Will your insurance company deny your disability claim?

Cancer, a heart condition, severe arthritis and mental health issues are some of the most common causes of career-ending disabilities. While some jobs can be performed with work condition modifications, the high-functioning business professionals cannot fall back on simple accommodations. Nor can they switch easily to a new line of work.

This is why many business owners, medical professionals and self-employed individuals purchase private disability insurance policies. In the event of a disability, a private policy is supposed to provide benefits if you are unable to perform the duties of your chosen profession. Unfortunately, many disability claims are denied.

Disability claims are frequently denied

A quick Google search makes it appear as if insurance companies deny more disability claims than they approve. Just review a few court case examples filed within the three months:

• Life Insurance Co. of North America denies man's claim for short-term disability benefits claiming he did not have sufficient medical records to back up his claim
• Cigna Insurance Group denies woman's claims for short-term and long-term disability benefits after an award for temporary disability benefits despite medical proof that she is disabled from gainful employment
• Principal Life Insurance Company denies Arizona man's long-term disability claim after providing short-term disability benefits for a chronic foot condition, which kept him from performing his work duties as a manager
• Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co. denies man's disability claim for PTSD and other debilitating ailments after allegedly ignoring his own doctors' opinions
• The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company denies woman's claim for benefits alleging that she is no longer disabled

A cursory online search reveals additional claims again Unum Life Insurance Co. of America, Aetna Life Insurance Co. and Prudential Insurance Co. of America that include allegations of failure to properly process claims and failure to provide full and fair claim reviews.

Don't take "no" for an answer

If your claim has been denied, you are not alone. Don't accept your insurance carrier's decision. Choose, instead, to fight back with the help of an experienced attorney.