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Dearborn National Insurance Company, formerly Fort Dearborn Life Insurance Company, is a long-term disability insurance company with a national presence. We represent individuals whose disability insurance claims have been wrongfully denied or terminated. We will file administrative appeals with the insurance company and, if necessary, file lawsuits.
Dearborn National Disability Insurance
According to Dearborn National’s own website, “The likelihood of an employee becoming disabled is surprising. Approximately three out of 10 employees entering the workforce today will become disabled before age 67. With those odds, disability protection is critical.” Unfortunately, Dearborn National does not always pay claims as it should.
Many people who apply for LTD benefits are surprised and discouraged by the roadblocks Dearborn National throws up during the claims process. The insurance company’s adjuster keeps requesting more and more paperwork as part of their investigation of your long-term disability claim. Just when you think you’ve filled out the last form, you get another one.
Your doctor may become frustrated with Dearborn National’s frequent phone calls and requests for additional documentation. After the claim investigation is finally complete, Dearborn National denies the claim anyway.
Policyholders often contact us feeling upset and disappointed when their expected benefits are denied. They are frustrated with long-term disability insurance companies for their delays and denials. That’s why it’s important to have an experienced long-term disability attorney who can explain the reasons for the denial and guide you in fighting back and winning your claim.
Definition of “Disability” in a Dearborn National Insurance Policy
One of the main requirements for receiving disability benefits is that you must be “disabled”. The definition of disability in your policy may differ from the sample definition below. For this reason, you should always refer to your own policy to determine how the insurance company defines certain terms. However, a sample policy is provided below to give you an idea of how Dearborn National defines disability:
“How do We define Total Disability?
…
Total Disability or Totally Disabled means that during the first 24 consecutive months of benefit payments due to Sickness or Injury:
1. You are continuously unable to perform the Material and Substantial Duties of Your Regular Occupation, and
2. Your Disability Earnings, if any, are less than 20% of Your pre-disability Indexed Monthly Earnings.After the LTD Monthly Benefit has been paid for 24 consecutive months, Total Disability or Totally Disabled means that due to Injury or Sickness:
1. You are continuously unable to engage in any Gainful Occupation, and
2. Your Disability Earnings, if any, are less than 20% of Your pre-disability Indexed Monthly Earnings.”
Filing a Successful Appeal If Your Dearborn National LTD Claim Has Been Denied
At the end of the day, insurance companies exist to make money. They do this by collecting more in premiums than they pay out in claims. The less they pay out in claims, the more profit they keep for shareholders. Once you understand this basic premise, you will have a better understanding of why even the best prepared disability claims can be denied. It is not personal to you.
If you receive a denial letter from Dearborn National Insurance Company in response to your claim for benefits, do not despair and give up. You have the right to file one or more appeals directly with Dearborn through its internal appeals review process. After you have “exhausted” your appeals, you have the right to file an ERISA lawsuit.
Note: If you purchased your own individual policy (outside of a group plan), or if you are a government employee or a member of a church plan, you may be exempt from ERISA regulations and have the right to file your lawsuit in state court, which give you, the consumer, greater protection in disability claims than an ERISA claim in federal court. This is why it is important to hire an attorney to explain your legal options to you.
Work with a Lawyer to Improve Your Chances
If you’re appealing a denied Dearborn National disability claim, consulting with an experienced disability attorney can greatly improve your chances of receiving the benefits you deserve. Nick Ortiz, founder of the Ortiz Law Firm and an experienced disability attorney, understands the challenges involved in an LTD claim. Mr. Ortiz has assisted numerous clients with long-term disability claims, primarily representing them during the administrative review appeal process and in state and federal court when litigation is necessary.
Obtain Legal Assistance from a Dearborn National Long-Term Disability Attorney to Get Your Claim Approved
Unfortunately, even severe disabilities and well-prepared claims can be denied by Dearborn National. If you receive a denial letter, remember that you have the right to file an appeal. When appealing a denied claim under a Dearborn National plan, it may be helpful to have an experienced attorney. If you’ve exhausted your appeals with the insurance company, an attorney can help you file a lawsuit.
Nick Ortiz provides comprehensive guidance on various issues related to the claims and appeals process to help you secure the benefits you deserve, including:
- Helping you understand the reasons for the denial.
- Obtaining additional evidence, such as medical records, to support your appeal.
- Helping you complete the appeal paperwork.
- Making sure your appeal is filed within the time limits.
- Filing an ERISA lawsuit in federal court, if necessary.
- Preparing your case for consideration by a federal judge during the ERISA lawsuit.
You don’t have to fight Dearborn National alone. The Ortiz Law Firm is here to assist you throughout the appeals process. We understand the challenges claimants face as they fight to prove their disability to their insurer. Your health should be your priority, so let us relieve you of the burden of fighting the insurer.
We have over a decade of experience fighting against wrongful claim denials and offer a free case evaluation with an experienced Dearborn National disability claims attorney. If your LTD claim has been wrongfully denied or terminated, we encourage you to call us immediately at (888) 321-8131.
