Does Hartford Pay Disability Insurance Claims?
At Dell & Schaefer, we get questions about Hartford long term disability policies on nearly a daily basis. As one of the biggest names in insurance, Hartford is a well-oiled machine when it comes to processing (and, sometimes, denying) disability claims. Learn more about what it’s like to appeal Hartford’s denial of your claim for long term disability benefits.
Is Hartford a Company That Pays Disability Benefit Claims?
Hartford does pay many claims for disability insurance – but the real question being asked might be, “is Hartford a good company to deal with when it comes to a long term disability claim?” Hartford is a solid company with a good reputation. However, disability claimants who appeal the denial of their long term disability claim without an attorney may be less likely to prevail on appeal than claimants who are represented by counsel. Hartford has a team of attorneys and insurance experts on its side, which can be intimidating to anyone attempting to get it to overturn its long term disability claim denial.
Is Hartford a Difficult Disability Company to Deal with Compared to Other Disability Insurance Companies?
Hartford generally treats all claimants with respect, even when it is denying a claim for long term disability benefits. However, because its disability denial processes tend to be so thorough, winning a disability appeal will require the disability claimant to present a very complete case. This can mean extensive medical records, witness depositions, financial statements, and any other documents that might be relevant to your long term disability claim.
What is Different About a Hartford Disability Appeal Versus an Initial Application for Benefits?
Persuading Hartford that it made a mistake by denying your application can require much more thorough, complete evidence than what was contained in a fairly brief disability claim form. Attorneys approach this methodically, building a disability appeal piece by piece – and the attorneys at Dell & Schaefer have dealt frequently with Hartford and know what they’re looking for in the appeals process. In almost all cases, Hartford is most interested in a claimant’s medical records. Hartford focuses on whether your condition has progressed over time, even with treatment.
How Can Hartford Deny Disability Claims Without Ever Examining the Claimant?
It may not seem fair that Hartford can deny disability claims without ever examining the claimant or even speaking to his or her doctors. But in ERISA cases (or cases involving Hartford group insurance policies), Hartford simply doesn’t have to. This is why it’s so important for disability claimants and their legal advocates to put together a complete appeal that makes it clear the claimant is too disabled to work and therefore is entitled to long term disability benefits.
Is the Support from Multiple Treating Doctors Enough to Get Disability Approved by Hartford?
Like every insurance company, Hartford will look for reasons to deny a claim for disability benefits. This can mean using an in-house nurse or doctor to examine a claim and see if there is any basis on which to deny it. Because Hartford can hire these experts and they’re not required to examine or speak to the claimant, Hartford’s denial of a disability insurance claim often hinges on what’s missing, not what’s there.
Hartford Video Surveillance and Interviews are Used to Deny Disability Claims
Hartford is well-known for conducting video surveillance on its claimants, then following up this surveillance with a targeted interview. Because denying a claim can save Hartford tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in long term disability benefits, hiring a private investigator to follow a disability claimant for a day or two can be a good investment if the information the investigator finds provides Hartford with a reason for denial.
If you need to apply, appeal or file a lawsuit against Hartford to receive your disability insurance income benefits, contact any of our disability insurance lawyers for a FREE consultation to discuss how we can assist you.
Resources to Help You Win Disability Benefits
Submit a Strong Hartford Appeal Package
We work with you, your doctors, and other experts to submit a very strong Hartford appeal.
Sue Hartford
We have filed thousands of disability denial lawsuits in federal Courts nationwide against Hartford.
Get Your Hartford Disability Application Approved
Prevent a Hartford Disability Benefit Denial
Negotiate a Hartford Lump-Sum Settlement
Our goal is to negotiate the highest possible buyout of your long-term disability policy.