Many employers offer a type of insurance called accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage. This is a type of policy that supplements a life insurance policy, often increasing – or even doubling – the benefits you or your family receives under certain circumstances. If you choose to carry AD&D coverage, you should understand what it does and does not cover, as should your beneficiaries. If you have any specific questions regarding an accidental death and dismemberment claim or claim denial, speak directly with a Philadelphia AD&D lawyer today.
Different policies have different specifications, but the following is a general idea of what an AD&D policy will cover. If you would like to discuss your policy, do not hesitate to contact The Garner Firm, Ltd.
Accidental Death Coverage
As the name of the coverage implies, accidental death and dismemberment policies cover accidental death under certain circumstances. Some causes of death that might lead to benefits include:
- Traffic crashes
- Accidental drowning
- Accidental falls
- Heavy machinery accidents
You should always be familiar with your policy and the types of accidental death that are covered, so your beneficiaries will be aware of their rights if something suddenly happens to you.
Dismemberment
You do not have to pass away tragically for your AD&D insurance to pay benefits to you or your family. You can also be eligible for a percentage of benefits if you:
- Lose a limb, extremity, or digit
- Lose the use of certain parts of your body
- Suffer permanent paralysis
- Lose your hearing, sight, or speech
Again, each policy will be different in the injuries it covers and the percentage of benefits it pays for each type of injury.
Exclusions from Many AD&D Policies
In addition to listing what is covered by your accidental death and dismemberment insurance, your policy should detail what causes of death and types of serious injuries will not be covered. While you should examine your own policy, some common exclusions include:
- Death from a drug overdose
- Death stemming from drug or alcohol impairment, such as a drunk driving accident when the policyholder was the impaired driver
- Death from natural causes or illnesses
- Suicide
- Injuries or death from war participation
- Injuries or death from felonious conduct on the part of the policyholder
Sometimes, a policy will claim that the cause of injury or death was excluded when, in reality, it should be covered. Families of deceased policyholders and dismembered policyholders should never accept a wrongful denial of an AD&D claim.
Contact a Philadelphia Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance Attorney for Help
Employer-sponsored accidental death and dismemberment claims are usually governed by ERISA, a complex federal law that often favors the insurer, not the policyholder or beneficiaries. If you need assistance with a claim, do not wait to contact an AD&D attorney from The Garner Firm, Ltd. We are ready to help, so please contact us today.