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Have you consistently paid your insurance premium monthly, only to get denied when you need urgent care? Getting approval for long-term disability (LTD) benefits can be intricate, especially when dealing with Lincoln Financial. If you have been denied your long-term disability claim with Lincoln Financial, you can initiate an appeal with the help of an experienced Lincoln Financial LTD Insurance claim denials attorney.

Lincoln Financial is known for employing every available means to reduce payouts to claimants and increase their profits. If you have submitted a disability claim with Lincoln Financial, you may have already encountered this strategy firsthand.

At Kantor & Kantor, we recognize the profound impact such denials can have on individuals and their families. Our mission is to stand alongside you, providing unwavering support and leveraging our legal expertise to challenge the denial and pursue the benefits you rightfully deserve. Contact us at 818-886-2525 for a free consultation.

We offer a free case evaluation to discuss how our attorneys can assist you. Contact us now at 818-886-2525 for a free consultation.

What Is Lincoln Financial?

Lincoln National Corporation (LNC) is a holding company overseeing various insurance and investment management enterprises. The marketing identity for LNC and its subsidiary companies is Lincoln Financial Group.

With a history spanning over 119 years, Lincoln Financial Group is a well-established financial and insurance company. Their current business emphasis includes life insurance, annuities, retirement plan services, and group protection. They operate exclusively within the United States, boasting an employee count of approximately 9,000.

Lincoln has garnered a notorious reputation due to its consistent engagement in bad-faith practices and tactics. Lincoln has, over time, issued numerous denials for long-term disability claims, resulting in the denial of disability coverage for numerous employees under its corporate clients.

Rather than fulfilling the commitment of providing promised coverage and fairly disbursing benefits, Lincoln Financial is known for its concerted efforts to reject and terminate a substantial number of claims.

Common Tactics Used by Lincoln Financial to Deny Insurance Claims

Below are some common tactics used by Lincoln to deny LTD insurance claims.

1. Selective Interpretation of Policy Terms

Lincoln Financial may selectively interpret policy terms to justify denying a long-term disability insurance claim. This tactic involves focusing on specific language within the policy and interpreting it narrowly or restrictively.

2. Excessive Documentation Requests

Insurance companies, including Lincoln Financial, may use the tactic of demanding an excessive amount of documentation from claimants. This can overwhelm individuals seeking disability benefits, making it challenging to meet the documentation requirements.

3. Delaying Claims Processing

Delays in claims processing can be another tactic insurance companies employ to discourage claimants. Lincoln Financial may intentionally prolong the review and decision-making process, causing financial strain on individuals needing disability benefits.

4. Overemphasis on in-house Medical Examinations (IMEs)

Lincoln Financial may request an in-house medical examination to assess your condition. However, these examinations may be used to downplay the severity of your disability.

5. Claiming Lack of Objective Evidence

Lincoln Financial often requires objective evidence to support disability claims. Lincoln Financial may argue that the medical evidence provided is insufficient or lacks objectivity.

Why Did Lincoln Financial Deny Your Long-Term Disability Insurance Claim?

Understanding the specific reasons behind the denial is crucial to mounting an effective appeal. Lincoln Financial may deny claims for various reasons, some of which are below.

1. Insufficient Medical Records

One common reason for denial is insufficient medical records. If the documentation supporting your disability claim is incomplete or lacks essential details, Lincoln Financial may use this as grounds for denial.

2. Medical Condition Is Non-Verifiable or Self-Reported Symptoms

Insurance companies often scrutinize claims based on non-verifiable or self-reported symptoms. If your medical condition relies on subjective complaints without clear, objective evidence, Lincoln Financial may question the validity of your claim.

3. Your Doctors Did Not Complete Attending Physicians’ Statements

The absence of completed Attending Physicians’ Statements (APS) can be a reason for denial. Lincoln Financial may argue that the lack of input from your treating physicians hinders a comprehensive evaluation of your disability.

4. Policy Interpretation Disputes

Insurance policies can be complex, and disagreements may arise over the interpretation of policy terms. Lincoln Financial might deny your claim based on their interpretation of specific provisions.

5. Missed Deadlines or Requirements

Insurance companies often impose strict deadlines and requirements for filing claims. If Lincoln Financial alleges that you missed a deadline or failed to meet a specific requirement, they may deny your claim.

If Lincoln Financial has denied your LTD insurance claim, contact Kantor & Kantor Insurance claim denials attorney today for assistance.

Lincoln Financial and ERISA

Lincoln primarily offers disability plans to employers providing employee benefits at the worksite.

Most Lincoln Financial disability claims and appeals fall under the purview of ERISA. ERISA tends to create imbalances favoring insurance companies and offering limited protection to consumers facing wrongful disability claim denials. Recognizing this, it becomes crucial to have an ERISA disability lawyer throughout the appeals process.

In most instances, the insurance company:

  • Underwrites the disability insurance policy.
  • Acts as the Plan Administrator, handling all aspects of the claim review, processing, management, and resolution (payment or closure) of the claim.
  • Functions as the fiduciary of the plan, ensuring a “full and fair review” by the plan administrator (also Lincoln).

Under ERISA, disability insurance providers rarely face legal penalties for unfair dealings. If a court rules in your favor, the typical outcome is an order for the insurance company to pay the benefits owed and possibly cover some costs.

How Do You Appeal a Lincoln Financial Long-Term Disability Denial?

If the insurance company denies your disability claim, you can challenge that decision. This entails undergoing an administrative appeal process directly with Lincoln Financial before considering legal action.

