Hartford Financial Services Group

View Disability Cases With Hartford Financial Services Group

Post or View Comments About Hartford Financial Services Group (58 comments)

Of the more than 40 disability insurance companies that sell long-term disability insurance coverage, it is my opinion that Hartford is one of the worst disability insurance companies to deal with.

Hartford is a “two headed monster” that will hide behind the wall of ERISA disability laws in an effort to unfairly deny long term disability claims. I call them “a two headed monster” because they are a multi-billion dollar insurance company and no matter what any TV station, newspaper or court says about Hartford, they continue to handle disability insurance claims in the same manner.

Just about anyone that has had their long-term disability benefits denied by Hartford will tell you that Hartford:

1. sent an investigator to their home for a 3-4 hours interview,
2. showed them disability video surveillance of the claimant’s recent activities outside of the home,
3. either sent the claimant to an IME Exam or had the file reviewed by an external doctor, and
4. without notice to the claimant, sent a one-sided questionnaire or letter to the claimants treating physician in an effort to bait the doctor into saying the claimant can return to some type of work.

The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: HIG) was founded in 1810 and is headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut. In 1810 a group of local merchants gathered in a Hartford Inn and, with working capital of $15,000, founded the Hartford Fire Insurance Company. The Hartford is one of the largest insurance and investment companies based in the United States, with offices in the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil and Ireland.

In 1913, the company formed The Hartford Accident and Indemnity Company to provide a wide variety of insurance coverage, including accident, automobile-liability, personal-damage, business-interruption and more. In 1959, the company expanded into the life-insurance business by acquiring The Columbian National Life Insurance Company in Boston, Massachusetts. In 1970, The Hartford was acquired by ITT Corporation for $1.4 billion, at the time the largest corporate takeover in American history. The combined company was renamed ITT-Hartford Group, Inc. In 1995, ITT decided to streamline its operations and release some of its subsidiaries, and The Hartford became an independent entity once again, trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “HIG.” Two years later, the company changed its name from ITT-Hartford Group, Inc. to The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., and also issued an IPO for its Hartford Life business under the ticker symbol “HLI.” In 2000, The Hartford reacquired all the shares of Hartford Life, and HLI was delisted from the New York Stock Exchange in 2006.

The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides insurance and financial services in the United States and internationally. It engages in life, and property and casualty insurance businesses. The life insurance business comprises six segments: Retail Products Group (Retail), Retirement Plans, International and Institutional Solutions Group (Institutional), Individual Life, Group Benefits, and International. Retail segment offers variable and fixed market value adjusted annuities, retail mutual funds, 529 college savings plans, and Canadian and offshore investment products. Retirement Plans segment provides products and services to corporations and municipalities. Institutional segment offers institutional liability products and variable private placement life insurance, as well as mutual funds to institutional investors. Individual Life segment sells variable universal, whole, and term life products. Group Benefits segment offers group life, accident, and disability coverage. International segment provides investments, retirement savings, and other insurance and savings products in Japan, Brazil, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.

Hartford recently reported revenues in excess of $24 billion dollars.

As disability insurance attorneys, Dell & Schaefer have represented numerous clients with their long-term disability claims against Hartford and its affiliated companies. Disability Attorneys Dell & Schaefer have provided and offer the following legal services for disability claimants that have a long-term disability insurance policy or disability income policy purchased from Hartford:

• Application for long-term disability benefits with Hartford
• Application for short-term disability benefits with Hartford
• Monthly claim handling of Hartford long-term disability insurance claims
• Appeal of a Hartford denial of long-term disability benefits
• ERISA appeal of a Hartford denial of long-term disability benefits
• Lawsuit against Hartford for denial of long-term disability benefits
• Lump-sum buyout of a Hartford long-term disability insurance policy
• Department of Insurance complaints against Hartford for wrongful delay and denial of long-term disability benefits

There are 58 comments so far. Add yours ↓

Orlando Rivera:

I am a beneficiary of Social Security and Hartford deducts the amount that my child receives from social security benefits. Is this legal?

Gregory Dell:

If your Hartford disability policy contains language providing a deduction for any social security disability benefits (SSDI) either you or a family member receive as result of your disability, then it would be legal for Hartford to take the deduction. If your child is disabled and receives SSDI benefits, then Hartford could not take a setoff.

Neddie Panko:

I worked for Walmart for 13 years and finally at the end of december of 2010 i could not work any longer with the problems that i have been having i paid for std and ltd for 13 years they gave me the std from december until feb 8th and then stopped benifits i have no income coming in my husband has not worked since 2008 and now his unemploymet ran out in oct 2009 i was the only one working now they refuse to give me my std i have a disc in my neck bad , i have 2 lower discs in my back bad my knees and ankles swell and constantly hurt i have high blood pressure i have a hernia, and i am in constant pain also i am going through depression and anxiety i am now seeing a phsycologist and they still refuse to pay me my lights , water, every thing all of my bills are over due they are ready to shut everything off on me and my doctor fills out paper after paper and he tells me my working days are over but they still keep stalling and they wont pay me dont know what to do i am at my wits end also the last pay that i received was in feb 8 or 10 for 67 dollars and some change i am bearly at my wits end dont know what to do they said that my file has been sent to nurses to reveiw my file and i should hear something this week it is already thursday and nothing yet i call and they keep saying they are working on it please i need some advice i need help like yesterday they are making my depression and anxiety is getting worse dont know what to do getting to the point i cant even afford to get my blood pressure medications and pain meds and anxiety meds filled no income coming in.

