For most families, the loss of a loved one is a deeply emotional experience. Practically, it can also create significant financial challenges, particularly if the deceased was a primary source of income. Employee-sponsored life insurance can help ease the burden.
But sometimes, insurance providers don’t honor their policies, leaving beneficiaries who are already hurting confused and unsure of what to do next. In this difficult time, you can count on your life insurance claims lawyer in Dallas to help with your claim or appeal.
Contact our team at ERISA Insurance Claim Attorneys to request a free consultation and discuss your case. Our Dallas insurance claims lawyer has over three decades of experience helping people resolve their complex insurance and disability problems.
Do You Need an Attorney for a Life Insurance Claim?
While you can file a claim or appeal a denial for an ERISA life insurance policy on your own, it usually isn’t a good idea. You’ll be up against an insurance company with deep pockets and powerful lawyers working on their behalf.
When you hire our life insurance claims attorney in Dallas, you ensure a fair fight. We understand the insurance company’s playbook, and we know how to beat them. Some of the important ways we can help with your case include:
Helping You Understand the Policy and ERISA Regulations
Under ERISA, employers are required to provide their employees with a Summary Plan Description that outlines their life insurance benefits as well as the rights of beneficiaries. We can help you understand the policy as well as ERISA regulations for filing a claim.
Filing Your Life Insurance Claim
Because our team works almost exclusively with ERISA, we are highly experienced with filing claims. With our assistance in organizing and submitting your claim, you greatly reduce your chance of an unexpected delay or denial.
Appealing When Your Claim Is Denied
We will help you file your appeal when your claim is denied. We can go over your denial letter and discover where the original claim went wrong and how to remedy the problem. We’ll also make sure the insurance company is not dealing in bad faith, and take appropriate actions if they are.
Representing You in Court
If you follow the correct procedure as outlined by ERISA for appealing your denial and you still aren’t successful, you have the right to file a lawsuit in federal court. We can represent you every step of the way and put together a solid case while ensuring your rights are protected.
For a free legal consultation with a life insurance lawyer serving Dallas, call (225) 201-8311
What is ERISA Life Insurance?
ERISA life insurance is group coverage provided through employer benefits. It is regulated by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, a law that establishes standards for managing employee benefit plans and protects participants and their beneficiaries.
If your loved one’s employer offered life insurance as part of their benefits package, it is probably covered by ERISA. This means the federal government oversees your rights to those benefits, as well as the procedures for filing claims and appeals.
ERISA also limits the types of damages you can recover. Our Dallas life insurance claims lawyers can help you understand how ERISA regulations play a role in your claim or appeal, as well as whether a lawsuit may be necessary.
Dallas Life Insurance Lawyer Near Me (225) 201-8311
Why are ERISA Claims Denied?
ERISA life insurance claims can be denied for various legitimate reasons, many of which are often due to mistakes that an experienced attorney can easily fix. Because complex federal rules and strict procedures govern these claims, even small errors can cause delays or denials.
If your claim is denied, you’ll receive a letter from the insurance company explaining why. This denial letter helps your attorney identify the specific issues and decide on the best strategy for a successful appeal.
Common reasons for denial include:
- Incomplete or inaccurate paperwork: This can happen because of missing documents, incorrect forms, or errors made when submitting the claim.
- Coverage disputes: The insurance company may try to argue that the deceased was not eligible for coverage at the time of death.
- Misrepresentation: If the insurance provider believes the policyholder gave false information on the application.
- Failure to meet deadlines: ERISA has strict deadlines for filing claims. Missing these deadlines can jeopardize your case, which is why it is important to get help from an attorney.
- Exclusions or limitations: Some policies have specific exclusions that an insurance company might use to deny benefits to beneficiaries.
Click to contact our Dallas Insurance Claims Lawyers today
Can You Appeal an ERISA Life Insurance Denial?
You have the right to appeal if your ERISA life insurance claim is denied, but you must follow strict federal rules. The insurance company will send a denial letter explaining the reason for the decision, along with instructions for filing an appeal and the deadline for submitting it.
If you haven’t already hired an attorney, this is a smart time to do so. An experienced lawyer can help you draft a detailed written appeal and include any supporting documents that strengthen your case. This is your only opportunity to submit new evidence.
Once your appeal is submitted, the insurance company has up to 90 days to review it and make a decision. If your appeal is denied, you then have the right to file a lawsuit in federal court, but only based on the evidence included in your appeal record.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Get Help from a Life Insurance Claims Attorney in Dallas
It is tough enough when a loved one passes away. You don’t need an insurance company adding to the stress and frustration. Not only will you need to deal with the flood of emotions that comes with the loss, but you may have sudden financial burdens as well.
Under ERISA regulations, insurance providers are required to pay beneficiaries the full amount of benefits owed under the life insurance policy. When they don’t, our insurance claims attorney in Dallas can help you understand your options and contest their decision.
Since 1990, attorney Price McNamara has stood up for those who have been denied insurance and disability benefits. Call today to schedule a free consultation and find out how ERISA Insurance Claim Attorneys can help.
Call or text (225) 201-8311 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form