Taking these appeals seriously is crucial. Ensure you include all necessary paperwork and evidence. In the event of a court appeal, the decision will be based on the same records from your administrative appeal, with no opportunity to introduce new evidence. Follow this quick appeals process checklist:

  • Examine your denial letter to understand the reason for the denial.
  • Familiarize yourself with your insurance policy’s appeal procedures and deadlines, marking filing deadlines in your calendar.
  • Seek advice from a Lincoln Financial LTD Insurance claim denials attorney to understand your appeal options.
  • Obtain a copy of your claim file from the insurance company or third-party administrator for your employer’s disability benefit plan.
  • Check if the claim file lacks information about your medical conditions and disability claim.
  • Order relevant records and provide them to the insurance company.
  • Draft a comprehensive appeal letter and submit it before the appeal deadline.
  • Review the insurance company’s final decision and evaluate your legal options.
Our attorneys at Kantor & Kantor will help you gather all medical records and other documentation to help you fight your Lincoln Financial Insurance claim denial.

Why Choose Kantor & Kantor?

Choosing the right legal representation is paramount when challenging an insurance claim denial. Here are some reasons to choose us.

  1. Expert Knowledge: Our Lincoln Financial long-term disability insurance denial attorneys have extensive experience in dealing with Lincoln Financial. We have a deep understanding of the nuances of Lincoln Financial insurance policies, allowing us to provide focused and effective representation tailored to the complexities of your case.
  2. Tried and Tested Performance: We have a track record of successfully advocating for clients facing insurance claim denials. We have achieved numerous favorable outcomes in challenging denials from Lincoln Financial. Our commitment to securing positive results for our clients reflects our dedication to excellence in legal representation.
  3. Targeted Approach: We recognize that each LTD case is unique and take a personalized approach to every client. Our attorneys will work closely with you to understand the details of your situation, ensuring that we can build a customized strategy for your case. This approach allows us to address the individual challenges you may be facing and tailor our legal guidance accordingly.
  4. Advocacy You Can Rely On: We are known for our aggressive advocacy on behalf of our clients. We are not afraid to challenge Lincoln Financial and fight for the benefits our clients rightfully deserve. Our assertive approach aims to level the playing field and ensure our clients have strong and effective legal representation.

A History of Winning Cases Against Lincoln Financial

We have a history of success against Lincoln Financial in various legal settings. Our legal victories include cases where Lincoln Financial’s denial tactics were rigorously contested, and we emerged triumphant. These successes illustrate our prowess in dismantling Lincoln Financial’s defense strategies and advocating effectively for our clients. Here are some cases we have won against Lincoln Financial:

  • Collier v. Lincoln Life Assurance Company of Boston 53 F.4th 1180, (9th Cir. 2022)
  • Polnicky v. Liberty Life Assurance Company of Boston, 2014 WL 6680725 (USDC N.D. Ca 2014).
If Lincoln Financial has denied your LTD insurance claim, contact Kantor & Kantor Insurance claim denials attorney today for assistance.

How We Can Help with Your Case

Here is how we can help your case:

Thorough Evaluation of Your Case

Our experienced LTD lawyers will thoroughly evaluate your case to determine the strength of your claim. We will review your insurance policy, medical records, and other relevant documentation to assess your eligibility for benefits.

Strategic Claim Preparation and Submission

Preparing and submitting an LTD claim requires attention to detail and thorough documentation. We will assist you in gathering the necessary evidence and completing the required paperwork to ensure your claim is submitted accurately and on time.

Claim Denial Appeals

If your claim is denied, we will not hesitate to challenge the decision through appeals. Our attorneys have extensive experience in handling claim denial appeals. We will thoroughly review the denial letter, identify the reasons for denial, and develop a strong appeal strategy. Whether it involves providing additional evidence, challenging the insurer’s decision, or filing a lawsuit, we will do whatever it takes to fight for the benefits you deserve.

Litigation Support

In some cases, litigation may be necessary to secure the benefits you deserve. If negotiations with the insurance company are unsuccessful, we are prepared to take your case to court and present a compelling argument on your behalf.

Do I Need a Long-Term Disability Attorney to File an Appeal?

ERISA laws tend to favor the insurance company, and in long-term disability lawsuits, many judges tend to give Lincoln Financial the benefit of the doubt. The legal representatives for Lincoln Financial are equipped with experienced ERISA lawyers who possess a deep understanding of the laws and how to leverage them in favor of the company.

To level the playing field, you need the help of a lawyer for Lincoln Financial long-term disability insurance claim denials. It is crucial to have an attorney with extensive knowledge, resources, skills, and training to navigate an ERISA disability appeal.

Our Lincoln Financial LTD insurance claim denials attorneys have the expertise to handle such cases. We leverage the specifics of your case to construct the most robust appeal possible, aiming to secure the long-term disability benefits you are legally entitled to receive.

Contact Our Lincoln Financial Long-Term Disability Insurance Denial Attorney Today

Facing a denial from Lincoln Financial can be overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate this challenging process alone. At Kantor & Kantor, we are people helping people, and our Lincoln Financial LTD Insurance claim denials attorneys will stand by your side. We are committed to helping you overcome the hurdles posed by insurance denials and will fight tirelessly to secure the benefits you are entitled to. Contact us at 818-886-2525 for a free consultation.

Attorney Glenn Kantor, California

Attorney Glenn R. Kantor

Glenn Kantor is a founding partner of Kantor & Kantor LLP. As a young attorney, Glenn saw the injustice of wrongful insurance denials and created a law firm to represent individuals seeking to obtain their rightful benefits. Glenn is committed to ensure that clients receive the benefits they are entitled to under their insurance policies or group health plans. [Attorney Bio]