Gregory Dell:

Neddie, since you are about to get a decision any day now, there is nothing we can do right now. If Hartford denies your disability insurance claim, then you should contact us to see if we can assist you.

Linda J. VanDenHeuvel:

Hello, my name is Linda VanDenHeuvel. I’m a Registered Nurse who worked in emergency departments for 32 years as a Trauma Nurse Specialist. For 13 years, I paid premiums for Hartford Disability Insurance when our hospital offered it. Being the sole provider of our family, I wanted to make sure financial bases would be covered in the event of any catastrophic injury or illness. My husband was severely injured in an auto crash when his first wife and only daughter were killed. He can only work limited hours, so is self employed. I’ve also had custody of my 11 year old great-granddaughter since she was 22 months old. Melany has epilepsy, so it was paramount we remained financially stable.

In December 2010, it was discovered I had an abdominal aortic aneurysm along with 3 compression fractures of my thoracic spine and a subluxation of two vertebra in my lower back,which impinge on my spinal cord. I had a life threatening surgery to repair my aneurysm, but cannot address my back because I don’t have enough money. Instead, I live with constant pain, refusing to take narcotics since Melany requires constant observation.

While still in Critical Care, my hospital attempted firing me since they said I would never be able to return to work at 100%. I had to resort to my Long Term Disability. Hartford approved my claim, but said I would be cut off from any further payments if I did not apply for Social Security within 45 days. Not only was I critically ill, but now also in a state of panic. I never expected this. Their insurance was to provide 60% of my income. It was a significant drop, but enough for us to get by. (By the way, in no way was I ever provided a policy for my insurance. This was all word of mouth.) Fearful, I immediately applied for Social Security Disability, which I’d never wanted to do. As an ER nurse, I’d always despised system abusers. I was approved without the help of the group of attorneys in Illinois Hartford wanted me to use. Social Security sent me my first check, and I notified Hartford. But they told me, they’d already released my June payment. My first Social Security payment and their payment would overlap. So they said they had overpaid me. In order to clear this up, I would not receive further payments from them until the $2,500 June payment by them was deducted.

So, from July until now, I have received no further payments from Hartford, and instead,rely soley on Social Security – only 50% of my previous income.

I called them. They said they are only willing to pay the balance of the difference between of what I receive from Social Security to total 60% of my income. But now, they’re questioning whether they should pay anything, and want me to prove my disability again. In addition, they told me if I was approved, they would only pay a total of two years before they referred me to one of their therapists who could verify I was ready to return to work.

What are they thinking? I’m 61 years old and have a significantly broken back. This will never improve. Besides this, with the AAA, I have a pre-existing health problem. No employer would ever hire me. I am a health risk. The only way I can prevent paralysis is with very scrutinized levels of activity. I must guard myself

Hartford has financially crippled us. Without their payments, all my outstanding medical bills have gone into collection. We had to borrow money from our family to keep up our house payments. All the while, I’ve been waiting for Hartford to finally pay the lousy monthly $500.

I feel everything they’ve done is fraudulant. If a person has an insurance policy and a valid claim, then why all the hoops? If I would have known any of this, I would have stuck my $226/month premiums to them over 13 years in a bank where it would have been more secure. I was mislead. Am I to become just another of their statistics?

Sincerely,
Linda VanDenHeuvel

Gregory Dell:

Linda, your Hartford policy probably has an offset for social security disability. Hartford will likely deny you after they recoup the ssdi overpayment. If you have problems with them paying you, then please contact us. Based upon your medical issues I do not think you will have any problems getting paid by Hartford.

Kelly:

I have been battling with Hartford for months. The stress of it all is causing my Multiple Scleroisis to flare up. They have just informed as of 1 Jan. 11 I now make too much money for them to have to pay me. I work no more than 20hrs a week. When I read the policy it states they cannot consider my annual increases until I go backi full time. I have not been full time since I became disabled. Hartford is stating I make 1.3% too much so they are no longer going to pay me, I am tired of dealing with all the hoops I have to jump through.

John Sholtz:

I have Hartford as my ltd co., my short term ended Feb. 17, 2011, and haven’t got anything from them since. They keep telling me they didn’t receive the paperwork from my doctor, which is a lie because we have all the confirmation from the faxes. So when I tell them that they come back with its not enough info for them, and request more info. Now April 15, 2011 and I can’t pay rent, or get the things my two kids need for school. My wife’s income is only enough to pay gas, electric, and food. This really putting a strain on our family. I NEED HELP.

