully to determine the coverage you have.
Short Term Disability (STD) Insurance – generally paid by your employer, coverage amounts range from $100 to $5000 monthly, never to exceed 60% of your gross salary. The benefit period may be from 3 months to 60 months, with a waiting period.
Voluntary Short Term Disability Insurance – If you participate in the company’s voluntary STD coverage, you generally pay the entire premium (meaning you will not be taxed on benefits.) This type of plan covers the initial weeks of a disability, and various exceptions, limitations and options apply depending on the plan, your state and other factors.
Illinois Mutual short term disability claims may be governed by ERISA.
Employee Retirement Income Security Act – or ERISA – is the federal law that generally governs employee group benefit claims. This is important because ERISA does not give you the higher level of protection that is available under state contract and insurance laws (such as those governing disputes against Illinois Mutual’s individual disability income coverage.)
How Do You Know if a Group Claim is Subject to ERISA?
The difference may be whether your benefits are under the Short Term Disability Insurance plan, or under the Volunteer Short Term Disability Insurance plan. Under certain conditions, voluntary group plans offered in the workplace may be exempt from strict federal ERISA regulations.
For instance, benefits may be subject to ERISA when:
- the employer contributes any of the premium, or
- the premium is paid through a 125 plan, (aka “premium only plan”) or
- the employer sponsors the plan
Call us today for help understanding the benefits you are entitled to. ERISA attorney Marc Whitehead has the skill and experience needed to successfully resolve your case.
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Appeal an Illinois Mutual Disability Claim Denial
When your insurance company treats you unfairly, come to Marc Whitehead & Associates for help. Our goal is to get you the relief you need and the benefits you deserve. We can assist in all aspects of your Illinois Mutual disability claim. Call us today at 800-562-9830.
Our attorneys are experienced in appealing and litigating denied claims under both group and individual long term disability policies. We represent claimants against all of the major insurance companies offering disability insurance in the United States.
Call or text 800-562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form