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Unum’s Disability Claim Denial Tactics Examined
By Amanda Antell
Unum Life Insurance is the largest insurance company in America, and the biggest disability provider in the world. Unum has provided disability insurance policies for approximately 17 million people in America, and 25 million people worldwide. Despite its size, Unum has repeatedly been listed as one of the top five worst businesses in America. The company has also been a subject of numerous lawsuits filed by policyholders who tried to collect benefits from them but were denied.
Unum typically comes under fire when the company denies disability insurance to beneficiaries who are unable to work due to illness or injury. Ordinarily, Unum is contracted through the recipient’s place of employment to provide disability benefits. When employees become injured or disabled, they must follow all procedures and submit all of the documentation Unum requires. Policyholders allege that since some of the deadline submission requirements are unclear, Unum will use this point of confusion to deny benefits for the intended beneficiary.
Other tactics Unum has been accused of using against beneficiaries include but are not limited to:
- Making changes to the plan without the authorization of the policyholder, changing policies after the policyholder’s claims are filed, and failing to notify the recipients about these changes.
- Improperly and inappropriately investigating a claim and obtaining opinions from unqualified third parties.
- Having contract medical examiners read over, and often misinterpret, medical records.
- Using these third-party medical examiners to deny a claim when the policyholder did not provide a medical exam, or giving the policyholder insufficient time to obtain a medical exam.
- Refusing to acknowledge certain disabilities, especially mental disorders.
- Arguing that the condition in the claim is pre-existing.
- Using the strategy of prolonged denial responses with the intent to wear the policyholder down, so when the time comes to pay, the policyholder will accept a lower settlement.
- Only giving partial payments for total disability, making the policyholder believe that they are receiving appropriate payment.
- The use of detectives, friends, co-workers and neighbors in an attempt to discredit the disability.
Unum Lawsuits Seek Owed Benefits
Lawsuits have been filed around the country by Unum policyholders alleging one or more of the above claim denial tactics. Numerous plaintiffs have alleged that the insurance company continually commits fraud and breach of contract.
If you believe that you or a loved one have been the victim of an insurance claim denial, you have legal options. Please visit the Unum/UnumProvident Disability Insurance Claim Denial Class Action Lawsuit Investigation. There, you can submit your claim for a free legal review and if it qualifies for legal action, a seasoned disability claim denial lawyer will contact you for a free, no-obligation consultation. You will be guided through the litigation process at no out-of-pocket expenses or hidden fees. The insurance claim denial attorneys working this investigation do not get paid until you do.
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