I have even ask for enough just to pay rent, they said they can’t approve anything. They keep finding more ways to delay and deny my claim. Now they’re asking for a perscription history from a year prior to my injury.

Lisa A. Block:

PLEASE, PLEASE HELP. I had Hartford GLTD insurance through my employer in 2004. They did pretty much every dirty trick in the book including, as I’m almost 100% sure of, document forgery. After finally recieving my file that I requested from them, wich took months to recieve & numerous hippa violations, a supposed lost mailing to my PO BOX never recieved, despite numerous inquiries, they emphatically stated package delivered to PO BOX had verified same nearly 2 weeks later when the latent lies became more than I could tolerate, continuous checking with my post office, they suggested I get the tracking # & check it myself, to confirm what sender has been stating. Upon doing this & Hartford reconfirming delivery approx. 2 weeks prior of package to PO BOX, gave me an invalid # for a postal service delivery. This went on for another 2-3 days, when they finally called back leaving me a message that they made an error & package was shipped by UPS to PO BOX & diverted to the front stoop of my home address. When asked how this could occur, they stated UPS doesn’t deliver to PO BOXES. Now 3 or more weeks later, files containing all my personal information & medical records are MIA – honestly I doubted highly that they ever actually sent them untill I verified with UPS, supposedly dropped on front stoop nearly 3 weeks prior. SCARY. They called MDs without an updated autorization, while denying me, BLATENTLY did something to have DRs who had treated me for years prior & had submitted that I was permanently totally disabled, now sent them a DOL work ability form from a providor specialist I SAW one time & utilized this to coerce my prior practitioner to totally contradict his prior 3.5+ years of ability & disability. Now stated able to work @ median level, with no restrictions. I am an RN & have now not been gainfully employed since my MVA in May 2004. Sooo much more to tell, I have taken too much of your time… Thank you. Respectfully yours, Lisa A. Block

Tamesa Race:

I was put on a LOA by my doctor. The paperwork stated that I could not perform my work until after 2 surgeries and recovery. Hartford opened my claim then for no reason, they said I dont qualify for benifits. I have been paying them premiums for ten years. They are trying to say just because the doctor said you can’t work doesn’t mean you can’t work. They also said being in constant pain that prevents you from getting out of bed and awaiting surgery is not a good reason to not go to work. Are you serious? Who are these people? I will be dropping them as a disability company and I am posting on facebook what they do to the people they insure. I bet they won’t have many customers when this is over!

Gregory Dell:

Tamesa, I am sorry to hear about your experience with Hartford Insurance Company. If your claim for disability benefits has been denied, you have the right to file an appeal. You must do so within 180 days according to ERISA. Please contact us if you would like us to review your appeal denial.

Gregory Dell:

Lisa, the techniques you have described about Hartford speaking with your doctors is standard conduct for them. The majority of claims that we see denied are because a claimant’s treating doctor does not understand the relevancy of the paperwork that Hartford or any other carrier asks them to fill out. If you would like to send us your denial letter we will review it and contact you to discuss your possible options. You can complete our online Free Consultation Form or call us at 800-682-8331.

Eric Hartley:

This crap with Hartford long term short disability has been going on for years.

In 2000 I was working for Watkins Motor Lines and got sick at first Hartford was paying like they were supposed to, then I had to fight for months to get any money. They ended up paying me a $15,000 dollar check and then continued with the short term payments.

Then it switched over to long term they reduced the money I was getting, and it was a battle to get anything. Then they started making demands that I go to my doctor over and over to verify my disability. I couldn’t keep up with their paper demand and they stopped paying me anything. I am still disabled have not worked since 2000 and I feel they owe me quite a bit of money. I won’t ever see it, ’cause this is a big company that can get away with it.

I went for a number of years without any income at all, homeless, and I feel it was all because of Hartford and thier tactics of getting out of paying what they are supposed to pay. Just look at all the consumer complaints. This is the first time I have thought about Hartford since they cut me off. I thought surely they wouldve been outta the disabilty insurance portion of their business by now, guess not. They are still sucking people into thier legal scam of what they call disability insurance.

I have prayed that the CEO of this company and all the executives become disabled, I bet if they did they wouldn’t be insured by Hartford, they would go with Afflack or some other place. The people in charge ought to be ashamed of themselves and God will have a talk with them.

A. Wood:

To everyone that posted, thank you. I thought it was only me. My family did not understand why I was so upset. I gave permission for Hartford to speak with my sister. Just one day of her dealing with the run-around she was furious.

I know my claim is legitimate. I am now in contact with Dell & Schaefer. I can not deal with this emotionally anymore (over 9 months and almost cost me my life).

On behalf of all of you, I am asking the attorney to go full force against Hartford. I have been so shocked about Hartford’s lies – it is disgusting.

