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The Probability of Unum Disability Insurance Fraud
By John Curran
A frequent phrase in court cases is the idea that a theory is “possible, but not probable,” and it is one that should apply to Unum disability insurance as well as benefits offered by other companies in the sector. They complain that disability insurance claims are rising and that there is little rhyme or reason to why that is the case. The sniff test would seem to agree with that assertion, but it falls apart on further analysis.
Companies are facing higher costs for insurance, whether it is workers’ compensation, health insurance or even disability insurance. The latter comes from the fact that claim denial specialists often use wrongheaded tactics and the employer ends up having to pay out benefits. However, the current economic climate also helps to explain the sudden rise in claims.
Workers are often asked to do more with less. Significant amounts of research indicate that employees are increasing their productivity by leaps and bounds even though compensation has not matched up. This increases stress and can lead to the increased likelihood of workplace injuries and the inability to continue in their jobs. If they have to apply for benefits as a result, Unum disability insurance claims should rise as a result.
It is also specious to claim that because there is some level of workers’ compensation fraud that there would also be a similar amount of fraud in disability insurance. That is inaccurate because the process for avoiding the efforts of claim denial specialists is much more involved. There may be numerous doctors’ consultations required, as well as getting assistance from a disability insurance lawyer. It is much more stringent than procedures for workers’ compensation insurance.
Rather, it would seem that employees are over-worked and lack the paid time off to recover that they may have once had. In addition, due to worries about bills and other needs, they may feel the need to take overtime. However, companies worried about the bottom line are still likely to attribute the growth in disability insurance claims to fraud in spite of other reasons that are just as likely.
If that is the case, then benefits can be more difficult to obtain due to UnumProvident’s disavowal of the “possible, not probable” theory. If you’re owed disability insurance benefits but have had your claim unfairly denied, there is help available. Get a free consultation with a disability insurance lawsuit lawyer to learn more about your legal options at the Unum/UnumProvident Disability Insurance Claim Denial Class Action Lawsuit Investigation.
Updated March 8th, 2013
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