The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) is a notoriously complex federal law that regulates many employer sponsored group benefits plans. If you are covered under such a plan, you may be entitled to benefits. Unfortunately, many plan beneficiaries find that the big insurance companies will make full financial recovery frustrating and difficult. Â
At Bartolic Law, our experienced Highland Park ERISA lawyers are proud to fight for the legal rights and financial interests of claimants. If your ERISA claim was denied in Lake County, Illinois, you should not give up. Our law firm is standing by, ready to help you fight for every dollar that you rightfully deserve under the terms of your plan.
Prepare Your File:Â The first step in the ERISA claims process is the preparation of your initial application. To get a quick resolution to your claim, it critically important that you prepare a strong application. All relevant evidence that supports your claim, including medical documents, witness testimony, and all other records, should be sent in with your application.
Await a Decision:Â The insurance company will have 90 days to review your file and make a decision. That 90-day claim review period is subject to one automatic extension. The insurance company must notify you if they need more time to review your file.
Once your claim is resolved, you will receive a written confirmation letter. This letter will either tell you when you will start receiving your benefits, or it will tell you why your claim was denied. If your claim was rejected, you should get that denial letter into the hands of an experienced Highland Park ERISA lawyer.
File an Internal Appeal:Â Your first appeal must be with the insurance company itself. ERISA requires all insurers to set up a comprehensive administrative appeals process. You will only have 180 days to file this internal appeal. The clock will start ticking the day you receive your denial letter. As such, you need to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
File an ERISA Lawsuit:Â If your administrative appeal is not successful, then you have the right to take your case to court. Under ERISA, you can only seek litigation after the administrative appeals process is complete.
At Bartolic Law, our Illinois ERISA lawyers have extensive experience handling a wide variety of benefits claims. If your ERISA claim was rejected in Highland Park, Illinois, please do not hesitate to call us today at (312) 635-1600 for immediate legal assistance. We offer free, fully confidential initial consultations to all ERISA claimants.