Polly Garvey:

The Hartford’s favorite word is “NO!”. It takes money from your paycheck for 21 years, and when you are told by your boss to go out on disability, and when you are granted Social Security Insurance the first time, they will, in my experience, deny, deny, deny your claim!!! When they finally give into it, they will send their detectives to see if you are walking your dog or going up a curb. Can they see how much pain you are in, or if you cut your walk short due to pain? They chose a picture of me going up a curb step proof that I was fullly capable. Did they ask me question one? NO. Did they ask if I was able to attend work 8 hours a day? They just assume.

One year later, I am in an assisted living facility with my car taken away by the doctor.

The Hartford is definitely one of the worst disability insurance compaies, if not the worst. Moderator, if the Hartford wants this deleted, just ask them for proof it did not happen. They will probably say it’s confidential, but I give you permission to speak with them.

E. Crawford:

Hello. Can you briefly explain the overpayment situations. I was never told that Hartford would take the SSDI awarded to my children. I did not know anything about an overpayment although they kept telling me that if they were overpaying me I would have to reimburse them. When I kept asking how much of an overpayment am I receiving because I did not want to owe them anything. They said that they did not know and could not tell me until I was awarded from SSA. Needless to say the lawyer that they recommended obviously works for them and I still end up paying the entire amount of my award. I think that there should be some type of legislation that would at least give the claimant the right to either accept or decline the overpayment. This is exactly how they make their money. Not only am I still broke and on a lesser amount, I still have the bills I had before and they are taking money from my two kids who are headed off to college. This is too much like robbery!!! There has got to be some type of recourse. Is there a way to claim hardship or keep them from getting EVERYTHING and at least allow me to pay off my bills before they take back their lump sum. They did not pay me in a lump sum so why do I have to pay them backk with a lump sum?

Gregory Dell:

E: I think you will find some helpful information in our Frequently Asked Questions section of our site. I have not seen your policy so I do not know if Hartford has a right to make the claims you have explained. Please take a look at Can a disability insurance company claim an overpayment for social security disability benefits payable to a child as result of the parent’s disability?

Lori:

What an awesome forum to be able to comment in.

My husband was disabled 4 years ago. After 24 months of long term payments Hartford stopped them (the norm for them). That was in January of 2010. When my husband recieved his SSI award several months later, they asked for it in full… we said NO.

We retained an attorney when the payments initially stopped. We were notified of a court date in March of 2012… haha… really? We recently recieved notification via our attorney that a mediation has been scheduled for August of 2011.

I am a medical professional and have the stamina and the opportunity to work as often as I like… ie LOTS of overtime. This is the only reason we have been able to survive financially. I wonder what people do who dont have this option. I am sure they will use this mediation to make a pathetic settlement offer. If the Hartford had paid out as our original policy stated, they would owe us $570,000 until my husband is age 67.

We have had many conversations with God on this subject. He has brought us this far and will continue to point us in the proper direction.

I have no questions to post here, just words of encouragement. Don’t give up. YOU determine your worth, NOT the Hartford. Find a good attorney, make payments if you can. Good legal counsellors are worth their weight in gold.

Wanda Wetzel:

Hello. My name is Wanda. I have been out of work since 6/2011 and have had 2 back surgerys in the last 6 months. Still under Dr’s care, pain management and in a lot of pain if I try too much of anything. Now they think I may have some nerve damage and I received a call from the company I work for, which stated they could no longer keep me on the payroll and I was dismissed.

Now Hartford has called and ask how I was doing. I told them the above, they sent me a letter giving me 21 day to show that I have files for Social Security Disability and that I check the be on the box that if I get retro I will pay them the lump sum… Also if I don’t file they will hold my benefit checks. Can they do this? Am I required to file for Social security? I am 55, not sure if or when I will be able to work, since I can’t sit nor stand for long periods of time.

Gregory Dell:

Wanda, your policy may contain language that requires you to apply for SSDI benefits within a certain time period. Hartford is requiring you to sign a reimbursement agreement which allows them to deduct any social security disability benefits from the amount Hartford is obligated to pay you each month. Your policy may require you to sign this documents. Hartford will also seek reimbursement for any overpayment you receive as a result of a SSDI approval. Feel free to contact us if you have any other questions.

Eric Hartley:

Just another big company screwing the little people that in good faith made payments thinking that if they become unable to work they would at least be able to survive a somewhat mediocre life. It is sad that they can get away with what they do. I pray for every individual that becomes unable to work and has to go through all the crap that this company and any company like them puts you through. May God bless every good decent individual out there. Hope and prayer is a mainstay, don’t let your faith wilter because of bad companies and their policies. God Bless.

Margie:

I was wondering why you cannot sue the third party companies that assist Hartford in denying claims for tortious interference. Ex: MES Solutions, doctors, third party claims evaluators. They are financially rewarded by Hartford to interfere with your policy.

