Long-term disability insurance provided by your employer protects you if you are unable to work due to a serious health condition, illness, or injury. Cigna is one of the leading providers of these policies, but its practices have resulted in wrongfully denied claims, leaving some policyholders angry and confused when their benefits are denied.
If you have received a Cigna disability claims denial, you are not alone. At The Garner Firm, our experienced long-term disability attorney can guide you through the complex process of filing an appeal.
Who is Cigna?
Cigna is a familiar name in the insurance industry, offering a variety of benefits through its numerous subsidiaries, including Insurance Company of North America, or INA. But that familiarity may result in a false sense of confidence. The fact is disgruntled consumers file more than 200 complaints against Cigna each year through the Better Business Bureau (BBB), earning it a dismal one-star rating. Denied claims are one of the most common issues listed.
These bad experiences are often not isolated incidents, and can even be indicators of system-wide problems. In 2013, Cigna agreed to pay $77 million to settle allegations that its subsidiaries had improperly handled long-term disability claims in four states, including Pennsylvania, over a period of several years.
Dealing with a Cigna Disability Claims Denial
When you are unable to work due to an injury, illness, or chronic health condition, employer-provided long-term disability benefits can offset income losses. Receiving a Cigna disability claim denial can threaten the financial security of both you and your family. At The Garner Firm, we take the steps needed to ensure your rights to these benefits are protected. In denied Cigna disability claims, these actions may include:
- Reviewing the terms of your policy to confirm you meet eligibility requirements.
- Reviewing policy exclusions, which often result in denied claims.
- Reviewing information you sent to Cigna.
- Reviewing correspondence you received from the company and the reasons they gave for denying your benefits.
Appealing a Cigna Disability Claims Denial
In dealing with a Cigna disability claims denial, there are complex federal laws that apply. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) provides strict guidelines in how employer-provided insurance benefits are administered and governs the appeals process. It is important to realize you have a limited time to file an appeal and dispute Cigna’s claims.
At The Garner Firm, we act as a strong legal advocate on your behalf in this situation. Our Philadelphia LTD appeals attorney can take the following actions for you:
- Appealing your Cigna disability claims denial.
- Gathering evidence in support of your claim.
- Arguing your case in administrative court hearings.
- Pointing out places where Cigna failed to comply with ERISA.
- Filing a lawsuit against the company in the event your appeal continues to be denied.
Speak With a Skilled LTD Appeals Attorney Today
To get the professional legal representation you need in appealing a Cigna disability claims denial, reach out to the Garner Firm. You can count on our extensive knowledge and experience in ERISA and how it applies to help you get the best possible outcome in your case. To request a consultation, call or contact our LTD appeals attorney online today.