Facing the job of submitting a claim to Unum can leave people struggling with complicated processes and legal terms that require careful attention to detail. Seeking assistance from experts can greatly help simplify this task and turn it into an achievable and ultimately positive process.
Professional support not only lightens the load of understanding policies but also offers valuable knowledge that can greatly improve the chances of achieving a favorable result. By utilizing the expertise and insights of individuals, in the field applicants can guarantee that their submissions are comprehensive well supported with evidence and align with the specified criteria set by Unum.
Article Breakdown
What Professional Help Actually Looks Like
When I say “professional help,” I don’t mean your cousin who works in HR or your buddy who “knows about courts and basic laws.” I’m talking about attorneys who specialize in filing a claim with Unum or experienced claim consultants who eat, sleep, and breathe this stuff.
These professionals know Unum’s playbook inside and out. They’ve seen every trick in the book – the requests for additional medical exams, the surveillance tactics, the creative ways claims get denied. More importantly, they know how to counter these moves before they happen.
Sarah ended up hiring a disability attorney after her initial claim got denied. Within two weeks, he had identified three critical errors in her original application and helped her gather the specific medical documentation Unum actually wanted (which was completely different from what they initially asked for). Her revised claim got approved in six weeks.
The Money Talk: When Professional Help Pays for Itself
Some individuals may find themselves at a crossroads “What’s the point of hiring someone if I can just do it myself?” It’s a question and truth be told. There are instances where managing claims independently is feasible also. But here’s what most people don’t realize – the cost of getting it wrong the first time almost always exceeds the cost of getting help upfront.
Consider this scenario. If your Unum policy provides $3000 monthly and your claim faces a delay of six months to paperwork problems resulting in denial of benefits amount, up to $18 000; typically disability lawyers operate on a contingency basis where they receive payment upon successful resolution of your case. Their fee? Usually around 25% of your back benefits.
Do the math. Even if you pay $4,500 in attorney fees, you still come out $13,500 ahead compared to trying to fix a botched claim yourself.
The Stress Factor (Because Your Mental Health Matters Too)
But wait – there’s more to this than just dollars and cents. Dealing with a disability or a severe medical condition is challenging enough without the burden of having to battle.
Sarah spent nights for weeks worrying about her claim. It took a toll on her interactions, with her children and appetite. The irony? The stress was probably making her back condition worse, which could have complicated her case even further.
Professional help doesn’t just improve your odds of winning – it gives you peace of mind. When someone else is handling the paperwork battles, you can focus on what really matters: getting better.
Red Flags That Scream “Get Help Now”
Not every Unum claim needs professional assistance, but certain situations are practically guaranteed disasters if you go it alone:
Your disability involves mental health conditions. Unum is notoriously tough on depression, anxiety, and other psychological disabilities. The documentation requirements are complex, and one poorly worded statement from your therapist could torpedo your entire claim.
Dealing with conditions such, as fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue can be quite challenging since they are subjective, in nature and may not always be easily confirmed through examinations.
Your employer is being weird about your claim. Sometimes employers try to influence the claims process or provide incomplete information. If your HR department seems less than helpful, that’s a red flag.
You’re getting requests for surveillance or additional medical exams. When Unum starts asking for these, they’re usually building a case to deny your claim. This is definitely not the time for DIY claim management.
The Surveillance Game (Yes, It’s Real)
Here’s something most people don’t know – Unum sometimes hires private investigators to follow claimants around. They’re looking for any evidence that you’re not as disabled as you claim to be. Sounds paranoid? It’s not.
They’ll advise you on what activities to avoid, what to say (and not say) in recorded phone interviews, and how to document your limitations properly.
My friend’s brother got his claim denied because Unum’s investigator filmed him carrying groceries to his car. The problem? He had a back injury, and his doctor had said he couldn’t lift more than 10 pounds. Those grocery bags looked heavier on camera than they actually were, but try explaining that to an adjuster.
Getting Your Ducks in a Row: What Professionals Actually Do
When you hire professional help, here’s what they typically handle:
They review your entire medical history and identify potential problem areas before Unum does. You might have said your back pain began after a car crash; however your medical records indicate you had complained about back problems six months prior, to that event, which can jeopardize a claim.. Nevertheless experts are skilled, at handling discrepancies.
They communicate with your doctors to make sure medical reports support your claim properly. Doctors are great at treating patients, but they’re not always great at writing reports. Professionals know what language Unum wants to see and can guide your healthcare providers accordingly.
They handle all the paperwork and deadlines. Miss a deadline with Unum? Your claim could be automatically denied. Professionals have systems in place to track every requirement and due date.
Your Claim, Your Choice
Look, not everyone needs professional help with their Unum claim. If you’ve got a straightforward case – say, a broken leg with clear X-rays and a definitive healing timeline – you might be fine handling things yourself.
But if your situation is complicated, if you’re dealing with a chronic condition, or if Unum starts giving you the runaround, professional help isn’t just beneficial – it’s essential.
Sarah wishes she had hired help from the beginning instead of waiting until after her denial. “I thought I was saving money,” she told me last week. “But I ended up spending more time, more stress, and probably more money in the long run.”
The next time someone you know is filing a disability claim with Unum, maybe share Sarah’s story. Sometimes the best advice comes from learning about someone else’s mistakes – so you don’t have to make them yourself.
