Hartford Disability Claims
We assist claimants battling Hartford's claim tactics in short-term disability (“STD”) and long-term disability (“LTD”) claims to win deserved benefits.
General Claims Process
Many people are unaware that you can apply for disability benefits even if you are no longer employed. If you have not yet applied for benefits, we can help you get started with Hartford, even if your employer or Hartford has told you that you have to still be an employee to apply for benefits. Initial applications include the submission of claim forms with medical and vocational details, along with supporting information from your treating doctor. Hartford then reviews your claim for eligibility, often requesting more information or even an Independent Medical Examination (“IME”). Decisions are not immediate and guidelines for prompt decisions are not always followed. If your claim is denied, appeals must usually be submitted within 180 days with enhanced evidence focused on rebutting the reasons for the denial.
If Hartford denies your claim, they must give you an opportunity to appeal. These appeals, which usually must be submitted within 180 days of the denial, represent an important opportunity to supply additional evidence and to point out why Hartford’s denial was in error.
Unique Facts and Challenges
Hartford commonly ignores the findings of treating physicians and instead relies on the opinions of so-called “Independent Physician Reviewers,” or “IPRs,” who are moonlighting physicians hired by Hartford to only review medical records and render opinions about your functional capacity without ever seeing or examining you.
Our attorneys strive to expose these practices. Contact us to review your Hartford denial or to help getting started with a claim.
