Legal

In this series on long term disability income insurance , we will define disability income insurance, explain the important differences between individual and group disability income insurance, outline likely coverage issues you need to understand, take you through the claims filing process, the appeal process and your litigation options. Because of the subjective element in determining whether an insured is totally disabled and eligible for disability benefits, there is ample opportunity for an insurance company to use its “judgment” to deny or terminate benefits on a claim that a neutral third party might determine to be payable.

Do I need a lawyer to help me file a death claim? Usually not, unless it falls into one of the circumstances outlined below. However, if you think there may be a problem, or the policy is very large (or the estate is subject to Federal Estate Tax in which case it may be wise to ask tax counsel if a "disclaimer" might help reduce estate taxes before filing the claim) consulting a lawyer who knows insurance law would be wise.

I was riding at night without a light on my bike when I was hit by another vehicle. My state's law doesn't require lights on bikes after dark. Can I still sue? This depends on your state. This is a case of comparative negligence – in other words, were both you and the driver of the car careless, and if so, how much did the carelessness affect the accident?

Find out your estimated Social Security benefits at various retirement ages.

I interviewed with another company, my current boss found out, and fired me when he learned of the interview. (It was company policy.) Later I found out that the interviewer had passed on the information which I had specifically requested be held in confidence.

What can, or must, I do when a health insurance company or plan refuses to pay a claim or provide a benefit or service? If a health insurance company or plan denies a claim or refuses to provide a requested benefit or service, it is very important that the insured or member immediately review the policy, plan or evidence of coverage document relating to claim or benefit denial.

Wills can expose strong emotions in families, for they raise uncomfortable issues: death, money, and how survivors were perceived by important people in their lives. If a parent's Will specifies that one son receive less than another, does it mean the parent loved that child less, had more faith in his ability to be successful, or was simply acknowledging and anticipating differences in the children's needs?

Every state has some sort of drunk driving statute. The term drunk driving is in quotes because none of these laws require that you be drunk or intoxicated to be guilty.

ERISA, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, affects employees and employers in many ways – some of them good, some of them bad. ERISA does provide some peace of mind for employees, but not much.

No single event has greater potential for dividing a family than dividing an inheritance. This often brings out the best in some people and the worst in others. Even in the most stable families, some members view their relative worth only as tangible assets).