How Do I Know If I Have Grounds to File a Lawsuit Against The Standard?
When The Standard Insurance Company denies, delays, or terminates a valid disability insurance claim, the consequences can be devastating. Policyholders often depend on these benefits to pay mortgages, medical bills, and everyday living expenses. Unfortunately, many claims are wrongfully denied—leaving claimants unsure whether they have legal grounds to take action.
If you’re asking, “Do I have grounds to file a lawsuit against The Standard?” this guide will walk you through the most common red flags, your legal rights, and when it may be time to speak with an experienced disability insurance attorney.
Understanding Your Relationship With The Standard
The Standard issues both ERISA-governed group disability policies and individual disability insurance policies. The type of policy you have is critical, as it determines:
- Whether federal ERISA law applies
- The appeals process you must follow
- Your right to file a lawsuit—and when
At DarrasLaw, our attorneys focus exclusively on disability insurance claims and litigation, including complex cases involving The Standard.
Common Signs You May Have Grounds to Sue The Standard
While every case is unique, there are recurring patterns that indicate potential wrongdoing by insurers. You may have grounds to file a lawsuit against The Standard if you’ve experienced any of the following:
- Your Claim Was Denied Without a Clear or Valid Explanation
Insurers are required to provide specific reasons for a denial. If The Standard relied on vague language, boilerplate explanations, or ignored key medical evidence, this may constitute a wrongful denial. - The Standard Ignored or Discounted Your Treating Physician’s Opinion
A common tactic is favoring paid “independent” medical reviewers over your long-term treating doctors. Courts have repeatedly scrutinized insurers for cherry-picking evidence or dismissing consistent medical support. - Your Benefits Were Terminated After Previously Being Approved
Benefit termination is often more suspicious than an initial denial. If your medical condition has not improved—or has worsened—but benefits were cut off, this may signal bad faith or procedural violations. - The Standard Relied on Flawed Surveillance or File Reviews
Insurers may use short surveillance clips or paper-only medical reviews to justify denial or termination. These methods often misrepresent a claimant’s true functional limitations. - Excessive Delays or Administrative Obstacles
Unreasonable delays, repeated requests for the same documents, or failure to respond within required timelines may violate ERISA regulations or state insurance laws.
ERISA vs. Individual Disability Lawsuits: Why It Matters
ERISA-Governed Policies
Most employer-sponsored disability plans fall under ERISA, which requires:
- Exhausting the administrative appeal process before filing suit
- Strict deadlines and procedural compliance
- Lawsuits filed in federal court
Failure to submit critical evidence during the appeal stage can permanently harm your case.
Individual Disability Policies
If you purchased your policy independently, you may have broader rights, including:
- Jury trials
- Claims for bad faith insurance practices
- Punitive damages in some states
Determining which laws apply is essential before pursuing legal action.
What Evidence Strengthens a Lawsuit Against The Standard?
Strong cases are supported by:
- Comprehensive medical records
- Consistent physician statements
- Vocational expert reports
- Proof of procedural violations
- Documentation of insurer bias or conflicts of interest
DarrasLaw builds claims as if they are going to trial from day one—because insurance companies take cases seriously when they know the law firm does.
When Should You Contact a Disability Insurance Attorney?
You should speak with an attorney immediately if:
- Your claim has been denied or terminated
- You are approaching an appeal deadline
- The Standard is requesting additional evaluations
- You suspect your claim is being mishandled
Early legal involvement often makes the difference between approval and permanent denial.
Why Policyholders Trust DarrasLaw
DarrasLaw is nationally recognized for representing disability insurance claimants against major insurers—including The Standard. The firm’s attorneys have decades of experience, a proven litigation track record, and an exclusive focus on disability insurance law.
Unlike general practice firms, DarrasLaw understands the internal tactics insurers use and how to counter them effectively.
If The Standard has denied, delayed, or terminated your disability benefits without a legitimate basis, you may have strong grounds to pursue legal action. However, these cases are complex, time-sensitive, and governed by strict legal rules.
Speaking with an experienced disability insurance attorney can help you understand your rights, preserve critical evidence, and determine the best path forward.
About DarrasLaw
DarrasLaw represents individual disability policyholders and ERISA claimants nationwide. The firm is widely regarded as a leader in disability insurance litigation and has successfully challenged wrongful claim denials by The Standard and other major insurers.