Unum Lawsuits: A Growing Trend
Unum Life Insurance Company of America is one of the largest disability insurance providers in the United States. However, the company has also been the subject of numerous lawsuits in recent years, alleging that it wrongfully denies disability benefits to its policyholders.
One of the most common complaints against Unum is that it relies too heavily on its own in-house doctors to make decisions about disability claims. These doctors are often paid by Unum, which could create a conflict of interest. Additionally, Unum has been accused of using unfair and misleading tactics to deny claims.
For example, in one case, Unum denied a woman’s claim for disability benefits after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The company claimed that her condition was not disabling enough, even though she was unable to work. However, a court later found that Unum had ignored the medical evidence and that the woman was entitled to benefits.
Another common complaint against Unum is that it is slow to pay claims, even when it is clear that the policyholder is eligible for benefits. In one case, Unum took over two years to pay a woman’s claim for disability benefits, even though she was unable to work during that time.
The number of lawsuits against Unum has been increasing in recent years. In 2022, there were over 1,000 lawsuits filed against the company in federal court. This is a significant increase from 2018, when there were only 500 lawsuits filed against Unum.
The increase in lawsuits against Unum is likely due to a number of factors, including:
- The company’s reliance on its own in-house doctors to make decisions about disability claims
- Unum’s use of unfair and misleading tactics to deny claims
- The company’s slowness to pay claims
If you are considering filing a lawsuit against Unum, it is important to speak with an experienced disability lawyer. A lawyer can help you assess your case and determine whether you have a valid legal claim.