In addtion, why can’t you sue an MES doctor for medical mal-practice? Are they not obligated to an ethical standard of care?

Gregory Dell:

Margie, you raise two excellent questions. Let’s start with the easy one first. In some states you can absolutely sue an independent medical doctor hired by an insurance company for any negligence. For example, if an IME doctor injures a claimant during an exam, then the doctor could be sued in most states. An IME exam should always be videotaped. With regard to a claim for tortious interference, this would be a difficult but not impossible cause of action. We have filed lawsuits against third party administrators in the past and alleged tortious interference. In ERISA governed claims it is very hard for a tortious interference claim to survive.

Carol:

I have been recieving Hartford LTD for about 18 months. I was just approved for SSD. Hartford has sent an investigoator to my house, taped the entire 3 hour conversation and then sent a transcript of the whole thing to my doctor along with survelliance information they had obtained from following me months earlier. They asked my doctor to agree with their findings that I could work even though he has filled out 2 sets of forms already stating I cannot return to work permanently. Here is the big issue I have with them. While they were following me, I noticed a strange guy following me and I got creeped out and called the cops. He lied to the cops and told them he was not following me or wasnt an insurance investigator and didnt know what they were talking about. The cops investigated him for 2 days and told me to let them know if I saw him again. I was so freaked out I had to go to my doctor and he diagnosed me with PTSD ( on top of my disabling heart problems). I got a concealed weapons permit and was afraid to leave the house. The survelliance report recently sent to my doctor states that the investigator admits being contacted by the police but could not disclose he was actually investigating me as to not compromise the investigation. Is this legal? I wouldnt even know except for the fact that my doctor told me because he knew how freaked out I was from the situation and felt I should know. I have heart problems and this situation was devestating to me.

Gregory Dell:

Carol,

Once again Hartford’s conduct is disgusting. If you are in the public domain, then Hartford can video you wherever you go. The investigator that lied to the police may have created a criminal act. It is amazing the extremes that Hartford will take in order to try to prove that a claimant is not disabled. You may want to consider filing a restraining order against Hartford and any of its affiliates. We do not handle restraining orders, but it may help you to keep Hartford and their goons from coming near you. You should also file a complaint with the Department of Labor and your State Department of Insurance. If you have a police report you should send it to Hartford so that it is part of your record. If you need assistance with your claim, just give us a call.

Gloria Morley:

I also have been denied, they let me receive STD for six months. They told me I would have to apply for SSD and when – and if – I got it I would have to pay them back any amount that went over 40% of my income from Walmart. I got the SSD within six months, Hartford had sent me one check, I had to pay back all but $234.00.

They let me collect LTD for one year and sent forms to each one of my doctors. And they could only coment on one condition. My primary doctor wrote them a letter telling them that if I only had one of these conditions I might be able to go back to work, but with them all there is no way I could, but they denied anyway.

And after I talked to a couple of lawyers they refused to take my case because the money isn’t there. Hartford only has to pay me $234.00 a month. It might not be a lot but it helps me pay my fuel bill. I don’t think any one case is going to beat Hartford, but if we all got after them for fraud and the stress and everything else they have put us all through, maybe it would go public and maybe get an investigation going and maybe we could help someone else.

Some of my conditions: copd, ashd, diffuse arthralgia, cervical intervertebral disc, depresion, osteoarthritis of the hips – and this is only some of what I have.

Lynn Rogers:

I have a two-part question about Hartford Insurance. Their reps have told me several different answers in the past. I am shocked to see that others have experienced the same thing I have. However, I have two add’t questions/comments.

1 – Because of being a federal employee, I did not pay into SS. Early on, I had a case worker at Hartford who said she was going to deduct a certain amount because I would not apply for Social Security (SS). She did not understand that as a federal employee under CSRS, we are not entitled to SS. I went through depression, stress and anxiety trying to get that straight. Because of that, to be smart, Hartford has deducted what I receive in retirement disability from the fed. gov’t. Are they allowed to do that? All these many years, I was paying premiums for a certain amount per month and haven’t seen that amount yet.

2 – I have an injury from an accident in the early 90′s that has now caused me to go out on full-time disability. I have no illness, it’s an injury. Hartford is trying to classify it as an illness and said that I will be cut off in a year of so because I would have met the maximum number of years for an illness. I asked them where did they get that from. They told me a low back injury is an illness not an injury. Why would they classify a low back injury as an illness. This happened after they had tried every trick in the book for not wanting to pay. What I get from Hartford help pays my mortgage. Without it, I’ll lose my house as I’m unable to work. My injury gets worse every year. I’m in chronic pain and it hurts from sitting or standing. My legs numb up and give out from underneath of me. I take several different medications. I’m miserable for the most part but I must still live. Again, how can they classify a low back injury as an illness?

Gregory Dell:

Lynn,

I will try to answer your questions about Hartford.

1 – Your Hartford Disability Policy will specifically state whether or not they can deduct retirement benefits. If the policy says that they can, then it is legal for them to do so.

