At Dabdoub Law Firm, we are seeing a disturbing trend involving Unum Life Insurance Company (“Unum”), one of the nation’s largest disability insurance carriers. Many people who have been receiving long-term disability (LTD) benefits from Unum for years—even over a decade—are suddenly having their claims terminated without valid reason. Despite no change or even a worsening in their medical condition, Unum is deciding to deny disability claims that have been consistently approved for years.
Unum Disability Benefits Terminated Unfairly
Unum often justifies these denials by stating the claimant’s medical condition has improved. But in many of our clients’ cases, the condition is chronic or degenerative, meaning improvement is highly unlikely and often medically impossible. We’ve seen firsthand how Unum denies LTD claims under the false pretense of recovery—leaving people without income or recourse unless they take legal action.
Real Case Example
We represented a client suffering from chronic pain whose Unum claim was terminated after 7 years of paid benefits. There was no actual medical improvement—on the contrary, the condition had worsened. There were years’ worth of medical records and doctors support in the attending physician statements (APS). Yet, Unum denied the claim, alleging she had the abitlity to return to work. This unjust Unum long-term disability denial reflects a troubling pattern where insurers rely on questionable tactics to reduce payouts, regardless of medical facts.
Why Is Unum Stopping Long Term Disability Benefits?
Insurance companies like Unum aim to reduce liability. By terminating long-standing disability claims, they save millions. But in doing so, they often violate the terms of the policy and violate their obligations under ERISA. Claimants who are truly disabled are left to fight for their benefits all over again, even after years of proven disability.
How to Fight an Unum Disability Denial
If your Unum disability benefits were terminated, your next critical step is filing an appeal. This is your final chance to submit evidence before litigation. Once an appeal is denied, new evidence is generally barred in federal court. That’s why it is crucial to build a strong and strategic appeal file right away.
At Dabdoub Law Firm, we specialize in appealing Unum disability denials, especially for clients whose benefits were terminated after years of approval.
Key Strategies to Appeal an Unum Claim Denial
1. Medical Evidence and Physician Support
Gather detailed medical records and physician statements to establish the ongoing nature of your disability. Treating doctors can refute Unum’s claims of “improvement” with documentation of chronic symptoms, ongoing limitations, and lack of recovery. Doctor’s support is imperative to a successful case.
2. Statements from Family, Friends, and Employers
We often include written statements from those who know the claimant personally and professionally. These add credibility to your claim by showing the real-life effects of your condition on daily functioning and work capacity.
3. Independent Medical Evaluations (IME) and Testing
Unbiased, third-party medical exams can be extremely persuasive. Our team may recommend:
- Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE)
- Neuropsychological Testing
- Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET)
- Peer-review report from a specialist
These exams counter Unum’s assessments with objective medical proof.
4. Non-Medical Evidence and Personal Statements
Include a personal statement describing how your disability affects your daily life, especially your ability to work. Supporting documents like employment records, performance reviews, and accommodation requests can further demonstrate the validity of your claim. It is also helpful to keep a symptom diary that demonstrates the frequency and intensity of your symptoms.
Why You Need a Long Term Disability Lawyer to Fight Unum
Unum’s tactics are complex, calculated, and often unjust. Without legal help, it can be nearly impossible to successfully overturn a denial. Our firm has successfully handled countless cases where Unum stopped paying disability benefits without reason, and we have a deep understanding of their internal procedures and weaknesses.
Dabdoub Law Firm is a national leader in disability insurance law, representing clients across the country in disputes against insurers like Unum, MetLife, Cigna, and others. We only focus on disability and life insurance claims, which allows us to provide unmatched expertise.
Was Your Unum Disability Claim Terminated After Years of Approval?
If you received a letter from Unum stating your disability claim is terminated despite no change in condition, you are not alone—and you do have options. We are here to help you fight Unum’s denial, build a compelling appeal, and restore the benefits you are entitled to under your policy.
Attorneys That Specialize in Handling Your Disability Insurance Claims
As a law firm that specializes in helping people get disability benefits from insurance companies, including Unum, our lawyers are experts in disability insurance.
Why Us?
- Every lawyer focuses on disability insurance claims, appeals, and lawsuits;
- We have a proven track record of success – we have won major federal court disability lawsuits;
- We have recovered millions of dollars in disability benefits for clients across the country;
- Our disability lawyers have challenged every major insurance company and know their tactics;
With so much at stake, shouldn’t you have experienced disability lawyers on your side?
Because federal law applies to most disability insurance claims, your disability lawyer does not have to be located in your state to help. Call to speak with a disability insurance lawyer.