Insurers Get Poor Marks From Consumer Rating Service When it Comes to Resolving Disability Claims

When injuries or illnesses keep you from working, disability benefits available through your employer play a major role in ensuring you are still able to provide financially for yourself and your family. While the insurance companies that contract to provide these benefits through various employers make significant amounts in profits, dealing with them can prove a hassle. In too many cases, long term disability benefits end up being denied, disputed, or delayed, earning insurance companies low marks among consumers.

Leading Insurers Rank Low in Customer Satisfaction

Long term disability insurance provides wage replacement benefits in the event you are unable to work for an extended period. While it is available for purchase as an individual policy, it can be expensive. Insurance companies end up offering group policies to companies, who in turn offer it to their employees. Often it is available as part of an overall employee compensation package, which means that you are not required to pay for these benefits.

However, when the need arises and it comes time to file a claim, employees are often surprised to find the insurer is making things difficult. According to surveys by Consumer Affairs, even the most recognized and respected insurance companies often receive low marks when it comes to customer satisfaction. Among the top reasons for this include their tendency to do any one or all of the following:

• Dispute the claim;
• Delay payment, or;
• Outright deny employees their right to benefits.  

Holding Insurers Accountable

When dealing with insurance companies, it is important to keep in mind that they are for-profit businesses. As such, they have a financial motive for disputing your claim. Common reasons  they give for delayed or denied long term disability benefits include:

• Questioning the terms of coverage;
• Disputing the severity of your injury or illness;
• Claiming you failed to provide the proper documentation;
• Claiming medical records and other documents were not submitted in a timely manner.

Company-provided employee benefits are protected under the Employment Retirement Security Act (ERISA). However, there are complex rules that must be followed both in filing for benefits and in appealing a denied claim. To protect your rights in these situations, it is important to get our experienced Chicago long term disability attorneys fighting on your side.

Contact Our Chicago ERISA Attorneys

At Bartolic Law, we are a strong ally on your side, helping you get the long term disability benefits to which you are entitled. To request a free consultation, contact our Chicago long term disability attorneys today.