2 – Your second question is challenging because of the fact that you had your accident more than 10 years before you filed your claim for disability insurance benefits. In order to be disabled by an accident, you usually need to file for disability within close proximity to your accident. I don’t think you will be able to make a strong connection to an accident from more than 10 years ago.

Anna:

A lot of people I talk with in my support group ask: Why isn’t there a class action lawsuit against Hartford? (I am with Hartford). We realize we have different terms in our policy and are owed different amounts. It would be nice to send a message – maybe fight where they cant sell policies in FL.

Also, if you are denied short term disability and more evidence comes up, that supports original claim, can you submit it? I am not under ERISA.

Gregory Dell:

Anna,

You ask a great question about class action lawsuits and you basically answer it at the same time.

Federal Class Actions have very strict laws and it is difficult to get a class certified. In order to bring a class action, all of the class claimants must be similarly situated. With disability claims, most claimants have different language in each of their policies. If everyone in the class has the same disability policy, then it is much easier to bring a class action. Alternatively, if Hartford has an illegal claims handling practice that affects everyone the same, then a class action may be able to be filed. We have filed a class action against Prudential Insurance Company based upon a method of operation that affected all policy holders the same.

In you second question you asked if you can continue to send new medical information to Hartford. As long as you have not exhausted all of your appeals, Hartford is required to review any new information that is sent to them.

Anna:

Thank you.

I hope, if you see a pattern with clients ref. Hartford, that you consider (if legally possible) a class action against them. I appreciate your response. It is sad that an insurance company can be so dishonest/tricky.

Marcella Purinton:

I recently had to have abdominal surgery to remove my ovaries and cysts as well as many adhesions & scar tissue from many previous surgeries. I was very high risk. My doctor wanted me out for 6-8 weeks, I ended up receiving my STD until 6 weeks, then the clinician at Hartford decided that I was healed enough and that they would not extend my benefits to 8 weeks, which is how long I had to stay out. My doctor’s office stated they have never dealt with such difficult people before. And as far as I have to say is everyone of them are bitches.

Jack Winebarger:

The insurance companies better enjoy. The public has had enough of companies like Hardford. Insurance reform is just around the corner. Now you bank on it!

Tim D.:

My wife has a claim approved for 25 years. We have contacted Hartford about a settlement. They have started to gather paperwork. How long should this take and does Hartford offer decent settlements?

Gregory Dell:

Tim,

Occasionally a claimant will receive a Hartford lump sum buyout offer of a long term disability insurance policy. The process can take anywhere from 30 to 180 days, depending upon the medical records in the possession of Hartford. There are a lot of factors that go into a company deciding whether or not they want to extend a buyout offer. We have negotiated some “decent” Hartford lump sum settlement offers in the past. Whether an offer is “decent” is a decision that the claimant must make. If you check out the lump sum buyout section of our website you can see some of our videos discussing the pros and cons of a lump sum buyout. Fell free to contact us if you would like assistance in receiving a maximum lump sum buyout offer.

Anabella:

Can Hartford be held responsible? I was denied STD for mental illness. All correct paperwork was sent from doctors. I was denied and went on appeal. I have copies of whole record. I told the appeal specialist, several times and in writing, that Hartford will be responsible if I do not receive the help I need and I am forced, by Hartford, to go back working in my profession.

It is over a year. I am beyond broke! Although I am “not right”, I may have to go back to work.
Although I want no trouble I feel Hartford gives no choice, but for sick people to return to work.

I know everything in my file is documented. Hartford should be responsible.

Anabella:

What is your take on Hartford being held responsible – it is all documented in Hartford’s file. Hartford never allowed me to get the help I needed. They kept saying I am fine, then kept throwing lies at me. I am unable to work. Hartford beats you down.

Debbie:

Am I understanding this right, that if you can get in a car and drive then you are able to work? What can you do or not do while on LTD? I have been on it since December 2010 for 3 herniated discs which resulted in severe pain and inability to walk for over 6 weeks, the only thing I could do is sit or lie down. I am receiving LTD still, however I found out today that my annuity amount from my last employer will be taken out of my disability amount and most likely will have to pay them the back pay. I recieved this insurance through my employer, but never signed anything or recieved a manual on what it does and does not cover. SSI has given me indefinate LTD because of stenosis of the back and mental anxiety. I know I can’t hold down a job and who would hire someone with disabilities? What do I need to watch out for, so I keep my LTD? Also, what if I move back to my home state of Texas, will this interupt my LTD?

Betty Moss:

I had back surgery on August 24th 2011. I saw my doctor on October 17th and he kept me off work another 8 weeks. Hartford quit paying me on October 9th. Anyone who has had back surgery knows it takes more than 6 weeks to heal from it. My checks were not even $200.00. How can anyone live on that?

