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Can I Appeal a Unum Denial Without a Lawyer?

Facing a Unum disability claim denial is frustrating and overwhelming, especially when you’re already dealing with health challenges and financial stress. You might be wondering: Can I appeal a Unum denial without a lawyer? The short answer is yes, you can—but it’s a risky path that could jeopardize your chances of success. Unum is a formidable opponent, known for its complex policies and aggressive denial tactics. While it’s possible to go it alone, enlisting an experienced disability attorney can make all the difference in securing the benefits you deserve.

In this guide, we’ll explain what’s involved in appealing a Unum denial on your own, why it’s so challenging, and why partnering with a lawyer is the smartest move to protect your financial future.

Can You Appeal a Unum Denial on Your Own?

Technically, you don’t need a lawyer to appeal a Unum denial. The process involves several key steps:

Review the Denial Letter: Carefully read Unum’s denial letter to understand their reasons for rejecting your claim. It will also specify the appeal deadline, typically 180 days under ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act) regulations.
Gather Supporting Evidence: Collect comprehensive evidence to counter Unum’s denial, such as updated medical records, diagnostic test results, physician statements, personal narratives, and job descriptions that highlight your work demands.
Submit a Detailed Appeal: Write a clear, organized appeal letter that addresses each reason for denial, referencing your policy’s definition of disability and attaching all supporting documents. File it before the 180-day deadline via certified mail to ensure delivery.
Track the Process: Unum has 45 days (or up to 90 days for complex cases) to respond. Follow up if you don’t hear back within a reasonable time.
Sounds straightforward, right? Not quite. Unum’s appeals process is a minefield of legal and procedural hurdles, and going it alone can put you at a serious disadvantage.

Why Appealing Without a Lawyer Is Risky

Unum isn’t just another insurance company—it’s a multi-billion-dollar corporation with teams of adjusters, in-house doctors, and legal experts trained to minimize payouts. Here’s why tackling a Unum appeal without a lawyer is an uphill battle:

Complex Policy Language: Unum’s policies are filled with vague terms like “own occupation” or “gainful employment” that they interpret in ways that favor denial. Without legal expertise, you might miss critical nuances that could make or break your case.
Unum’s Tactics: Unum is notorious for tactics like selective use of medical evidence, reliance on biased Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs), and surveillance misrepresentations. A layperson may not know how to spot or counter these strategies effectively.
ERISA’s Strict Rules: For employer-sponsored plans, ERISA governs the appeals process. Courts typically only review the evidence you submit during the appeal, so any mistakes—like missing documents or weak arguments—can’t be fixed later in a lawsuit. Getting it right the first time is critical.
Time and Stress: Preparing a thorough appeal requires hours of research, organization, and communication with doctors, all while you’re likely managing your health and finances. One missed deadline or incomplete submission could cost you your benefits.

Without legal training, you’re essentially stepping into a high-stakes chess game against a grandmaster. Why take that risk when you don’t have to?

The Power of Partnering with a Disability Lawyer

Hiring an experienced disability attorney isn’t just a luxury—it’s a game-changer that can tip the scales in your favor. Here’s why going the lawyer route is the best decision you can make when appealing a Unum denial:

Expert Navigation of Unum’s Playbook: Lawyers who specialize in Unum cases know the insurer’s tricks inside and out—whether it’s downplaying your doctor’s opinions, misinterpreting policy terms, or using surveillance out of context. They’ll anticipate these tactics and build a bulletproof appeal to counter them.
Maximizing Your Evidence: Attorneys work with medical and vocational experts to gather compelling evidence, like detailed physician letters or functional capacity evaluations, that clearly demonstrate your disability. They ensure every piece of documentation aligns with your policy’s requirements.
Crafting a Persuasive Appeal: A lawyer will draft a professional, legally sound appeal letter that directly addresses Unum’s denial reasons, leaving no room for misinterpretation. They’ll organize your submission to make it undeniable, increasing the likelihood of approval.
Protecting Your Future: If your appeal is denied, a lawyer can guide you through next steps, like filing a lawsuit in federal court. Since ERISA limits court evidence to your appeal record, an attorney ensures your submission is comprehensive from the start, preserving your ability to win later.
Reducing Your Stress: Let’s face it—dealing with Unum is exhausting. A lawyer takes the burden off your shoulders, handling communications, deadlines, and paperwork so you can focus on your health and well-being.

Best of all, many disability attorneys offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and only owe fees if you win. With so much at stake, why wouldn’t you want a seasoned professional in your corner?

What If Your Appeal Is Denied?

If Unum denies your appeal and you didn’t use a lawyer, you’ll face an even tougher road ahead. At this point, your options may include filing a lawsuit, but ERISA’s strict rules mean you’re stuck with the evidence you submitted during the appeal. If your appeal was incomplete or poorly argued, your chances in court could be severely limited.

Hiring a lawyer at this stage is critical to evaluate your case, identify Unum’s errors (like arbitrary or capricious decision-making), and build a strong lawsuit. But the smarter move is to involve an attorney before the appeal to avoid these pitfalls altogether.

Why You Deserve a Lawyer’s Help Against Unum

Unum’s denial tactics are designed to wear you down and protect their profits, not to support you in your time of need. You’ve paid premiums for your disability coverage, and you deserve the benefits you’re entitled to. Don’t let Unum’s complex process or intimidating reputation stop you from fighting back.

An experienced disability attorney levels the playing field, giving you the expertise, strategy, and confidence to take on Unum and win. With your financial security and peace of mind on the line, investing in legal help isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential.

Why Choose Darras Law for Your Unum Appeal

At Darras Law, we’ve spent decades battling Unum and other insurance giants, recovering millions in wrongfully denied benefits for clients across the country. Our Unum appeal attorneys are experts in dismantling Unum’s tactics, from biased IMEs to vague policy interpretations. We’ll craft a rock-solid appeal, handle all communications with Unum, and fight relentlessly to secure your benefits, whether through an appeal or in court.

Don’t risk your future by going it alone. Contact DarrasLaw today for a free consultation, and let us show you why having our team on your side is the key to beating Unum. Your benefits, your livelihood, and your peace of mind are worth fighting for—let us fight with you.