Dedicated Disability Attorneys Serving The State of Colorado
Disability insurance is a critical safety net for individuals who are unable to work due to illness or injury. Unum, one of the leading disability insurance providers in the United States, offers short-term and long-term disability coverage to employees and individuals in Colorado. However, many disability policies can be denied by UNUM, and policyholders can find themselves lost when looking to receive compensation. Our Colorado UNUM disability lawyer at DarrasLaw has decades of experience with disability law and can help you and your family find freedom from your disability policy.
Unum Disability Insurance
Unum provides both employer-sponsored and individual disability insurance plans. These policies are designed to replace a portion of an individual’s income if they are unable to work due to a disabling condition. In Colorado, Unum’s disability insurance options typically include:
- Short-Term Disability Insurance (STD): Covers temporary disabilities and provides benefits for a few weeks to several months, depending on the policy.
- Long-Term Disability Insurance (LTD): Designed for extended periods of disability, often lasting several years or until retirement age.
Both types of coverage have specific terms, exclusions, and limitations, making it essential for policyholders to understand their individual plans. If you need assistance with your insurance plan, our esteemed attorneys are happy to assist you.
Eligibility for Unum Disability Insurance in Colorado
Eligibility requirements for Unum disability insurance vary based on the type of policy:
- Employer-Sponsored Plans: Employees must be actively working and meet minimum service requirements.
- Individual Policies: Applicants must undergo underwriting, which may include a medical examination.
Common eligibility factors include the nature of employment, the severity of the disability, and whether the condition was pre-existing.
Benefits and Coverage Details
Unum’s disability benefits are based on a percentage of the policyholder’s salary, typically ranging from 50% to 70% of their income. Key aspects of coverage include:
- Waiting Period: Policies often require a waiting period before benefits begin, ranging from a few days (for STD) to several months (for LTD).
- Benefit Duration: STD benefits generally last up to six months, while LTD benefits can extend for years.
- Exclusions and Limitations: Certain conditions, such as self-inflicted injuries or pre-existing conditions, may not be covered.
Understanding the terms of coverage is essential for policyholders to manage their expectations and financial planning effectively.
Filing a Disability Claim with Unum
The process of filing a claim with Unum in Colorado involves several steps. Our Colorado UNUM disability lawyer can help you with the following:
- Notification: The policyholder must notify Unum of their disability as soon as possible.
- Submission of Documentation: Required documents include medical records, physician statements, and employment verification.
- Claims Review: Unum reviews the submitted information, which may involve requesting additional medical evaluations.
- Decision: The insurer will approve, deny, or request further information to assess the claim.
Filing a claim doesn’t have to be stressful. Our lawyers at DarrasLaw can alleviate the burden of filing a claim and handle the process for you.
Common Challenges and Denials
Many disability claims face challenges. Our esteemed Colorado UNUM disability attorneys can help you with the following:
- Insufficient Medical Evidence: Claims may be denied if medical records do not clearly support the disability.
- Pre-Existing Conditions: If a condition existed before coverage began, it may not be eligible for benefits.
- Surveillance and Investigations: Unum may conduct investigations to verify the legitimacy of a claim.
- Policy Exclusions: Some claims may be denied due to specific exclusions in the policy.
Legal Considerations and Appeals for UNUM
If a claim is denied, policyholders have the right to appeal the decision. The appeals process typically involves:
- Requesting a Reconsideration: Submitting additional medical evidence or expert opinions.
- Administrative Appeals: Engaging with Unum’s internal appeals process.
- Legal Action: If internal appeals fail, policyholders may seek legal assistance to challenge the denial. Our attorneys have helped thousands of clients challenge their claim denial.
Contact Our Colorado UNUM Disability Lawyer Today
Unum disability insurance provides essential financial protection for Colorado workers facing health-related work limitations. Understanding the nuances of coverage, the claims process, and potential challenges can empower policyholders to secure the benefits they deserve. If faced with a denied claim, consulting with our Colorado UNUM disability attorney ensures that you can receive the help you deserve. Contact our team today.
