What You Need to Know:
- Unum is notorious for denying and terminating valid long-term disability claims—even with strong medical evidence.
- Their review process often includes biased in-house doctors, surveillance, and strict interpretation of policy terms.
- Understanding why your claim was denied is critical to building a strong appeal or lawsuit.
- Dabdoub Law Firm specializes in long-term disability denials and has a proven track record of winning cases against Unum and other major insurers.
Unum Disability Denials Are Common But They’re Not Always Justified
Unum Life Insurance Company is one of the largest long-term disability (LTD) insurance providers in the U.S., and unfortunately, they are also one of the most aggressive when it comes to denying or terminating legitimate disability insurance claims.
Despite its duty to act in the best interest of policyholders, Unum has a well-documented history of:
- Terminating benefits abruptly, even after approving and paying claims for many years.
- Relying heavily on internal medical reviewers who never examine claimants in person.
- Using surveillance or social media activity to challenge claimants’ credibility.
- Applying overly strict interpretations of disability definitions in policy language.
The result? Thousands of individuals across the country are left without the financial support they need during some of the most vulnerable times in their lives.
Common Reasons Unum Denies Long-Term Disability Claims
Understanding why Unum denied your claim is the first step in fighting back. Here are some of the most common tactics we see Unum use to justify a denial:
1. Biased Medical Reviews
Unum frequently uses in-house medical consultants who never meet claimants but still conclude they’re capable of working. Many of these physicians have not practiced medicine or treated patients in years. Their primary role is to review files , not people.
2. “Lack of Medical Evidence”
Even when your treating doctors clearly state you're disabled, Unum might argue that your records don’t adequately support your limitations. They may demand "objective" evidence even when your condition doesn't lend itself to objective evidence such as lab tests or imaging.
3. Definition of Disability Shift
Most policies change the definition of “disability” after 24 months from “own occupation” (unable to perform your specific job) to “any occupation” (unable to work in any job at all). Unum often uses this transition period to terminate benefits, claiming you're suddenly fit to work in another role, even if it's unrealistic.
4. Surveillance & Social Media Monitoring
Unum may conduct surveillance or comb through your social media accounts to try to find moments that appear inconsistent with your reported limitations. These snapshots can be taken out of context and used to dispute your disability.
How Dabdoub Law Firm Can Help You Fight a Denial from Unum
If your long-term disability claim has been denied or terminated by Unum, you need more than just encouragement, you need experienced legal representation. That’s where Dabdoub Law Firm comes in.
We Focus Exclusively on Disability Insurance Law
Our firm focuses exclusively on disability insurance and life insurance claims. It’s all we do. This laser focus gives us unmatched insight into the tactics companies like Unum use—and how to overcome them.
We’ve Taken On and Beaten Unum
Our firm has represented countless clients in disability claims and lawsuits against Unum. We know their playbook, and we know how to build a case that counters their common defenses.
We Navigate ERISA
Many Unum policies fall under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), a federal law that governs employer-sponsored disability plans. ERISA has strict rules and limited timelines. We know how to comply with those regulations while building the strongest possible case for appeal or litigation.
If your policy is not governed by ERISA (such as an individual disability insurance or IDI policy), you may have additional protections under state law and our attorneys are well-versed in both.
We Build Appeals That Get Results
An appeal is your lat chance to submit evidence in an ERISA claim before litigation. Our legal team takes this window seriously. We gather:
- Comprehensive medical records
- Statements from your treating physicians
- Vocational expert reports
- Personal statements and third-party witness testimony
- Independent medical reviews and functional or cognitive testing
All tailored to support a compelling narrative that proves your inability to work.
We’re Ready to Litigate When Needed
If your appeal is denied, we don’t stop there. Our litigation team is ready to take Unum to federal court. We've successfully done it before—and we’ll do it again to protect your right to benefits.
Why Clients Choose Dabdoub Law Firm
We are a litigation powerhouse for disability and life insurance claims. Here’s why clients nationwide trust us to take on Unum and win:
- National Reach: We represent clients in every state.
- Proven Success: Our attorneys have won major federal disability lawsuits and recovered millions in benefits.
- Specialized Focus: Our entire practice is built around disability and life insurance law.
Because ERISA and disability laws are federal, we don’t need to be in your state to represent you effectively. We can help you wherever you are. Call to speak with a disability insurance lawyer today.