Gregory Dell:

Debbie,

You can live anywhere in the USA and it will not interrupt your long term disability insurance payments as long as you continue to treat with doctors. You can still be eligible for disability insurance benefits if you can drive, walk, sit and stand. You do not need to be bedridden. The issue is that you must have limitations in your ability to sit, stand, walk etc., which prevent you from being able to work. A good guideline is that you must be unable to work at least four hours a day with reasonable continuity during a 40 hour work week. The problem is that Hartford will videotape you doing something for an hour and make the assumption that you can return to work. Most people will have some good days, yet this does not mean they can return to work.

The things that a person can or cannot do while on disability really depends on the definition of disability in your disability policy. There are hundreds of different disability policies and the language can be different in each of them.

Alexandra Kanbovska:

Hello,

Does anyone know for how long Hartford is paying LTD due to a major depression? I’m just freaking out, as they may stop payments after two years…

Gregory Dell:

Alex,

The amount of the time that Hartford will pay disability benefits for major depression is stated in your disability policy. Not all disability insurance policies limit a depression disability claim to two years.

Cynthia Gernannt:

I have been involved with the Hartford for long terrm disability after having a series of strokes. The agents are rude and difficult to deal with, pressing for my physician’s statements after he replies. Total disability, since my first stroke in 2000. I worked at a hospital in California for 26 years and paid into my long term disability all through my employment. Hartford also pays the premium on my life insurance policy with them, and they continually harass me. I am 60 years old.

SS:

Hi,

I was originally approved for CNA LTD benefits in 1999 due to a MVA. They made me apply for social security which I was awarded in 2002. That resulted in an over-payment, so they applied my monthly benefit toward the amount I now owed them. In 2004 they decided I was no longer disabled. One reason given was I had to move in with my parents because I could no longer take care of myself and they happened to have a 2 story home where I spent 23+ hours laying down and I rarely even went up and down the stairs. That was used against me to deny continuation of benefits. I was only there for 3 months before we bought a 1 story home.

I originally appealed by letter. I have no idea what my doctor said, I had only seen him once and my former doctors who had left all supported my disability. I am still on social security and my condition is no better. Is it too late to go after Hartford. The reason I didn’t pursue it earlier is I owed them quite a lot of money from social security overpayment and I had really hoped that my condition would of improved, so I could try to go back to work, but that was wishful thinking.

Sorry for such a long and jumbled post. Thanks for any information you might have as to my options.

SS

Gregory Dell:

SS

The statute of limitations in each state is different, but if you have not filed an appeal or lawsuit since 2004 then the statute of limitations would bar any claim you made. Most states have statute of limitations that are between 3-4 years.

SS:

Thanks for your info.

Gregory Dell:

SS,

You’re welcome. We regularly post additional information on this site and at facebook.com/diattorney which you may find helpful.

Charles Turner:

I worked as an over-the-road truck driver for Walmart for over ten years, and paid long term disability payments through my employer for nine years. Last year, I had to undergo surgery for Spinal Stenosis in my back and have been unable to work. The Hartford Insurance Company paid me benefits until today, terminating my benefits just like that. I am still under my doctor’s orders not to return to my job and has since had to let my job go because of company policies regarding leave time allowed. Now Hartford decides that my benefits don’t extend to 67 years of age as promised – but one year. What shall I do? No income as of today, that was so wrong.

Gregory Dell:

Charles,

You need to file an Appeal of Hartford’s denial of your disability benefits. Feel free to call us to discuss your denial and we will let you know if we can assist you.

Robert Smith:

The Heartford is a joke. I am having all kinds of problems with them myself. I’m going to lose my job because of them. So, if that happens, I’m going to sue them. I think we all need to get a lawyer and sue the crap out of them. So maybe they will start treating people better. If anybody wants to join me, please email me at ss101228@yahoo.com. Thanks!

Alison:

If you are denied short term and long term through Hartford, how long does it take to file a lawsuit? The process seems to “beat” people down. What do you do when you are out of work – broke? I know it is a process, but how am I unable to work and live?

Along with your firm – who do we contact? I already contacted insurance commission.

I know, “be patient” – so, I sell my house for peanuts and live in a tent?

My case is so clear cut. Hartford should not practice in FL – I will set up a blog and have a petition for having them in unethical practice.

Gregory Dell:

Alison,

Once all administrative appeals have been exhausted, then a lawsuit can be filed. Most ERISA disability lawsuits take between 6 – 12 months to reach a final judgment. In some cases a settlement can be negotiated within a few minutes. In addition to sending complaints your insurance commissioner, you can also send letters to your Federal Senators and Representatives.

