Jefferson Pilot Long-Term Disability Claims

Jefferson Pilot operates in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and the Virgin Islands. In 1987, the Jefferson-Pilot Life Insurance Company was created by merging the Jefferson Standard and Pilot Life companies. Throughout the years, Jefferson Pilot issued many long-term disability policies to doctors, dentists, financial professionals, and other business executives.

However, in 2006, Jefferson-Pilot was purchased 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 firm’s handling of Jefferson Pilot disability claims, please visit our webpage concerning Lincoln Financial Group.

Why You Need Long-Term Disability Insurance

A severely disabling medical condition can impair an individual’s ability to earn a living. Long-term disability benefits are intended to continue to provide income while an individual cannot work because of a disability.

A disability can be physical in nature, such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, cancer, lupus, COPD, multiple sclerosis, or a back pain disorder. However, 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 one of the more reasonable insurers in evaluating disability claims. However, Jefferson Standard and Pilot Life do not always keep their promises. Jefferson Pilot still wrongfully 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 to deny or terminate a claim. However, the most common reasons cited for denying or terminating benefits are:

• That the claimant does not have a “total disability,” as that term is defined in the policy;
• Because the insured’s “disability” is based upon a pre-existing condition, which is excluded from coverage under the policy;
• That the insured claimant was not eligible for insurance coverage at the time the disability occurred;
• Because the disabling injury is “work-related” or resulted from a “Workers’ Compensation” injury;
• That a person’s disability is eligible for only a limited time of coverage (typically 12 or 24 months) because it is a “mental/nervous” disorder or condition; or
• Because the claimant’s condition is “self-reported” or only based upon subjective symptoms as opposed to 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 critical in a long-term disability claim. You must satisfy specific 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 adhere to 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. A lawsuit aims to overturn the denial and recover the benefits owed. Court battles can take months or years, so prepare 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 securing the benefits you deserve.

State Law vs. ERISA Claims

At the Ortiz Law Firm, we help individuals navigate the complex requirements set forth by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) or other applicable state laws to obtain disability benefits.

If you purchased a policy on your own outside of a group plan, your claim may not be governed by ERISA. ERISA regulations do not govern private individual disability insurance policies or employee benefits for local, county, state, or federal government employees.

Individual disability insurance claims and government employee claims are subject to 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 directly 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 help individuals whose claims were denied with their appeals and/or litigation, whether ERISA governs their claims or not.

Schedule a Free Case Review with a Jefferson Pilot Disability Attorney

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 in Pensacola, we have the experience, commitment, and resources to help clients throughout the United States. If Jefferson Pilot has denied you long-term disability benefits, the legal team at 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.