What Motivates Insurers When Processing Florida Long-Term Disability Benefits
Long-term disability insurance acts as a safety net if you are unable to work for a year or more. Unfortunately, claimants are often deeply dismayed to find their benefits denied or delayed, when this is actually a common practice. Our Jacksonville long-term disability lawyer explains how understanding what motivates insurers can help in getting your benefits in the quickest amount of time possible.
The Top Priority For Long-Term Disability Insurers In Florida
Insurers portray themselves in commercials as ‘good neighbors’, always there to lend a helping hand when disaster hits. While this makes for great marketing, nothing could be further from the truth.
One of the most important things to understand when dealing with insurance companies is that they are not your friends. Their top priority is making money. Keep in mind that when dealing with company representatives and claims adjusters, their jobs actually depend on their ability to avoid large payouts.
Statista reports that the insurance industry writes policies in excess of one trillion each year. MetLife reported earnings of $40 million in 2022 alone. In addition to raising the cost of policies, one of the ways they protect their profits is by disputing claims. Tactics they frequently employ include:
- Disputing whether the policy was in effect at the time;
- Claiming your condition is not covered;
- Downplaying your disabilities and the impact they have on your ability to work;
- Reducing the amount you are entitled to in benefits.
How To Get The Long-Term Disability Benefits You Are Entitled To
Under the Florida Statutes, long-term disability insurers must follow strict guidelines. These help protect consumers and dictate insurers’ rights and responsibilities in writing policies and dealing with policyholders. However, insurance companies still have great flexibility in how they process claims and payout benefits.
Understanding what motivates them and the tactics they employ can help prevent problems in getting your claim approved and processed within a reasonable time frame. When filling out your benefits application, keep in mind the following:
- Insurers count on you not reading your policy: The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) governs employer-provided benefits. It requires employers to provide copies of all insurance documents, free of charge and at your request. Review these carefully.
- They require excessive documentation: Insurers require extensive documentation, betting that most will not provide it. Get a firm diagnosis, keep copies of all medical records and lost wages, and gather other evidence to substantiate your claim.
- They have complex application processes: This is one of the most common reasons for denied long-term disability claims in Florida. Be thorough in filing out the claim form and attend promptly to physicals, interviews, or other parts of the application process.
Contact Our Florida Long-Term Disability Lawyer
Insurers routinely deny long-term disability claims. Farrell Disability Law has extensive experience dealing with these companies and understands what motivates them. We provide the professional representation needed to get what you are owed. Request a consultation with our Florida long-term disability lawyer in our Orlando or Jacksonville office today.
Sources:
statista.com/topics/3140/insurance-industry-in-the-us/
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0600-0699/0627/Sections/0627.4233.html
dol.gov/general/topic/health-plans/erisa#:~:text=The%20Employee%20Retirement%20Income%20Security,for%20individuals%20in%20these%20plans.
