MetLife promises policyholders that long-term disability insurance can offer “a steady stream of income to help cover essential expenses during an extended illness or after a disabling accident.”
Unfortunately, sometimes MetLife doesn’t approve legitimate claims to provide this promised income to workers who develop a disabling condition. Like many insurers, MetLife’s focus is on the bottom line, and denying claims when possible increases the company’s profits.
If you have a long-term disability claim denied by MetLife, it can be devastating. In these situations, you need to reach out to an Atlanta long-term disability denials lawyer as soon as possible.
Julie A. Rice Law has helped many clients denied by MetLife to turn things around, so if you want help from an attorney with a proven track record of success standing up to this big-name insurer, give us a call today.
Why did MetLife deny your long-term disability claim?
MetLife denies claims for many reasons, some of which are legitimate. For example, the insurer may deny your claim if you don’t provide documented evidence of a qualifying disabled condition or don’t show that you can’t work. If MetLife’s doctors dispute the extent of your disability, your claim may also be turned down.
Unfortunately, in some cases, MetLife also denies legitimate claims. Past policyholders have complained about MetLife taking a long time to review claims, asking for overly burdensome documents, and denying covered claims for unfair reasons.
When MetLife improperly denies your benefits, you must go through an internal appeals process in most cases. That’s because group disability plans offered through work are covered by ERISA, which mandates that you exhaust internal appeals before taking other legal action. You can go to federal court and make an ERISA claim only if your internal appeals fail.
The upside is that MetLife must provide information about your denial, as well as the deadlines for appealing if they turn down your claim. It will be up to you to review the evidence carefully, understand why MetLife didn’t approve your claim the first time, and do your best to put together a comprehensive appeal that convinces the insurer to change its mind and pay you benefits.
How can a MetLife long-term disability denial lawyer help you?
At Julie A. Rice Law, our MetLife long-term disability denials lawyers have successfully helped many clients navigate the appeals process with MetLife. Our team will:
- Review your denial information from MetLife to understand issues with your application that prevented approval.
- Assist in complying with all deadlines and in providing the necessary evidence to MetLife to maximize the chances that the insurer will grant you benefits after a successful appeal, so your case can be resolved as quickly as possible
- Represent you in federal court as needed when ERISA applies to your case and when your initial claim and required internal appeals are not successful
Remember, MetLife has been in the insurance industry for a long time and has its own team of legal experts who work for the company and protect its interests.
As a disabled worker, it’s critical you have an advocate of your own. Call Julie A. Rice Law today to get the help you need from a lawyer you can count on to see your case through to the end.