Unum Disability Insurance Gap Hits Snag with Florida Ruling

One of the underreported problems with claim denial specialists for disability benefits is a gap in coverage for workers. That was especially true in Florida until a decision was handed down that could affect Unum disability insurance policy holders.

District Court Judge Bradford Thomas knocked down a bill limiting workers’ compensation benefits to 104 weeks, or two years. Companies providing these policies to employers had been able to drop rates by half, which made it less likely that they would pressure their claim denial specialists. Now, Thomas’ decision requires benefits to continue for up to five years in total, and disability insurance providers need to watch out as well.

Many insurers provide both types of benefits because they can be administered in much the same way. Unum disability insurance and workers’ compensation policies are just one example of this. They may see an increase in claims that could be lengthy, and employers may pass along any premium increases to workers. However, disability insurance attorneys see this as an opportunity to help their clients.

Trying to gather enough information to prove that disability benefits are merited can take some time, and employees who are hurt on the job may worry about the possibility of running out of money after two years. However, the increase in time allows for people who have UnumProvident insurance policies or those of another company to not have to rush things.

The lack of a time crunch is especially important, whether in Florida or any other state, because of the unique nature of contracts for disability benefits. A judge holds an administrative hearing, so it is up to the holder to prove that they indeed cannot work thanks to the small print of UnumProvident insurance policies.

Unfortunately, the change in how long benefits will last may not be available in Florida for long. The likelihood of increased costs for insurance companies has already led to lobbyists calling for new laws to limit their exposure to potentially costly claims for workers’ compensation benefits.

People in Florida or in any other state who have been denied payments for injuries that have left them unable to work do have legal options, but should look for an experienced disability insurance attorney due to the specialized nature of the hearing. Get a free consultation with one at the Unum/UnumProvident Disability Insurance Claim Denial Class Action Lawsuit Investigation today.