Fenchurch General Long-Term Disability Claims Denied in Canada
Fenchurch’s LTD denial feels like a gut punch, but your fight for rightful benefits isn’t over. This guide equips you with knowledge and options to navigate the challenge.
Can Fenchurch Deny My Claim?
Yes, like any insurer, Fenchurch General has the right to deny, but they must have valid reasons and follow a fair process. Generally, if Fenchurch General feels that you aren’t legitimately disabled and unable to work for a significant time period, or if your treating doctor (or doctors) don’t provide enough valid documentation that verifies the claim that you’re unable to perform your job duties because you’re sick or injured, Fenchurch may deny paying you under the terms of the policy you have with them
Those aren’t the only reasons, though. Additional criteria for denial include:
- Insufficient medical evidence: Ensure your doctor clearly documents your disability’s impact on your ability to work.
- Policy discrepancies: Review your policy for eligibility criteria and exclusions related to pre-existing conditions, elimination periods, or specific covered disabilities.
- Inaccurate information: Double-check your application for any discrepancies that could raise doubts.
- Surveillance: Fenchurch General might monitor your activities to assess your work capacity. Maintain consistency with your claim.
Why Does Fenchurch Deny Claims?
While frustration is understandable, remember there are many underlying factors at play when it comes to LTD claim denials. They include:
- Cost management: Like any business, they prioritize financial stability, leading to stricter claim assessment.
- Fraud prevention: Thorough verification safeguards against false claims.
- Misunderstandings: Complex policy terms or lack of clear communication or medical documentation that can create discrepancies.
However, the insurer’s justifications aren’t always airtight. Mistakes happen, information gets misinterpreted or ignored, and decisions can be driven by profit margins, not your well-being which is contrary to the duty of good faith owed to you. This means that just because your insurer says why they denied your LTD claim, that does not necessarily mean that their decision was a correct or accurate one. Decisions might have been made due to inaccurate or incomplete facts, and insurers certainly do make decisions motivated by other reasons instead of whether their policyholders truly deserve approval on their claim. It’s not exactly equitable when this happens, but it does happen – and more often than disabled persons would like.
What to Do If Fenchurch Denies Your Claim
If your claim is denied, you’re probably feeling angry and hopeless. However, you don’t have to accept it as your final answer. There are steps you can take in the face of a denial that can help you change Fenchurch’s decision! Here are some things you can do:
- Review the denial letter: Understand their reasons and gather supporting documents to address them.
- Strengthen your case: Consider further medical tests or specialist opinions to bolster your evidence.
- Request reconsideration: Formally ask Fenchurch to re-evaluate your claim based on new evidence.
- File an appeal: If reconsideration fails, you have the right to appeal through their internal process.
- Litigate your claim: Skip the appeal process and commence a lawsuit.
Appealing Fenchurch’s Denial
Remember that you have the right to appeal Fenchurch’s decision to deny your long-term disability claim in Canada. This will involve your claim being reviewed by the insurer, but it’s done in-house; there’s no third party evaluating the appeal to ensure that things are impartial and fair. Without a third party, though, this means that appeals are usually not successful.
In fact, it’s often quite rare that an appeal leads to an insurer reversing its initial decision. Once again, insurers have an advantage in that continuing to deny you improves their income. Not only that, but many insurance companies use the appeal process to “run out the clock” so that you can’t take legal action in a court of law for their denial. With that in mind, here are some steps you should take when it comes to appealing Fenchurch’s denial decision:
- Meet deadlines: Act within the timeframe outlined in your policy or denial letter.
- Present your case: Submit a well-written appeal highlighting discrepancies and new evidence.
- Consider legal advice: A disability lawyer can navigate the complexities and increase your chances of success.
When Appeals Aren’t Enough
You never know – your appeal might end up successful. Still, the deck is stacked against you, and that means you could very well see your appeal fail. Thankfully, you’re not out of options! You can also file a legal claim against Fenchurch in court to get the compensation you deserve. This is a more complex and complicated route, though. In this case, it’s critical to have a good disability lawyer on your side. Law firms with experienced LTD lawyers are great for anyone who’s struggling with a claim denial at the hands of Fenchurch because they offer so many great benefits, like:
- Aiding you in unravelling your rights: They’ll explain your options and assess whether a legal claim is viable.
- Dealing with Fenchurch directly: They’ll handle communication and negotiations, freeing you to focus on recovery.
- Navigating the legal maze: They’ll handle paperwork, deadlines, and court proceedings with expertise.
- Understanding the insurance game: They’ve seen it all and know how to counter their tactics.
The Clock is Ticking
Act quickly! In Canada, you typically have two years from denial to file a legal claim but each province may be different. Don’t let the clock run out – seek legal advice now to confirm the correct limitation period in your province. Remember, even if the two-year window closes, there might still be options. A lawyer can help you explore those too.
How Long Does the Process Take?
There’s no simple answer. The timeframe depends on factors like the complexity of your case, and whether it goes to court. Be prepared for the process to take months, and potentially even years, to reach a resolution. Fair resolutions are usually only achieved through the litigation process.
What Does Fighting an LTD Denial in Canada Cost?
Disability lawyers work on contingency fee arrangements. This means that you don’t have to pay anything to a disability lawyer unless you win your claim against Fenchurch for compensation or benefits. This makes it easier for people to access justice throughout Canada who might not otherwise be able to. Upon winning your case, your lawyer will take a percentage of what you’ve recovered as their fee (as permitted by provincial legislation), which will be explained to you upfront in the process.
Feel Like You’re About to be Denied?
If you have a bad feeling about the claim you made to Fenchurch for your LTD benefits, don’t wait. Contact a disability lawyer immediately for a consultation. This way, you can be prepared for the denial and your team can go to work on your behalf immediately.
Preszler Injury Lawyers: LTD Denial Lawyers
If your LTD claim is denied by Fenchurch in Canada, disability lawyers like Preszler Injury Lawyers are ready to help. Preszler’s team of experienced LTD lawyers understand the ins and outs of dealing with this specific insurer. Insurance companies may prioritize their bottom line, but Preszler Injury Lawyers prioritize your health and well-being. Don’t let Fenchurch walk away with what you deserve. Contact Preszler for a consultation at 1-800-JUSTICE® or fill out our Case Evaluation form to speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer today.