What Is the Main Reason People Sue Unum?
Unum is one of the largest disability insurance companies in the United States, providing both short-term and long-term disability coverage to millions of employees. While many policyholders receive the benefits they are entitled to, a significant number of people end up suing Unum after their disability claims are denied, delayed, or mishandled.
If you are facing a claim denial from Unum, you are not alone—and understanding why people commonly sue Unum can help you recognize if you might have a valid case as well.
DarrasLaw explores the main reason people take legal action against Unum and what you should know if you are considering a lawsuit.
The #1 Reason: Wrongful Denial or Termination of Disability Benefits
The most common reason people sue Unum is wrongful denial or termination of disability benefits.
This happens when Unum:
- Denies a claim outright, even though there is strong medical evidence of disability
- Approves benefits at first, but then cuts them off prematurely without evidence of improvement
- Ignores or downplays medical records, physician opinions, or specialist reports
- Claims that a person can work in another occupation, despite clear evidence of disability
These actions can leave disabled workers without income at the very moment they need support the most. In many cases, people turn to lawsuits as a last resort to enforce their contractual right to benefits.
Why Unum Denies Valid Claims
Insurers like Unum are for-profit companies, and denying or terminating claims can save them money. Common tactics used to justify a denial include:
- Cherry-picking evidence—highlighting small inconsistencies in medical records while ignoring the overall diagnosis
- Relying on in-house medical reviewers who never examine the patient in person
- Misinterpreting policy definitions of “disability” or “own occupation”
- Using surveillance or social media posts out of context to suggest the claimant is not disabled
While these practices may be framed as “due diligence,” they often result in legitimate claims being wrongfully denied, forcing claimants to file appeals and, ultimately, lawsuits.
ERISA Makes Suing Unum More Complex
Most Unum disability policies provided through employers are governed by ERISA (the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974). This federal law sets strict rules for how claims and appeals must be handled.
Under ERISA:
- You must complete an internal appeal with Unum before filing a lawsuit
- The court generally reviews only the evidence submitted during the appeal
- There is no jury trial or discovery, and judges often give deference to Unum’s decision
- Remedies are limited to back benefits and possibly attorney’s fees—not punitive damages
Because of these strict rules, building a strong appeal is critical. If you later sue, the judge will base their decision solely on the record you created during that appeal.
Other Reasons People Sue Unum
While wrongful denial is the most common reason, people also sue Unum for related issues such as:
- Failure to conduct a fair investigation
- Unreasonable delays in processing claims or appeals
- Misrepresentation of policy terms
- Retaliation or bad faith practices
These types of actions can be especially important in non-ERISA individual policies, where claimants may be able to seek additional damages under state law.
What to Do If You Think Unum Wrongfully Denied Your Claim
If you believe Unum has wrongly denied or cut off your disability benefits, act quickly:
- Request your complete claim file from Unum in writing.
- Review your denial letter carefully to understand their stated reasons.
- Gather all supporting medical evidence and statements from your doctors.
- Consult an experienced disability insurance attorney before filing your appeal.
Because of ERISA’s strict deadlines and evidence rules, getting legal help early can make a major difference in your chances of success.
The main reason people sue Unum is to challenge the wrongful denial or termination of their disability benefits. Unum often denies valid claims by misinterpreting evidence, relying on biased medical reviews, or cutting off benefits prematurely.
If this has happened to you, don’t give up—you have the right to appeal and, if necessary, sue to recover the benefits you’ve earned. An attorney who understands Unum and ERISA can help you build a strong case and protect your financial security.