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When they can no longer work, many people turn to their MetLife long-term disability insurance. Unfortunately, the company denies a large number of claims each year, and many deserving people are left in financial limbo.

Before you give up and accept MetLife’s decision, you should always consult with a respected disability insurance lawyer at Bryant Legal Group. We have extensive experience with MetLife disability insurance appeals, and can help you understand your legal options. Keep reading to learn the essential steps you should take after a disability insurance denial.

MetLife Is a Global Insurance Giant

MetLife is a massive global company that made almost $68 billion in total revenue in 2018 alone. It’s been in operation for more than 150 years and sells insurance products in more than 40 countries. While MetLife is typically associated life insurance and financial services, the company has a robust disability insurance business as well.

Related Article: 5 FAQs About Private Disability Insurance Claims

MetLife Has a Track Record of Denying Valid Claims

While many of us associated MetLife with friendly images of blimps at sporting events and advertising with cartoon characters, it is a hard-nosed, savvy company. Unfortunately, it has sometimes run afoul of state insurance regulators.

MetLife has a history of mishandling claims and even losing them. In January of 2019, New York regulators fined MetLife $19.75 million for mishandling and misplacing thousands of its clients’ pension claims. It also must pay hundreds of millions to those whose claims were lost, delayed, or otherwise mishandled.

For large companies like MetLife, their primary goal is profit. They have thousands of claims to process and with so many pieces of the puzzle, cutting corners is more common that any of us want to admit. However, there are ways you can protect yourself and improve your likelihood of getting the disability benefits you deserve.

4 Ways You Can Strengthen Your MetLife Disability Insurance Claim

If MetLife denied your disability insurance claim, you have a very short window of time to appeal the ruling, submit your evidence, and avoid catastrophically damaging your claim. This is particularly true if your disability insurance is employer-funded.

If MetLife denied your disability insurance claim, here’s what you need to do.

1. Don’t Expect MetLife to Go Above and Beyond for You

MetLife’s claims adjusters and representatives are focusing on for the company’s bottom line, not your future. They are unlikely to hunt down hard-to-find records, collect your doctors’ statements, or dig deep into your complicated medical conditions. Instead you, or your disability insurance lawyer, need to do all of this important leg work for them.

2. Call a Disability Insurance Lawyer Right Away

Employer-sponsored disability plans fall under ERISA, a federal law that imposes strict procedural rules on appeals. Navigating this process is notoriously tricky, fast-moving, and can easily trip you up. When you consult with an experienced disability insurance lawyer early on, you’re less likely to make mistakes that could cost you your benefits.

3. Be Frank With Your Doctor

Your medical records and doctors’ notes will be a significant portion of your evidence. If they don’t accurately document your condition, you will be at a disadvantage. You should always be as candid as possible when they’re speaking with your doctors about your conditions. Don’t sugarcoat your abilities, pain, or other daily details that might make the difference in your appeal.

4. Make Sure Your Evidentiary Record Is Complete

In an ERISA claim, you only have a limited amount of time to submit evidence. Once MetLife reviews your appeal and makes its final decision, you cannot provide submit additional information, no matter how important it is to your case.

Unfortunately, many people make the mistake of submitting an appeal without additional evidence. Your lawyer can help you collect and submit evidence that supports your allegations and documents your disabilities.

Lastly, don’t give up. MetLife denies a lot of legitimate disability insurance claims every year. Rather, consult with a knowledgeable lawyer who will advocate on your behalf.

Bryant Legal Group: Disability Lawyers Who Can Fight for Your Rights

If MetLife recently denied your disability claim, it’s in your best interest to consult with a skilled lawyer at Bryant Legal Group. We are proud to help our clients assess their legal options, identify the correct procedures, “stack” their evidentiary record, and negotiate with the long-term disability company.

To learn more about our approach and how we might be able to help you, please contact us today to receive a free and confidential consultation. You can reach Bryant Legal Group by calling 312-586-9128 or completing this brief online form.