Do you need a Hartford disability denial lawyer? Marc Whitehead & Associates is a leading disability claims law firm serving the state of Texas. Workers across the nation rely on The Hartford’s disability policies for security when they suffer a long-term disability. However, the company has a financial incentive to deny claims that rightfully belong to the insured. If your Hartford long-term disability claim was denied, there is still hope. We can help you receive the benefits you rightfully deserve.
Common Complaints about Hartford Claim Denial
When confronting a long-term disability denial, it matters which company your policy is through. This will affect both the details of the policy terms and the claims-handling practices that the company employs. Marc Whitehead & Associates represent individuals across the nation in their appeals against The Hartford and many other long-term disability insurance providers.
The Hartford has been known to deny valid claims and to engage in invasive surveillance in an attempt to catch claimants exaggerating their disabilities. Investigators have been accused of including total fabrications of observed activities in their reports as excuses to deny valid claims. The company may even delay the decision process longer than necessary to make decisions in violation of insurance laws.
These issues undermine trust in its decisions and cause policyholders to bear the brunt of mounting medical bills and other costs. They can also constitute a breach of contract. Most people do not know where to begin when it comes to confronting these abuses. A long-term disability denial lawyer can take the confusion out of the situation by explaining your rights under the policy and statutes, and by confronting the insurance company on your behalf. Marc Whitehead & Associates will take every necessary step to preserve your rights as you go through the appeal process.
Need a Hartford Disability Denial Lawyer For an Appeal?
You are not required to hire a long-term disability denial attorney, but the appeals process tends to bolster the case for the insurance company. Having a lawyer on your side – or at least consulting one before filing your appeal – can help you avoid mistakes that will only delay the process but could even cost you a favorable result.
Hartford long-term disability insurance is offered as part of group benefits to employers and employees. Denials of claims under group plans are subject to complicated ERISA laws that place restrictions on when and how the denial can be appealed and when you can file a lawsuit. They also limit the evidence that may be introduced, tilting the board in the favor of the insurance company by prohibiting the policyholder from providing any additional evidence after the appeal is submitted. If the appeal is unsuccessful, then the appellant is also prohibited from submitting additional evidence to the court if he or she proceeds to a lawsuit.
The sooner you speak to a Hartford disability denial lawyer, the more likely you are to preserve your right to appeal the denial of your Hartford disability claim.
How a Long-Term Disability Denial Lawyer Can Help
There are legitimate reasons that your disability claim may be denied, but there are also invalid reasons that should be challenged. Some of the most common reasons for denials that we see include:
- Timing – A claim needs to be filed within the time stated in the insurance policy. If it is not, the company will likely reject the claim based on late filing.
- Pre-existing conditions – A policy will not cover conditions that occurred before the claimant obtained the policy.
- Lack of documentation – The claimant has the burden of submitting evidence to prove the disability and to respond to communications from the insurer.
- Non-cooperation – The insurance company may require the insured to see a doctor it specifies to obtain an independent medical examination. The policy may also require the insured to participate in medical treatment to qualify for benefits. Failure to cooperate with these types of requests could lead to denial of the claim.
- Dishonesty – Sometimes insurers simply do not believe the claimant. They may resort to searching for outside evidence to support their skepticism, such as hiring investigators to follow the insured around and keep track of the types of activities they participate in.
Reasons like these may sometimes be legitimate, but our attorneys have found that companies like The Hartford often use them as a pretext to deny valid claims. We review and fight denials brought on flimsy grounds like these every day. Our top priority is to make sure you are treated fairly.
Hartford Disability Denial Lawyer Committed to Representation Wherever you Need It
Marc Whitehead has been practicing disability law in Houston and throughout Texas for nearly three decades and is proud to offer services throughout the nation. Marc has a thorough understanding of long-term disability policies and the companies that write them. If your claim has been denied, call Marc Whitehead & Associates today to speak with an attorney about your case.
