Professional Hartford Insurance Claim Denial Attorneys Serving Claimants Across the US
Hartford Denial
Hartford Appeals
Hartford Lawsuit
If you experienced injury or illness due to a work-related incident, the last thing you need is to worry about your finances. Struggling to pay medical costs and bills while away from work shouldn’t be a factor in your healing process. However, workers’ compensation does not cover some problems that develop from injury or sickness. The following will strive to provide a brief explanation of how workers’ compensation works at an insurance company like The Hartford Financial Services Group, and what remedies you have if the process fails you. Our Hartford Disability Insurance Attorney is also here to help you through the process. You do not have to go through this alone.
How The Hartford Handles Claims
If Hartford is your employer’s workers’ compensation carrier, they will advise the employer what to do if you are injured or become sick due to work. They represent your employer because they pay the premiums.
The first thing they’ll advise is to get you immediate care, provided that the provider is in the network of workers’ compensation specialists. As you receive the care you need, the employer files the claim.
The employer has a timeframe to file a claim, mandated by the state where the workplace incident occurred. Once the claim is filed, Hartford will contact the employer to notify them of the available coverage that the state and policy will allow.
At this point, the employer gets a claim number to give to you to provide the claim number to any medical provider rather than using your medical insurance.
Employees do not need to prove that their employers are liable or at fault to receive compensation.
They only have to exist in these parameters:
- The injured person is an employee of the business.
- The employee’s injuries or sickness were due to job-related responsibilities.
- The employee was injured at the location of the workplace.
- The employee’s sickness was produced because of the nature of the employment.
What Worker’s Compensation Does Not Cover
Although medical bills and wage loss are covered under workers’ comp, pain and suffering are not. Accepting workers’ compensation gives up the right to sue your employer for any additional costs related to your work injury or sickness. Psychological issues stemming from your physical work injury and pain can result in extra compensation under workers’ comp. For example, if depression or sleeplessness occurs because of the pain, workers’ compensation may cover this.
Worker’s compensation is a critical safety net for employees who get hurt or sick because of their job, but it doesn’t cover everything. For example, if you’re injured while doing something outside the scope of your work—like engaging in horseplay, breaking company rules, or handling personal errands—your claim will likely be denied. The same goes for pre-existing conditions that aren’t made worse by your job. And if drugs, alcohol, or other forms of misconduct played a role in the injury, worker’s compensation won’t step in to help.
It’s also important to know that worker’s comp doesn’t cover everything you might expect. It won’t pay for pain and suffering or punitive damages, which are only available in personal injury cases. Independent contractors and self-employed individuals usually aren’t covered unless they have specific policies. Even mental health issues, like stress or anxiety, typically aren’t included unless they stem directly from a specific traumatic work-related event. These limitations can feel overwhelming and unfair, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. At DarrasLaw, our experienced disability lawyers can help you understand your rights and fight for the benefits you deserve when the system seems stacked against you.
Victory Over Hartford: Winning Benefits for a NICU Nurse
- Our Client’s Story: A dedicated NICU nurse, caring for critically ill newborns, suffered a car accident that left her with post-concussion syndrome, depression, and anxiety, making it impossible to handle her demanding job.
- Hartford’s Unfair Denial: Despite approving short-term disability, Hartford wrongfully denied her long-term benefits, claiming her condition wasn’t severe enough and dismissing her test results while ignoring the intense cognitive demands of NICU nursing.
- How We Won: Attorney Stephen Jessup fought back, using an independent neuropsychologist to validate her condition, securing an EEG for undeniable proof, and highlighting the critical nature of her role, forcing Hartford to reverse their denial and restore her benefits.
If Hartford has denied your disability claim, don’t let them bully you. Contact our experienced disability attorneys at DarrasLaw for a free consultation to fight for the benefits you’re owed.
About DarrasLaw
Led by Frank N. Darras, DarrasLaw stands as America’s premier disability law firm, fighting for clients nationwide. Our achievements include:
- Securing nearly $1 billion for wrongfully denied policyholders
- Evaluating over 100,000 disability claims
- Advocating for clients in every state
- Taking on insurance giants like MetLife, Unum, Prudential, The Standard, and Hartford
Based in Ontario, California, we combine unmatched expertise with relentless dedication to protect your financial future when insurers like Hartford unfairly deny your benefits. As the nation’s most awarded disability litigation firm, Frank Darras has reviewed, fought, and won more individual and group disability cases than any other attorney in the U.S. Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you—reach out to DarrasLaw for a free consultation today.
Contact Our Hartford Disability Insurance Attorney Today
If you think you need additional workers’ compensation payments but are not sure if you’re entitled, consult our Hartford Disability Insurance Attorney at DarrasLaw for advice on how to proceed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How does Hartford define “disability”?
Typically, Hartford LTD policies use an “own occupation” definition for the first 24 months, meaning you are considered disabled if you can't perform the essential duties of your own job. After that period, many policies shift to an “any occupation” standard, which requires you to be unable to work in any job suited to your education and experience.
Can Hartford terminate my disability benefits?
Yes. Hartford may terminate LTD benefits if they determine you no longer meet the policy’s disability definition. They may also seek to reduce benefits depending on other income sources (e.g., a third-party settlement).
What should I do if Hartford denies or terminates my LTD benefits?
You should carefully review the denial letter, request your full claim file, and consider an internal appeal. Because LTD claims are often governed by ERISA, strict appeal timelines apply. Having an experienced disability attorney can significantly improve your chance of success.
Does Hartford consider my Social Security Disability (SSD/SSDI) award?
Yes — Hartford should meaningfully consider an SSA (Social Security) disability determination. Some courts have found Hartford acted unreasonably when it ignored or de-emphasized such determinations.
What if Hartford requests frequent medical updates or paperwork from my doctor?
It is common for Hartford to request periodic medical records, independent medical examinations (IMEs), or functional evaluations. However, repeated or overly burdensome requests may raise concerns, and an attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
Can Hartford reduce my LTD benefits because of other payments?
Yes. For example, Hartford has a policy of offsetting LTD benefits by third-party settlement payments that compensate for lost wages.
If Hartford denies my appeal, can I take legal action?
Yes. If the internal appeal is denied, you may be able to file a lawsuit in federal court under ERISA. Courts have sometimes ruled against Hartford when they find its claim evaluation was unreasonable.
Are there known cases where Hartford’s LTD denial practices were unfair or flawed?
Yes. There are documented cases where Hartford denied or terminated benefits despite strong medical evidence, SSA awards, or functional capacity evaluations.
What can a disability attorney do for me if I’m dealing with Hartford?
- Help you understand your policy terms (e.g., definition of disability, elimination period)
- Review your claim file and identify weaknesses in Hartford’s evaluation
- Prepare and submit a strong appeal or rebuttal to Hartford’s medical reviewers
- Represent you in litigation (if needed) under ERISA
- Advocate for a fair settlement or reinstatement of benefits
Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every claim is unique. Prior outcomes do not guarantee future results. For advice specific to your situation, consult with a licensed attorney.
