Jefferson-Pilot operates in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and the Virgin Islands. In 1987, the Jefferson-Pilot Life Insurance Company was formed by the merger of Jefferson Standard and Pilot Life Companies. Over the years, Jefferson-Pilot issued many long-term disability policies to doctors, dentists, financial professionals, and other business executives.
In 2006, however, Jefferson-Pilot was acquired by the Lincoln Financial Group. Lincoln Financial now administers and pays disability benefits on all Jefferson-Pilot policies. Although Lincoln Financial acquired Jefferson-Pilot, all JP policies remain valid and in force as long as the policyholder continues to pay his or her premiums.
For more information about our experience handling of claims administered by Lincoln, please visit our webpage dedicated to Lincoln Financial Group.
Why You Need Long-Term Disability Insurance
A severely disabling medical condition can affect a person’s ability to earn a living. Long-term disability benefits are designed to provide income while an individual is unable to work due to a disability. It can be physical in nature, such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, cancer, lupus, COPD, multiple sclerosis, or a back pain disorder. A disability can also be mental in nature, such as having severe depression or anxiety.
Jefferson-Pilot Long-Term Disability Claims
Unlike most long-term disability insurance companies, Jefferson-Pilot seems to be one of the more reasonable insurers in evaluating disability claims. However, Jefferson Standard and Pilot Life do not always live up to their promises. Jefferson-Pilot still unfairly denies and cuts off disability benefit claims.
With long-term disability claims, there is no limit to the number of reasons an insurance company will give for denying or terminating a claim. However, the most common reasons given for denying or terminating benefits are:
- The claimant is not “totally disabled” as that term is defined in the policy;
- The insured’s “disability” is based on a pre-existing condition that is excluded from coverage under the policy;
- The insured claimant was not eligible for insurance coverage at the time of the disability occurred;
- The disabling injury is “work-related” or results from a “workers’ compensation” injury;
- The person’s disability is only eligible for a limited period of coverage (typically 12 or 24 months) because it is a “mental/nervous” disorder or condition; or
- The claimant’s condition is “self-reported” or based on subjective symptoms rather than objectively verifiable medical evidence.
At the Ortiz Law Firm, we represent policyholders whose claims have been denied or terminated. Long-term disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz has extensive experience with LTD claim denials. Many appeals result in the reinstatement of benefits without the need to file a lawsuit.
Appealing a Jefferson-Pilot Denial
Time is always of the essence in a long-term disability claim. You must meet certain deadlines and requirements to protect your legal rights. If your claim for disability benefits has been denied or coverage has been terminated in a denial letter, you must meet the strict 180-day appeal deadline. Learn more about long-term disability appeals by clicking here.
Filing a Lawsuit Against Jefferson-Pilot
If you’ve exhausted your administrative appeals for long-term disability benefits, you may need to file a lawsuit. The goal of a lawsuit is to overturn the denial and recover the benefits you are owed. Lawsuits can take months or years, so be prepared for a lengthy process. Federal courts often rule in favor of the insurer, but with a strong case and skilled representation, you stand a chance of getting the benefits you deserve.
State Law vs. ERISA Claims
At the Ortiz Law Firm, we help individuals navigate the complex requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) or other applicable state laws to obtain disability benefits.
If you have purchased a policy on your own outside of a group plan, your claim may not be governed by ERISA. ERISA regulations do not apply to private individual disability insurance policies or to employee benefits for local, county, state, or federal government employees.
Individual disability insurance claims and government employee claims are governed by state law, not federal law. The protections afforded by most state laws are numerous. In non-ERISA cases, you may not even need to file an appeal with the insurance company before filing a lawsuit. However, there are situations where it may be beneficial to file an optional appeal.
Through his experience and understanding of applicable insurance and administrative laws, attorney Nick A. Ortiz is prepared to assist individuals whose claims have been denied with their appeals and/or litigation, whether or not ERISA governs their claims.
Schedule a Free Case Review with a Jefferson-Pilot Disability Lawyer
If you are a Jefferson-Pilot disability policyholder and your claim has been denied or terminated, you should explore your legal rights with an experienced disability attorney. Florida attorney Nick A. Ortiz considers it a privilege to represent individuals and help them recover the benefits they deserve. Mr. Ortiz is the founder of the Ortiz Law Firm.
Although our office is located in Pensacola, we have the experience, dedication, and resources to help clients throughout the United States. If Jefferson-Pilot has denied you long-term disability benefits, the legal team at the Ortiz Law Firm can help you cut through the red tape and fight for your disability benefits no matter where you live in the United States. Call us today at (888) 321-8131 to discuss your claim.
