Just because you have a Long Term Disability (LTD) insurance policy and become disabled doesn’t guarantee your claim will be approved. The insurance company will not automatically grant you benefits just because you are unable to work.
Lincoln Financial and other insurance companies often employ strict rules and regulations when it comes to making a decision on a Long Term Disability claim. In many instances, these requirements are used to delay or deny an LTD benefits claim.
If you received a Lincoln Financial Disability denial, call Marc Whitehead & Associates for a no-cost, personalized case evaluation with a Lincoln Financial Long Term Disability lawyer.
We have represented thousands of clients since 1992 who have had their Long Term Disability claims denied.
Call or text (800) 562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
Lincoln Financial Claim Denial Tactics
Lincoln Financial, like many disability insurance providers, may use a range of strategies to delay or deny valid Long Term Disability claims. These tactics can be frustrating and overwhelming for claimants who are already dealing with serious medical conditions.
Common claim denial tactics may include:
- Arguing that your condition does not meet the policy’s definition of total disability
- Ignoring or discounting supportive medical evidence and doctors’ opinions
- Relying heavily on an independent medical examination (IME) or file reviews by doctors who never examine you
- Claiming insufficient documentation or vague reasons for denial
- Monitoring social media or using surveillance to dispute your disability claim
- Delaying the claims process past the deadlines set by ERISA laws
If Lincoln Financial Group has denied or terminated your Long Term Disability claim, don’t give up. At Marc Whitehead & Associates, our experienced Lincoln Financial Long Term Disability lawyers can investigate the reason for the denial and take immediate action to protect your rights under your disability insurance policy.
For a free legal consultationwith a denied lincoln national disability claim lawyer serving Nationwide, call (800) 562-9830
How to File a Lincoln Financial Disability Appeal
If your Long Term Disability benefits claim with Lincoln Financial has been denied, you have the legal right to file an appeal. This appeal process is time-sensitive and must be handled carefully to avoid jeopardizing your case. Here’s a step-by-step overview:
- Request the denial letter and complete claim forms or claim file from Lincoln Financial to understand why your claim was denied.
- Consult an experienced disability attorney to help analyze the denial and develop a strategic appeal.
- Gather strong medical evidence, including updated medical records, physician statements, test results, and any vocational reports that support your inability to work.
- Address Lincoln Financial’s specific denial reasons in your appeal letter with factual and legal arguments.
- Submit your appeal within the ERISA deadline, typically 180 days from the date of the denial letter.
Marc Whitehead & Associates has a deep understanding of how to handle Lincoln Financial Long Term Disability appeals. We prepare every case as if it may lead to a Lincoln Financial Disability lawsuit in federal court, ensuring the administrative record includes all necessary medical review and documentation.
Nationwide Denied Lincoln National Disability Claim Lawyer Near Me (800) 562-9830
Why Choose Our Lincoln Financial Long Term Disability Claim Lawyers?
When you’re battling a Lincoln Financial Long Term Disability denial, experience matters.
At Marc Whitehead & Associates, we have built our entire practice around helping individuals secure the Disability benefits they’ve rightfully earned, and we know how to stand up to large disability insurance companies like Lincoln Financial Group.
Here’s why so many clients across the country trust us with their Long Term Disability claims:
- We wrote the book on the subject: Our firm has published multiple legal guides on Disability insurance claims. We know the process inside and out.
- Disability is all we do: Our entire legal focus is on disability claims—including Long Term Disability, Social Security Disability, and Veterans’ Disability benefits.
- Marc Whitehead is double board-certified: He holds certifications in both disability law and civil trial law, a rare distinction that sets our leadership apart.
- 1,500+ 5-star reviews: Our clients consistently recommend us for our dedication, results, and compassion throughout the claims process.
- 120 years of combined experience: Our legal team brings more than a century of shared experience to every claim we handle.
Whether you’re just starting your Disability claim or you’re deep in the appeals process after a denial from Lincoln Financial, we’re ready to fight for your rights under your disability policy.
Lincoln Financial Long Term Disability Denial FAQs
Dealing with a denied Long Term Disability claim from Lincoln Financial can be overwhelming, especially when you’re already facing serious health challenges. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive from clients facing the appeals process.
What Should I Do if Lincoln Financial Denies My LTD Claim?
You should immediately request the denial letter and contact a disability attorney. The appeals process is complicated and time-sensitive.
Can I Handle My Appeal Without a Lincoln LTD Lawyer?
Technically, yes, but it is highly discouraged. One misstep in the appeal process can damage your chances of success and limit your legal options later.
How Long Do I Have to Appeal a Denial?
Under ERISA laws, you typically have 180 days from the date you receive your denial letter to file an appeal.
Will I Need to Go to Court?
Most Disability insurance claims are resolved during the administrative appeal. However, if Lincoln Financial denies your appeal, your attorney can file a Disability lawsuit in federal court.
What Benefits Can I Receive Through My LTD Policy?
Depending on the policy terms of your Long Term Disability insurance, you may receive a percentage of your income—often 60–70%—during the time you are unable to work due to total disability.
More About the Difficulties With Lincoln Financial Disability Claims
We’ve found that in many instances, Lincoln Financial administrators make their decisions after just a cursory review of a claimant’s medical records, and then deny a claim on the basis of what they consider to be a “lack of medical evidence” of disability.
Another problem our clients regularly encounter is Lincoln Financial’s return-to-work incentive, which is applied in many disability claims. Our clients wish for nothing more than to be healthy enough to return to work. However, their conditions are often so severe that returning to work is not an option.
Lincoln Financial employs other tactics that create difficulties for disabled policyholders. For example, they may partially or selectively review your evidence, or make a determination based on a “paper review” rather than an in-person examination by a qualified physician. They may also use video surveillance to try to disprove your claim.
Get Help From Marc Whitehead & Associates
The attorneys of Marc Whitehead & Associates have successfully handled several cases in which disabled policyholders have encountered difficulties in getting their claims for LTD benefits approved by Lincoln Financial.
Contact Our Lincoln Financial Long Term Disability Attorneys Today
If you’re facing a Lincoln Financial disability denial, you only have a limited time to appeal their decision, so hire a Lincoln Financial disability lawyer.
The nationally recognized law firm of Marc Whitehead & Associates has helped many disabled workers successfully avoid the obstacles Lincoln Financial and other insurance companies use to delay and deny a claim for LTD insurance benefits.
Talk to our Lincoln Financial Long Term Disability lawyers, then visit our FAQ page to learn more.