In a recent claim denial lawsuit, Unum Life Insurance Company is facing bad faith insurance allegations from a Florida resident.

The woman claims that the insurance company has wrongfully withheld her long-term disability benefits, despite qualifying for them under Unum’s policy.

Plaintiff Cynthia A. had previously been fully employed under Variety Wholesalers Inc., and was provided long-term disability benefits through the defendant. Along with providing the actual coverage, Unum Life Insurance was also responsible for determining whether or not her claim was eligible.

According to the Unum claim denial lawsuit, she became disabled at some point in December 2013 and was forced to cease working. Being unable to physically complete the occupational duties of her jobs drastically reduced Cynthia’s income and makes it impossible for her to find a similar occupation.

These circumstances led to Cynthia filing for long-term disability benefits from Unum, only to be be met with a claim denial.

Cynthia appealed the decision, but has been met with the same results. At all times relevant, Cynthia followed all administrative procedures in filing her initial claim, as well as the appeal. In both cases, she submitted all required documentation and medical testimony that further proved her condition.

According to the Unum lawsuit, the claim denial letters failed to address sufficient evidence or reason that Unum based its decision from. This has led Cynthia to believe that Unum acted in bad faith, failing in their obligation to her as one of their policyholders.

Unfortunately these allegations are not at all uncommon for Unum, as it has been hit with Unum claim denial lawsuits over recent years.

Overview of Unum Claim Denial Allegations

Unum is the largest and oldest disability insurance provider in the United States, with over 17 million policyholders. Over the years Unum has gained a negative reputation amongst policyholders, with many stating that their claims were rejected based on flawed opinions and contractual technicalities.

Furthermore, policyholders allege that Unum has several strategies of denying claims, from changing policies after the claims are filed to using third party experts to misread medical records.

Unum is especially notorious for refusing to acknowledge a disability in the cases of mental disorders or chronic fatigue syndrome, and for arguing that the condition is pre-existing.

Cynthia claims that Unum acted in conflict of interest of their obligations to her, and that the company had conducted bad faith insurance. She is seeking all missing payments, along with any other punitive damages that may be relevant to her claim.

This Unum Lawsuit is Case No. 6:15-cv-04741-GRA, in the U.S. District Court of South Carolina, Greenville Division.