Many life insurance plans are governed under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). However, insurance companies frequently look for any excuse to undervalue or deny life insurance benefits, often citing allegedly preexisting conditions.
If your claim for life insurance benefits has been denied, you should call J. Price McNamara ERISA Insurance Claim Attorney, right away. For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a skilled ERISA lawyer, please call our office headquarters at (225) 201-8311 or contact us online today.
Why Choose Us for Your Legal Needs?
At J. Price McNamara ERISA Insurance Claim Attorney, we understand how insurance companies try to undervalue – or outright deny – life insurance claims. We will aggressively pursue the life insurance benefits you are entitled to and, if necessary, file an administrative appeal or pursue litigation in the federal court system.
You can see our most recent case results and client testimonials on this site. Our Baton Rouge headquarters is located at 10455 Jefferson Highway, #2B, Baton Rouge, LA 70809.
What is the Preexisting Condition Exclusion Under a Life Insurance Policy?
The preexisting condition exclusion is a clause commonly found in many types of insurance policies, including those governed under ERISA. This clause limits or denies coverage for conditions the insured person had before their life insurance policy became effective. In simpler terms, if the person who passed away had a health condition prior to obtaining or renewing their ERISA life insurance policy, the insurer may exclude coverage related to that condition or its consequences.
How It Works
In ERISA life insurance policies, preexisting conditions are often defined as medical conditions or illnesses that the insured person showed symptoms of, was diagnosed with, or received treatment for within a specified period – usually 3 to 6 months – before the policy began. If the insured dies due to a condition considered “preexisting,” the insurer may argue that they are not required to pay the death benefit.
However, ERISA rules provide some protections to beneficiaries. ERISA laws mandate that the exclusion of coverage for preexisting conditions must be clearly stated in the insurance policy and be based on a fair, reasonable timeframe (often no more than 12 months). Additionally, any denial based on preexisting conditions must be explained clearly, and the insurer must allow the beneficiary to appeal the decision if the claim is denied.
Potential Effect on Your Claim as a Policy Beneficiary
If you are the beneficiary of a life insurance policy under ERISA, the preexisting condition exclusion can affect your claim in a few ways:
- Claim Denial: If the cause of death is linked to a preexisting condition, the insurer may deny the claim. For example, if the insured had heart disease but didn’t disclose it when applying for the policy and died from a heart attack, the insurer may use the preexisting condition clause to refuse payment.
- Appeals Process: If your claim is denied because of a preexisting condition exclusion, ERISA gives you the right to appeal the decision. You can submit additional medical records or evidence to show that the condition wasn’t preexisting or that it wasn’t the cause of death.
- Time Limits: ERISA policies usually impose a deadline for filing claims and appeals. If you miss this window, you may lose your right to challenge the denial of the claim.
How to Administratively Appeal a Life Insurance Claim Denial
If your life insurance claim is denied under an ERISA policy, you can file an administrative appeal. This process allows you to challenge the insurer’s decision and present additional evidence or arguments that may change their mind. Here’s how to effectively appeal a life insurance claim denial as a beneficiary under an ERISA policy.
- Step 1: Understand the Reason for Denial – Before you begin your appeal, carefully review the denial letter from the insurance company. This letter will explain why your claim was denied, such as a preexisting condition exclusion, missing documentation, or a policy loophole. ERISA requires the insurer to provide a detailed reason for denial, including references to the specific provisions of the policy that apply. Understanding these reasons will help you address the insurer’s concerns in your appeal.
- Step 2: Review the Insurance Policy – Obtain a copy of the life insurance policy that the deceased person had. Look for any clauses that may have led to the denial, such as preexisting condition exclusions, eligibility requirements, or limitations on coverage. This will help identify areas where the insurer may have incorrectly interpreted or applied the policy. Familiarize yourself with any timelines or deadlines mentioned in the policy, as ERISA has strict guidelines on the length of time insurers have to respond to appeals.
- Step 3: Gather Supporting Documentation – Once you understand the reasons for the denial and have reviewed the policy, begin collecting supporting evidence to strengthen your case. This can include:
- Medical records or autopsy reports showing that the cause of death wasn’t related to a preexisting condition or that the condition wasn’t disclosed.
- Proof of employment showing that the deceased was eligible for the life insurance policy.
- Witness statements or other documents that may clarify any confusing details in the insurer’s explanation.
The more documentation you can provide to refute the insurer’s reasons for denial, the stronger your appeal will be.
- Step 4: Retain Legal Counsel to Write the Appeal Letter – At J. Price McNamara ERISA Insurance Claim Attorney, we can craft an effective appeal letter for you. The appeal letter will clearly state your disagreement with the denial, outline the reasons why the claim should be approved, and include any new evidence you’ve gathered. The letter will also reference specific parts of the policy and any legal or factual reasons why the claim should be honored.
- Step 5: Submit the Appeal Within the Deadline – ERISA requires that you file your appeal within a specific time frame, usually within 180 days of the denial notice. At J. Price McNamara ERISA Insurance Claim Attorney, we will send the appeal letter and supporting documents to the proper address and keep proof of submission (like certified mail or email receipts).
