Category: Blog
On What Basis are Life Insurance Claims Typically Denied?
Mar 9, 2018 | Blog | ShareWhen a life insurance claim is denied, delayed, or otherwise handled in a way that prevents the rightful beneficiaries from securing the benefits to which they’re legally entitled, it can leave the beneficiaries in a highly vulnerable position. Not only must a beneficiary shoulder the emotional burden of grieving (and readjusting to a life without their loved one), but if their legitimate life insurance claim is denied, the beneficiary must also come face-to-face with serious financial ramifications — this is especially true in situations where the deceased person provided financial support during their lifetime. Common Reasons for Life Insurance Claim […]
Under What Circumstances Can Your Health Insurance Claim Be Reasonably Denied?
Feb 28, 2018 | Blog | ShareInsurers frequently deny health insurance claims, for a variety of reasons — some justified, and some with minimal basis in reality. As a policyholder, it’s important that you recognize that your insurer is not your ally. Throughout the claims process, your insurer may attempt to minimize their liabilities by consistently undermining the legitimacy and extent of your claim. In some cases, your insurer may even unreasonably delay or otherwise interfere with the processing or payout of a health insurance claim. The denial of your health insurance claim can put you in an unenviable position. Substantial costs can accrue, and without […]
Understanding How Short-Term Disability Benefits Work
Feb 28, 2018 | Blog | ShareShort-term disability benefits are available either independently, through a private insurance plan, or through one’s employer, and serve as a limited wage replacement during a temporary disability period — for example, following an unexpected accident. Short-term disability benefits can be rather confusing for those who are unfamiliar with the process of filing a disability claim, as many would-be claimants may not realize that they are eligible to receive benefits. Oftentimes, eligible claimants assume that they are not entitled to receive disability benefits unless they are suffering from a long-term or permanent disability. How Does Short-Term Disability Work? Requirements Requirements may […]
Insurance Claim Related Litigation
Feb 27, 2018 | Blog | ShareDavid A. Bryant attorney with Bryant Legal Group PC interviewed by HaystackID‘s CISO, Lee Neubecker on Artificial Intelligence and the role computer bots play in rejecting insurance claims. Bryant discusses his past successful use of Neubecker’s Computer Forensics consulting services to achieve results for his clients. Video available: https://youtu.be/Wj3UveYr0_M
Bad Faith Litigation in the Context of Illinois Health Insurance
Feb 23, 2018 | Blog | ShareIn Illinois, and elsewhere, health insurers often act in such an unreasonable manner (that controverts with the expectations of legitimate claimants) that it puts the policyholder-claimant in a particularly difficult, vulnerable position. Health insurers are always looking to minimize their liabilities, and they do so in a number of different ways: sometimes by denying coverage altogether, and sometimes by undervaluing the claim. Depending on the circumstances, a health insurer may even choose to delay a payout owed to the policyholder. Importantly, statutory and common law in Illinois protects those whose health insurance claims have been wrongfully handled by their insurer. […]
Delays in Disability Insurance Claims — At What Point is a Delay Unreasonable?
Feb 16, 2018 | Blog | ShareIn Illinois, as in most other jurisdictions across the country, disabled policyholders (and policyholders in types of insurance contracts) are entitled to sue and recover damages pursuant to a bad faith cause of action when the insurer delays in determining coverage, paying out a legitimate claim for benefits, or otherwise processing the claim. Many policyholders may not be aware that their disability insurance claims must be handled in a manner that does not lead to unreasonable delays — insurers have a duty of good faith that applies not just to the determination of whether to affirm or deny coverage, but […]
Illinois Public Safety Employee Benefits
Feb 14, 2018 | Blog | ShareBy: Andrew B. Bryant On February 6, 2018, the Illinois Appellate Court issued a significant decision safeguarding healthcare benefits for injured public safety employees under the Illinois Public Safety Employee Benefits Act (“PSEBA”) (820 ILCS 320/1 et seq). In the case, a City of Des Plaines Police Officer stopped a truck for operating with an apparently overweight load. At a local weigh station, the overweight violation was confirmed by the officer. The officer then climbed a ladder to inspect the truck’s load in order to complete administrative paperwork required by the City. While climbing the ladder, the officer injured his […]
What Makes ERISA-Covered Plans Unique?
Jan 31, 2018 | Blog | ShareIn 1974, Congress enacted the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) in order to shield plan participants from management misconduct that could affect their assets. ERISA applies to a variety of private, employer-sponsored benefits plans, including retirement, disability and healthcare plans. In the context of short-term and long-term disability insurance (where policyholders often secure such coverage through their employer), many such plans are covered by ERISA. When a dispute arises concerning an ERISA-covered plan, it’s important that you work with a qualified Chicago ERISA attorney who has specific experience handling ERISA disputes from appeal to litigation. ERISA Benefits Plans […]
How Long-Term Disability Benefits Work
Jan 30, 2018 | Blog | ShareLong-term disability coverage is essentially the “private insurance” version of Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) in that it operates as a wage replacement for those who are rendered incapable of working for an extended period of time due to their disabling condition. Long-term disability benefits are often offered through one’s employer, but it is not uncommon for such benefits to be obtained independently through an individual plan. If you are making a long-term disability claim, you are likely suffering from a serious and debilitating condition, and as such, an insurer’s failure to grant long-term disability benefits can be particularly damaging […]
Do You Qualify for Private Disability Benefits?
Jan 29, 2018 | Blog | SharePrivate disability insurance is common — whether obtained through an employer (i.e., a group disability insurance plan, or subsidized individual disability insurance) or independent of one’s employer — and is highly advantageous when compared to public disability options, such as Social Security Disability Income (SSDI). However, many policyholders are unaware of the nature and extent of their compensation rights under their private disability insurance contracts, and as a result, they may be rather unexpectedly faced with a dispute over their disability insurance claim. For now, let’s take a look at some of the issues concerning private disability insurance qualification. What […]