Karen Thompson:

To whom it may concern,

I, Karen Thompson, dispute the claim of Hartfod Life for the amount of $11,829.11. I have not set out to manipulate, to deceive, or try to receive anything that was not due to me. The second party who represented Hartford (all sup) contacted me for a telephone interview. I was told that I could file for disability through social security. This was something I did not want to do from the on-set of the situation. I was told by an all sup representative that I did not have a choice. This was very disturbing because I have been paying Hartford Life through payroll deduction for 15 years for long term disability insurance. No one at Hartford had a problem as long as I was paying them to receive this service, however, as soon as I was stricken with cancer (acute myeloid leukemia) my choices about disability became no choices at all. Hartford pushed for disability through social security. Well, what I don’t understand was why I was paying Hartford Life all these money for 15 years? What should have been told from the beginning was that Mrs. Thompson, if anything happens to you, Hartford Life will only pay you a certain dollar amount and the rest you will have to receive from Social Security. If this was told to me upfront I would have NEVER EVER selected Hartford Life!

What’s really sad is that I have been fighting for my life and continuing to do so and this insurance company that I’ve been paying money to for 15 years with no lapse in payment is now all of a sudden telling me that I owe them $11,829.11. Something is wrong with this picture. Hartford Life tells me I don’t have a choice. I have to file for disability through social security and when social security pays me Hartford Life tells me that’s this was their money. WOW!!! I don’t think I saw anyone from Hartford Life laying next to me going through extreme doses of chemotherapy, losing all of their hair, extreme pain, stomach so upset until you can’t stand the smell of any odor, your skin practically leaving your body, so much medication until you don’t know if you’re actually alive or if you have died. I didn’t see God break anyone down from Hartford almost to the point of death. All I want is for Hartford is to provide the service that I payed them for. I want Hartford Life to give me what is due to me.

Jerry:

I have been receiving long term disablity benefits via The Hartford. They paid for a lawyer to represent me in my SSI case. For the past two years I have received half of $3000 from The Hartford and half from the SSI. My ex-wife has sole custody of my three children. $1000 has been coming out of my Hartford check for child support. My ex applied for SSI due to my disablilty for my three children and received a lump sum of money for retroactive pay, as well as a monthly payment for each child. Now The Hartford is saying they are counting all the money my ex received as income to me. I do not live with them. So they are stopping my money and charging me all the money my ex received. So no I owe them like $20000 and they are stopping the child support payment. So I will have to pay it out of my SSI check. This leaves me with $500 to live on. Is this legal?

Gregory Dell:

Jerry,

This situation can be legal if your Hartford disability policy contains language which includes SSDI offsets for your children as well. You may find this Frequently Asked Question on our website helpful: Can a disability insurance company claim an overpayment for social security disability benefits payable to a child as result of the parent’s disability?

Sarah:

I have been on LTD with the Hartford since the fall of 2009. I was diagnosed with bipolar in 2004, and worked for several years with this condition. In July 2009, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.

Last week I was contacted by someone affiliated with the Hartford to meet with me in my home and assess my ability to work. The man arrived early, and when he was informed that I had bipolar as well as MS, he replied that he did not know about my mental illness. This was shocking to me as my psychiatrist has sent paperwork to the Hartford a multitude of times.

The main reason I am unable to work is the unpredictability of the two diseases, and the adverse affects some of the medication for the MS has on the Bipolar (I explained all this to him). I was honest with him about my functioning. At the end of the video he showed my a 5 minute video of me going into a local supermarket, taking my boyfriend’s grandmother to a doctor appointment, and stopping at a deli to buy lunch. Now, the “investigator” did say that I did nothing in the video that I told him I couldn’t do. However, as paranoia is a symptom of bipolar this has made my conditions worse. Do I have any rights? Will they spy on me again?

Gregory Dell:

Sarah,

They can video you at anytime and they will likely do it again. You may want to review our FAQ section which discusses video surveillance by disability insurance companies and field interviews. If you would like assistance with your claim and dealing with Hartford, please contact us for a Free Consultation.

Sherri Rollan:

I have been denied short term disability through Walmart (Hartford). I have been out of work since 11-16-2011. I have used all my vacation, sick and personal hours. I had a total knee replacement on 12-12-2011. I am still unable to walk or stand even though I go to therapy 3 times a week. I have been with the company for almost 9 years and have been paying for STD and LTD ever since I was able to have it taken out of my paycheck.

I think this is very unfair. I was counting on getting my disability until I was able to go back to work and now I have been going without any kind of paycheck for a month and I have bills that are now coming in and I can hardly pay for them. I have to choose to either pay a bill or eat or have my medicine.

I think Walmart and Hartford are ripoffs, and I think it’s odd that when you try to file again the disability claims on walmart.com are always under maintenance.

Now I ask you how fair is it after you have worked for a company for almost 9 years and are treated like dirt!!! If you are having the same problems please email me and we can share our hatred for Walmart. My email address is rollanrenee@yahoo.com.

Thanks,
Sherri

Please share your thoughts:

Your message:

Your name:

Your email: (will not be displayed)

Please note: This is a moderated blog.
Your comment will need to be approved by our staff before it will appear on this page. The name you provided will be displayed with your comment. The email you provided will not be dispalyed.

Send me an email each time there's a new comment on this page

Subscribe without commenting:

Please enter your email to be notified each time there's a new comment on this page: