RiverSource Life Insurance Company is a provider of life insurance, annuities, and disability insurance products. While the company offers long-term disability (LTD) insurance to protect individuals who are unable to work due to illness or injury, policyholders often face challenges when filing claims.
Understanding Long-Term Disability Insurance from RiverSource
RiverSource long-term disability insurance is designed to provide financial assistance to policyholders who suffer from a disabling medical condition that prevents them from working. These policies typically provide monthly benefits based on a percentage of the insured’s pre-disability income. Coverage details, including benefit amounts, waiting periods, and definitions of disability, vary from policy to policy.
Common Challenges with RiverSource LTD Claims
Policyholders often face difficulties when dealing with the RiverSource disability claim process. Some of the most common challenges include:
- Delays in Processing Claims: RiverSource can take a long time to review and process disability claims, causing financial hardship for claimants who rely on these benefits.
- Claim Denials: Many claimants have their LTD claims denied for reasons such as insufficient medical evidence, discrepancies in medical records, or claims that the claimant can perform sedentary work.
- Surveillance and Social Media Monitoring: RiverSource may conduct surveillance or monitor social media activity to find evidence that contradicts a claimant’s disability.
- Requests for Extensive Medical Documentation: Claimants are often required to submit extensive medical records, physician statements, and additional testing, which can be burdensome.
- Challenges in Defining Disability: Some policies include a distinction between “own occupation” and “any occupation,” meaning that claimants may only receive benefits for a limited time before they must prove that they cannot work in any occupation.
What to Do If Your RiverSource LTD Claim Is Denied
If RiverSource denies your LTD claim, you have options. Consider the following steps:
- Review the Denial Letter: Carefully review RiverSource’s reasons for the denial and note any deadlines for filing an appeal.
- Gather Additional Medical Evidence: Obtain detailed records from your treating physicians, additional medical evaluations, and vocational evaluations to strengthen your case.
- Consult an Attorney: A long-term disability attorney can help you understand your rights, navigate the appeals process, and build a strong case for reconsideration.
- File a Timely Appeal: Most LTD policies require claimants to exhaust the administrative appeal process before filing a lawsuit. Missing a deadline can jeopardize your claim.
- Prepare for Further Action: If your appeal is denied, you may have the option of filing a lawsuit under ERISA (if your policy is employer-sponsored) or in state court (if your policy is individually purchased).
How an Attorney Can Help
An experienced disability attorney can help gather necessary evidence, handle communications with RiverSource, and ensure that all deadlines are met. Many claimants find that having legal representation significantly increases their chances of a successful appeal or trial.
Contact Us for Help
If you are struggling with a long-term disability claim with RiverSource Life Insurance Company, the Ortiz Law Firm is here to help. Attorney Nick Ortiz and his team have extensive experience handling disability appeals, and litigation. Contact us online or call (888) 321-8131 today for a free case evaluation and let us help you fight for the benefits you deserve.
