If your claim was denied, an experienced ERISA life insurance lawyer can help you fight back and hold the insurer accountable. Life insurance benefits provide critical financial security when you or a loved one dies. People typically obtain life insurance coverage in two ways: through their employment, or by purchasing a policy on their own. The laws that govern a life insurance policy vary depending on how you obtained coverage and the state that issued the policy. No matter how you obtain coverage, the policy offers little value if the insurer denies the claim after the insured person dies. Insurers deny life insurance claims for many reasons. A knowledgeable life insurance lawyer can review your denial, determine whether the insurer acted wrongly, and help you recover the benefits you are owed.
When ERISA Governs Your Life Insurance Claim
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) often governs life insurance provided through an employer’s benefit plan. This federal law covers employee benefit plans at nearly all private-sector employers. It does not cover benefits from federal, state, and local governments, and it does not cover benefits from many employers affiliated with religious organizations. Keep in mind that an ERISA life insurance plan may give you fewer protections than a comparable policy you buy on the individual market.
If you have made a claim under an ERISA life insurance policy provided through an employer-sponsored employee benefit plan, and your claim has been denied, it is important that you contact an experienced ERISA life insurance lawyer to assist you with your claim.
The ERISA Life Insurance Appeal Process
All ERISA-regulated life insurance plans require you to complete a mandatory administrative appeal before you can file suit. This appeal process often has short deadlines and confusing requirements. An experienced ERISA life insurance lawyer can walk you through each step, explain the potential weaknesses in your claim, and help you build a strong administrative record before your appeal deadline.
Non-ERISA and Individual Life Insurance Claims
State law, rather than ERISA, generally governs life insurance policies you buy on your own through a broker or directly from an insurer. Many state laws give policyholders stronger consumer protections than ERISA provides. Even so, you should not face the insurance company alone. If the insurer denied your individual life insurance claim, consult an experienced life insurance lawyer to understand your legal rights. The Garner Firm handles life insurance claims under Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland law.
Contact an Experienced Life Insurance Lawyer
Adam H. Garner is an experienced life insurance attorney who has litigated numerous ERISA and Non-ERISA life insurance claims.
In addition, Adam Garner has spoken on life insurance claims and litigation at several national insurance and employee benefits conferences over the years. If you have questions regarding your ERISA life insurance claim or non-ERISA life insurance claim, please contact The Garner Firm today.
the garner firm team
The Garner Firm is a nationally recognized ERISA employee benefits and employment law firm representing employees, executives, managers, and professionals.
