Northwestern Mutual has been around since 1857. Most known for its provision of life insurance policies, Northwestern also offers disability insurance and long term care insurance. Unfortunately, this firm has a great deal of experience helping our clients overturn valid claims for long term disability benefits that have been denied by Northwestern. You may ask, “What happens if Northwestern denies my claim for Long Term Disability?”
Northwestern provides many types of long term disability policies to its policyholders. The Medical Own Occupation Disability policy is a fairly standard one offered to physicians and dentists. The main difference between the kinds of policies for disability insurance that Northwestern offers are based on the definition of disabled set out in the policy itself. Medical Own Occupation policies require that the physician/dentist not be working in any capacity.
What happens when Northwestern denies my claim for Long Term Disability benefits?
Generally, an individual filing a disability insurance claim through Northwestern would involve:
- an application by the policyholder which sets out the alleged disability;
- assignment of a claim number, file creation, and assignment of a claims representative
Northwestern is known to cause delays in claim processing, as to delay benefit payment in an effort to increase profits overall or to reap the benefits of the time value of money. Red flags you should be on the lookout for in the course of the claims process involving Northwestern include:
- unreasonable delays and repeated requests for documentation to which you are entitled by right of law;
- denial of benefits without notice, or medical or occupational justification; and
- undue delay in making a determination
The medical evidence substantiating your claim for disability benefits cannot be overstated. It is a good idea to keep a pain/symptom log and share it with your doctor in order to bridge the gap between your day-to-day life and the limited information that can be found in a routine doctor’s visit note.
The restrictions and limitations you may experience due to your disability may be difficult to establish through medical notes alone. Additional support from your treating physicians may be necessary to show that your condition(s) is keeping you from working in the capacity required by the particular definition of disabled you must meet.
Our Attorneys are Here for You
The lawyers at Herbert M. Hill, PA will see your claim through to the end, whether overturned on appeal or through litigation and trial. Once we are able to get you on claim and benefits current, we remain your attorneys through the life of your claim with Northwestern. Give us a call today to set up a free consultation to be sure of your rights under your Northwestern Long Term Disability policy.
