Resolute determination resulted in a recent court victory in an ERISA denial case. In Collier v. Lincoln Life Assurance Co. of Bos., the plaintiff's attorneys overcame denials from both plan administrators and a district court judge to revive their client's claim for...
Month: November 2022
‘Own occupation’ vs. ‘any occupation’ in long-term disability
Two recent cases - Bedwell v. Schlumberger Grp. Welfare Benefits Plan and Logan v. The Prudential Ins. Co. of Am. - have highlighted the small but pivotal distinction between one’s ability to perform duties in their “own occupation” versus “any occupation” regarding...
Can your insurance company watch you for claim denial evidence?
A common scene in TV shows and movies is a couple of guys sitting in a van down the street from an unsuspecting person’s home, conducting surveillance. Usually it’s law enforcement, but sometimes it’s a private company. Does this happen in real life? Absolutely....
A doctor’s poor notes resulted in the loss of disability benefits
An insurance company’s decision to end a patient’s long-term disability benefits was upheld in a recent ruling due to his doctor’s poor post-appointment report. The case is a prime example of how something as simple as quickly dashed-off notes can be weaponized by...
Can life insurance be denied?
When you have a life insurance policy, you expect that it should be fairly simple. As long as you’re alive, the insurance company doesn’t have to do anything. When you pass away, they simply cut your family a check for the amount of insurance that you had. Of course,...
Claimants must meet filing deadlines for ERISA disability
Employees in New Jersey who are covered by employer-sponsored disability insurance plans must exercise their rights within the deadlines outlined in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). This act establishes your rights to access benefits and...
What to do when your insurer refuses to pay
Insurance companies in New Jersey are not always as willing to provide coverage as you may feel they've led you to believe. Your claim might be a minor incident or a significant medical situation requiring extensive care. No matter the type of claim, it's never a...
Reasons for life insurance claim denials
Many New Jersey residents worry about their spouses, children, and other relatives' well-being. They may take out life insurance policies to help the beneficiaries if a tragic event occurs. However, some issues may lead to denied claims. Why insurers may deny claims...
Is your disability hidden?
Millions of people across America are living with some type of disability. These disabilities can vary in degree, and they are not always immediately apparent. If you’re living with a hidden disability, this doesn’t mean that your life has not been impacted. It just...