Lincoln Financial is a Fortune 200 company and one of the largest disability insurers in the United States. Lincoln Financial also acquired Liberty Mutual in 2018 in a billion-dollar deal, further expanding its business. Like all private disability insurers, Lincoln Financial has profit incentives to deny and terminate disability claims. See Metro. Life Ins. Co. v. Glenn, 554 U.S. 105, 115 (2008).
Riemer Hess has helped hundreds of clients secure their disability benefits from Lincoln Financial. We understand what tactics Lincoln Financial uses to deny claims. Below we’ll discuss these tactics, as well as what strategies work best against Lincoln Financial.
There are many tactics Lincoln Financial regularly uses to deny disability claims, often unreasonably. In our experience, some of these tactics include:
Dealing with a claim denial or termination from Lincoln Financial is devastating—you’ve been relying on these benefits for financial security, and just when you need them most, Lincoln Financial slams the door in your face.
At Riemer Hess, we’ve had many clients come to us after experiencing frustrating challenges with Lincoln Financial. As upsetting as a claim denial or termination is, if your policy is governed by ERISA, you have the opportunity to file an appeal with Lincoln Financial and get your benefits reinstated. However, it’s essential to understand how to approach your appeal, as it is typically your one opportunity to avoid costly, lengthy litigation.
Here are a few steps you can take after receiving a claim denial or termination from Lincoln Financial:
Courts across the country have been critical of Lincoln Financial for their practices administering long term disability claims. Here are a few examples:
At Riemer Hess, we routinely deal with Lincoln Financial and understand the best strategies for filing a successful long term disability claim. Given our extensive experience, we can predict the tactics Lincoln Financial will use on any given claim, and we work to proactively pre-empt any justifications for benefit denial. We also understand that each client’s claim presents its own unique set of facts. Our strategy is formulated from a combination of our experience with Lincoln Financial and consideration of each client’s special circumstances.
For example, our client Tara worked as a top executive at a large financial firm for many years. In that time, she was diagnosed with two inoperable but benign brain tumors, as well as fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Tara kept working until her condition progressed to the point of making it impossible to perform her job duties. Most of her symptoms were cognitive, affecting her ability to concentrate, communicate with her team, learn material, and organize her work.
Tara had a Lincoln Financial long term disability insurance policy through her employer that provided coverage in the event of a serious illness or injury. When she filed a claim for benefits, she was originally approved. However, two years later when her claim transitioned from “own occupation” disability to “total disability,” Tara was shocked to receive a letter from Lincoln Financial terminating her claim.
Feeling overwhelmed and uncertain of what to do next, Tara turned to Riemer Hess for assistance. Our attorneys discovered that Lincoln Financial had denied Tara’s claim on the basis that her condition did not meet the policy’s definition of “total disability.” However, after a thorough review of her medical records and communication with her healthcare providers, Riemer Hess was able to identify objective medical evidence that supported Tara’s claim. In addition, Riemer Hess referred Tara to undergo a neuropsychological evaluation.
Riemer Hess worked closely with Tara to prepare a comprehensive appeal that included statements from her treating doctors in support of her disability claim, the neuropsychological evaluation report, a vocational expert’s assessment, and a clear explanation of how Tara’s condition prevented her from performing her job duties as a senior executive.
After submitting the appeal, Lincoln Financial reconsidered its decision and ultimately approved Tara’s claim for long term disability benefits. Thanks to the efforts of Riemer Hess, Tara was able to receive the financial support she needed to focus on her health and well-being without the added stress of financial hardship.
It is important to take filing, appealing, or litigating a long term disability claim through Lincoln Financial seriously, as they use various tactics to reject claims. We highly recommend working with an experienced long term disability attorney who can guide you through the process and increase your chances of success.
At Riemer Hess, our attorneys have the necessary experience to fight against Lincoln Financial and help you overcome any common pitfalls. We are dedicated to maximizing your chances of receiving the long term disability benefits you are entitled to. If you are filing, appealing, or litigating a long term disability claim from Lincoln Financial, call Riemer Hess today at 212-297-0700 or select the button below to schedule a consultation.