Accidental Death and Dismemberment Claim Paid $150,000
In less than two months the Center for Life Insurance Disputes got a $150,000 accidental death and dismemberment claim payment to our client from Hartford Life Insurance.
Getting an accidental death and dismemberment claim paid out may be one of our most challenging types of claims efforts. Accidental death insurance policies (also referred to as AD&D policies) are very specific about how a death qualifies for benefits, as well as the restrictions that can nullify the benefits. It’s important to review the policy and become educated on its features. Even when a death certificate lists the cause of death as accidental, the policy may not pay the claim due to restrictions.
Instead of waiting for the insurer to go through their standard process of gathering information, building a file, looking for reasons to deny and ultimately make a decision, we did all of it. By gathering all relevant documents and records, having our medical professional review them, putting our qualified opinion on the claim, and working closely with the insurer’s claims department, we were able to effect payment for our client without unnecessary investigation or delay. From claim submission to claim payment, our client received his money in less than two months.
A feature of accidental death and dismemberment policies, which is different than a basic life insurance policy, is the dismemberment feature. Dismemberment is the permanent loss of certain body parts or functions, but does not result in the insured’s death. This feature of the policy, when triggered, effects the payment of claim benefits. Typical dismemberment features are; the loss of sight, loss of hearing, or the loss of an arm or leg. These loss-events trigger the dismemberment benefits of an accidental death and dismemberment insurance policy. The loss of the limb or bodily function must still be the result of a covered accident and the benefit is typically a percentage of the entire policy’s death benefit (50% is quite common).
All accidental death and dismemberment insurance claims are investigated by the insurer regardless of how old the policy is. Knowing what goes on in the investigation process allows the Center to anticipate how a claim might get denied. We fill in the missing information for the insurer by carrying out our own simultaneous claim investigation. In this instance, having a good working relationship with Hartford Life Insurance Company was a significant advantage in attaining a fast claim payment.
If you need help with an accidental death or dismemberment claim, contact us for a free consultation.
