As disability attorneys, Marc Whitehead & Associates represent John Hancock disability claims denial and benefit disputes. Since 1992, our disability law firm has helped thousands of individuals with claims against insurance companies who unfairly refuse to pay benefits.
Whatever reason was given for denying your claim, you need to know what you can legally do to stand up to the insurance company and fight back. Contact us today. Our disability appeal attorneys will clarify your rights under the terms of your policy, and explain how we can effectively pursue John Hancock’s decision of denial.
About John Hancock Disability Insurance
John Hancock sells a broad range of insurance products and financial services throughout the United States. Since its beginnings in 1862, the company has grown to become a leading insurance provider.
Originally known as John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company, over the years the business transformed by growing and divesting certain lines of its products. In 1992, Provident Life & Accident Insurance Company acquired John Hancock’s $40 million individual disability insurance line.
In 2004, John Hancock was purchased by Manulife Financial Corporation, a major Canadian insurance group. Manulife operates in the United States primarily through the John Hancock brand of insurance products. The U.S. division of Manulife does business under the name of John Hancock Financial Services.
Today, John Hancock’s core products include life insurance, long term care insurance, annuities, 401(k) plans and mutual funds. John Hancock continues to participate in the disability insurance market, through long-term disability income insurance for business owners and employer-sponsored group disability plans.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-562-9830
Why Did John Hancock Deny Your Disability Claim?
Employees working in John Hancock’s claims department thoroughly scrutinize disability claims. Part of their job is ensuring that the applicant is eligible for disability payments according to the limitations of their policy. Many common reasons for claim denial are avoidable when submitted by a disability claim attorney.
The submission process is complex. Often, the applicant is at fault for a disability claim denial because they do not have access to all of the information demanded by the insurer or are not physically or mentally capable of collecting the necessary records.
Lack of Documentation
While filing a disability claim, submitting all relevant documents backing up your claim is critical. Reviewing medical records is how insurers determine disability status. Without it, John Hancock may decide that you can still perform your job and deny your claim.
Make sure you include the following documents:
- Diagnosis and prognosis
- Doctor’s reports
- Doctor’s statements regarding your physical or mental limitations
- Hospital stay records
- Test results
- Treatment plans
Forms Incorrectly Filled Out
Clerical errors can also trigger disability denials. Review all documents before submission to ensure they are filled out correctly and are legible.
Not Meeting the Policy’s Disability Definition
Every insurance policy specifically defines disability, and most do not cover pre-existing conditions. In addition, if the applicant cannot perform the tasks related to their job, disability payments are usually paid for two years. After that period, the criteria may change to being unable to work in any job. This is because the insurance company’s definition of disability has changed, and it is a common way for insurers to stop paying benefits.
Conflicting Medical Assessments
John Hancock hires medical experts to determine whether an applicant is eligible for disability. These doctors may conduct an Independent Medical Examination (IME), which is not truly independent as the company pays the examiners. As a result, the IME may determine that you are not disabled, contradicting your physicians’ medical assessments.
Treatment Plan Noncompliance
Not following your doctor’s treatment plan can result in a denial. Therefore, keeping all appointments and adhering to your plan is essential. Otherwise, John Hancock may determine that you are not disabled enough to stop working or have experienced medical improvement and no longer need treatment.
Even if continuing treatment does not help your condition, do not become non-compliant. Gaps in your treatment may cause the company to argue that you are not complying so you can continue receiving benefits without trying to get better. Instead, request a letter from your doctor explaining to John Hancock that such treatment will not improve your condition or ask for a plan modification.
Attorneys Representing John Hancock Disability Claims Denial
Most people assume their insurance providers will stay true to the terms of their policy, and issue benefit payments in the event they become disabled. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Disability insurance carriers may seek to unreasonably deny, delay or terminate your claim instead of giving it fair consideration.
Our attorneys bring many years of experience to the fight against disability denials and bad faith practices by insurance companies, including life insurance disputes.
At Marc Whitehead & Associates, we represent real people throughout the United States who are struggling with serious physical or mental disabilities. When insurance companies wrongfully withhold disability benefits from deserving people, this is an injustice we are committed to fighting with all our might.
Request a free consultation with a lawyer today for assistance with your John Hancock disability claims denial. We also welcome your call at 800-562-9830.
Call or text 800-562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form