- Step 6: Follow Up – After submitting the appeal, we will monitor its progress. Under ERISA, the insurer must review your appeal and make a decision within 45 days, though they may extend this by an additional 45 days if they need more time.
If your appeal is still denied, you can pursue further legal action, including filing a lawsuit. However, the administrative appeal is a vital first step in challenging a denial under ERISA.
Litigating a Life Insurance Claim Under an ERISA Policy
If your life insurance claim is denied under an ERISA policy and your administrative appeal is unsuccessful, the next option is to pursue litigation. Successfully litigating a life insurance claim denial involves taking the case to court to challenge the insurer’s decision. Below are some key steps involved in the litigation process.
- Step 1: Assess the Denial and Legal Grounds – Before filing a lawsuit, carefully review the denial letter and the insurer’s reasoning. ERISA cases are often decided based on the administrative record, which means the court will look primarily at the documents submitted during the claims and appeals process. At J. Price McNamara ERISA Insurance Claim Attorney, we can determine whether the insurer violated the terms of the policy, applied the wrong legal standard, or acted in bad faith. It’s also important to check if the insurer followed ERISA’s procedural requirements, as failure to comply can strengthen your case.
- Step 2: File a Complaint in Court – Once you’ve decided to proceed with litigation, the first step is to file a complaint with the appropriate court. In most cases, ERISA life insurance claims are filed in federal court because ERISA is a federal law. The complaint must clearly state the reasons for your claim denial and the legal grounds on which you are challenging it. A complaint will also outline the relief you are seeking – typically the death benefit amount and any associated damages.
- Step 3: Discovery Process – After filing the lawsuit, the discovery process begins. This is when both parties exchange relevant information, including documents and testimony. During discovery, you can request additional documents from the insurer, such as internal communications or expert opinions that may support your case. This phase helps both sides gather evidence and prepare for court but is usually limited in ERISA cases.
- Step 4: Summary Judgment Motion – In many ERISA cases, the parties file motions for summary judgment. This is a request for the court to rule on the case without going to trial based on the evidence presented. Either party can argue that the facts of the case are clear enough to make a judgment and that there is no need for a trial. If you win, you’ll likely receive the death benefit to which you are entitled under the life insurance policy.
How Can a Lawyer Help Throughout the Process?
At J. Price McNamara ERISA Insurance Claim Attorney, we help beneficiaries obtain life insurance benefits under ERISA policies. If your claim has been denied, or if you’re facing difficulty handling the claims process, we can guide you through the steps to ensure you receive the benefits you are entitled to recover. Here’s how we can assist you throughout this process.
- Guidance on ERISA Regulations – ERISA is a federal law that governs many employee benefit plans, including life insurance policies. While the law offers protections to beneficiaries, it can be difficult to navigate. At J. Price McNamara ERISA Insurance Claim Attorney, we have in-depth knowledge of ERISA and how it applies to life insurance claims. We will explain your rights, the insurer’s obligations, and the proper procedures to follow. This understanding is essential to avoid mistakes that can delay or jeopardize your claim.
- Reviewing the Denial and Policy Terms for You – If your life insurance claim has been denied, we will thoroughly review the denial letter and the policy terms. We’ll analyze the insurer’s reasons for denial, whether they cite exclusions like preexisting conditions or errors in documentation. By reviewing the policy closely, we can identify any mistakes or misinterpretations that may have led to the denial. This careful examination is important to determine whether the insurer acted in accordance with ERISA rules.
- Handling the Appeal Process – If your life insurance claim is denied, ERISA gives you the right to appeal the decision. Our claims lawyers will manage the entire appeals process for you. We’ll ensure that all required documents, such as medical records, employment verification, or proof of eligibility, are submitted on time and properly organized. We can also draft a persuasive appeal letter that clearly addresses the insurer’s concerns and presents the strongest possible case for your claim. We understand how to navigate this time-sensitive process and can ensure that your appeal is as effective as possible.
- Litigation and Court Representation – If your claim is still denied after the appeal, we are prepared to take your case to federal court and aggressively represent you throughout the litigation process. We will handle all legal motions, gather supporting evidence, and fight for your rights. With our legal knowledge and skills, we will work hard to secure the life insurance benefits you deserve.
- Maximizing Your Benefits – Ultimately, our goal is to help you obtain the full life insurance benefits you are entitled to receive under the policy. We will use our experience and legal knowledge to ensure you recover the maximum amount possible.
Call an Experienced ERISA Attorney Today
At J. Price McNamara ERISA Insurance Claim Attorney, we will work hard to secure the life insurance benefits you deserve by aggressively representing you during every stage of the proceedings. If necessary, we can even litigate your case in the federal court system in pursuit of the life insurance benefits you need.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable ERISA claims lawyer, please call our headquarters at (225) 201-8311 or contact us online right away. We are here to serve you in the New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Houston areas.
