It is always difficult when a loved one passes away, but if they had a life insurance policy, it can provide some financial peace of mind for surviving family members. Many employers offer life insurance at a discounted rate as part of their benefits package.
Unfortunately, sometimes insurance companies deny life insurance claims, adding turmoil and confusion to an already difficult time. When this happens, you can turn to our life insurance claims lawyer in Fort Worth for help with your claim.
At ERISA Insurance Claim Attorneys, our Fort Worth insurance claims lawyer has helped people resolve complicated insurance and disability issues since 1990. Contact us today to request a free consultation and tell us about your case.
How an ERISA Life Insurance Lawyer Can Help
It’s smart to get help from a knowledgeable attorney whenever you are dealing with an insurance issue. Insurance companies have deep resources and experienced lawyers who get paid to make sure they win.
Don’t try to take them on by yourself. Our life insurance claims attorney in Fort Worth knows how they operate and how to hold them accountable under federal law. When you hire our firm to handle your life-insurance claim, you level the playing field.
Some of the ways we can help with your claim include:
Explain the Policy and ERISA Regulations
We can help beneficiaries understand the policy as outlined in the Summary Plan Description. This is a document employers are required to provide under ERISA. It explains benefits you are entitled to, your rights under federal law, and timelines for filing a claim.
File a Claim
Our attorney can assist in gathering and organizing essential documents, ensure your claim is accurate and complete, and verify that it complies with ERISA regulations. With a skilled lawyer by your side, you can avoid common mistakes that often lead to delays or denials.
Appeal a Denial
If your claim is denied, we can help you understand ERISA’s regulations for appealing the decision. We’ll review the denial letter and ensure the insurance company is acting in good faith. We can also gather additional paperwork or evidence that may have contributed to the denial.
File a Lawsuit
If your ERISA life insurance claim is denied and your appeal fails, you have the right to file a lawsuit in federal court. We can assist you in preparing and filing your lawsuit and help build a strong case to demonstrate that you were unfairly denied the compensation you deserve.
For a free legal consultation with a life insurance lawyer serving Fort Worth, call (225) 201-8311
ERSA Life Insurance Explained
If your loved one had a life insurance policy through their employer, it is likely governed by ERISA, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. This federal law is intended to protect the rights of policyholders and beneficiaries by creating uniform standards.
Under ERISA, the federal government oversees these policies and provides a structured process for filing claims, appealing denials, and pursuing legal action. Only after exhausting the appeals process can you file a lawsuit in federal court.
Because ERISA rules are strict and deadlines are unforgiving, the guidance of an experienced attorney can be invaluable. Our Fort Worth life insurance claims lawyer can ensure your claim or appeal is handled properly so you can recover the benefits you’re entitled to.
Fort Worth Life Insurance Lawyer Near Me (225) 201-8311
When Your ERISA Claim is Denied
When your ERISA life insurance claim is denied, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons. Sometimes, it is due to errors or omissions that can be easily fixed by an experienced ERISA lawyer.
Due to the complicated federal rules, small mistakes can lead to a denial or delay of benefits. Your attorney can refer to your denial when forming a strategy to contest it. Some of the typical reasons an ERISA life insurance claim could be denied include:
- Lack of coverage: For various reasons, the insurance company may try to claim the policyholder was not eligible for benefits when they passed away.
- Missing or incorrect documents: Accidental errors with forms and paperwork can lead to a denial or delay, though such mistakes are often easily corrected.
- Fraud or misrepresentation: The insurance carrier might attempt to claim the policyholder intentionally provided incorrect or incomplete information during their application.
- Missed deadlines: ERISA regulations are strict, and missing a deadline could mean a denial of benefits.
- Policy limitations: Help understanding the policy is one of the important reasons to work with an attorney. There could be exclusions that the insurance company may try to use to refuse to pay out to beneficiaries.
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Appealing Your ERISA Insurance Claim Denial
If your ERISA life insurance claim is denied, it is important to consult with an attorney if you aren’t already working with one. You have the right to appeal, but you must adhere to strict federal rules. Some important points to remember are:
- You will receive a letter from the insurance company that explains why your claim was denied. It will provide instructions and the deadline for appealing.
- When your lawyer drafts your appeal, be sure to include any supporting documents or evidence that may help your claim. This will be your only opportunity to submit additional evidence.
- The insurance company has up to 90 days to review your appeal and present its decision.
- If the insurance provider denies your appeal, your attorney can file a lawsuit on your behalf in federal court; however, you may not submit any additional documents or evidence.
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Contact a Life Insurance Claims Attorney in Fort Worth
The loss of a family member brings strong emotions, along with complicated legal processes for those in charge of the estate. It is a confusing, difficult time, and it should not be made worse by an insurance company looking to save a few dollars.
Insurance companies are supposed to help people and, under ERISA regulations, provide fair treatment for policyholders and beneficiaries. When it seems like they aren’t on your side, our life insurance claims attorney in Fort Worth can help you appeal their decision.
Our team has over 30 years of combined experience, helping Texans with insurance and disability claims. Contact our team at ERISA Insurance Claim Attorneys today for a free consultation and tell us your story.
Call or text (225) 201-8311 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form