Suing Unum for a Denied Disability Claim
When Unum wrongfully denies or terminates your long-term disability benefits, a lawsuit can be the way to force them to pay. Here's how a Unum disability lawsuit works — and how our lawyers build one designed to win.
When can you sue Unum?
Most long-term disability policies come through an employer and are governed by a federal law called ERISA. Under ERISA, you generally can't go straight to court — you first have to exhaust Unum's internal appeal process. That appeal is the single most important stage of your claim, because in most cases a judge can only consider the evidence already in your file. Miss the appeal, or file a weak one, and you can lose the right to sue at all.
If your policy is private (not through work), different rules may apply and you may be able to bring a bad-faith claim with broader damages. Our lawyers determine which path applies to you and build the record accordingly — before a deadline closes the door.
What a Unum lawsuit involves
- 01
Exhaust the appeal
We file a complete administrative appeal, loading the record with the medical and vocational evidence a court will need.
- 02
File suit in federal court
If Unum still refuses, we sue — typically under ERISA § 502(a) to recover the benefits you're owed under the plan.
- 03
Brief the court & resolve
Many cases settle once Unum sees a strong record. If not, we argue it to a judge and press for full payment.
What you can recover
In an ERISA case, that usually means your unpaid past benefits plus reinstatement of future benefits under the policy, and sometimes attorney's fees. In a bad-faith case on a private policy, you may be able to recover additional damages. Every claim is different — a free review is the fastest way to learn what yours may be worth.