By Frank N. Darras Founding Partner, DarrasLaw | Nationally Recognized Disability Expert Last Updated: May 2026
Frank Darras has evaluated more disability claims than any lawyer in the United States. This guide provides insider knowledge on the specific legal hurdles of a Principal Financial Group denial, focusing on ERISA compliance and bad-faith litigation strategy.
What You Need to Know About Principal Financial Group Denial
When you buy disability insurance you expect it to be there for you when you need it. Unfortunately, many policyholders find themselves facing a Principal Financial Group claim denial when they file a claim. This can be brutal especially when you’re counting on those benefits to keep you financially afloat during a short-term or long-term disability.
At DarrasLaw we know the frustration and challenges of a Principal Financial Group denial and we’re here to help policyholders through this tough process.
Understanding Disability Insurance
Disability insurance is a crucial safety net for individuals who find themselves unable to work due to illness or injury. This type of insurance is designed to replace a portion of your income, helping you maintain your standard of living even when you’re unable to earn a paycheck. You can purchase disability insurance individually or through an employer-sponsored group plan. Principal Financial Group is one of the leading providers in this field, offering a variety of policies tailored to both individuals and groups. Understanding the specifics of your disability insurance policy with Principal Financial can help you navigate the claims process more effectively.
Principal Financial Group Disability Insurance
Principal Financial Group offers individual and group short-term and long-term disability insurance policies. These policies are marketed with features like non-cancelable terms, guaranteed premiums to age 65 and portable individual plans that follow you if you change jobs. While these plans promise security, many policyholders run into unexpected problems when they file a claim.
A Principal Financial Group denial can occur because of:
- Incomplete or inaccurate claim forms.
- Disputes over whether a disability meets the policy terms.
- Arguments over pre-existing conditions or lack of evidence to support a claim.
Understanding your policy, including the definitions of disability (e.g. “own occupation” or “any occupation”) is key to filing a strong claim and appealing if your benefits are denied.
How Principal Financial Handles Disability Claims
When you submit a disability claim to Principal Financial Group, the company follows a structured process to determine your eligibility for benefits. Initially, they will review your application and the supporting documentation to see if you meet the policy’s definition of disability. This review often involves requesting additional information or medical records from your healthcare providers. Principal Financial may also conduct surveillance or investigations to verify your disability and ensure that you are not engaging in activities that contradict your claimed condition. Understanding this process can help you prepare a more robust claim and anticipate potential challenges.
Why Disability Claims Are Denied
Disability insurance companies, including Principal Financial Group, are businesses that want to minimize payouts to protect their profits. Receiving a disability insurance denial letter can be disheartening, but understanding the reasons behind the denial is crucial for a successful appeal. A Principal Financial Group denial often happens because:
- Delays and Requests for More Information: Claims are delayed through repeated requests for information or vague explanations of missing documents.
- Pre-Existing Conditions Clauses: Policies will cite pre-existing conditions as a reason for denial even if those conditions have nothing to do with the current disability.
- Strict Definitions of Disability: Policies will require claimants to meet very high standards, such as proving they can’t do their “own occupation” or any similar work.
- Not Enough Medical Evidence: Claims will be denied if medical records or documentation don’t meet the insurance company’s requirements.
If you’ve been denied by Principal Financial Group you’re not alone and there’s something you can do about it.
Surveillance and Investigation
Principal Financial Group may employ surveillance and investigation techniques to validate the authenticity of your disability claim. This can include monitoring your social media activity, conducting video surveillance, or hiring private investigators to observe your daily activities. The goal of these methods is to ensure that you are not misrepresenting your disability or participating in activities that are inconsistent with your claimed condition. Being aware of these practices can help you understand the importance of honesty and consistency in your claim.
Addressing Delayed, Denied, or Undervalued Principal Disability Claims
Are you struggling to secure long-term disability benefits from Principal Financial Group? Navigating these challenges can be daunting, but reaching out to an experienced disability lawyer is essential. A skilled Principal disability attorney can assist you in addressing the unfair practices and obstacles you may encounter, such as:
- Challenges in reaching the appropriate representative
- Unnecessary requests for tests or procedures
- Demands for irrelevant information
- Issues with the accuracy or completeness of medical records
- Denials influenced by surveillance tactics
- Ignoring medical evidence or expert testimony
- Improper delays or extending deadlines beyond legal limits
If you’ve encountered any of these tactics, it’s important to act quickly. Our knowledgeable disability attorneys have extensive experience dealing with insurers like Principal, helping clients overcome delays, denials, and undervalued claims every day. Let us guide you through the process and fight for the benefits you deserve.
The Importance of Medical Evidence
Medical evidence is the cornerstone of any disability claim with Principal Financial Group. To support your claim, you will need to provide comprehensive medical records, including doctor’s notes, test results, and other relevant documentation that clearly demonstrate your disability. The quality and thoroughness of this medical evidence can significantly influence the outcome of your claim. Claimants who submit detailed and well-documented medical records are more likely to have their claims approved. Conversely, insufficient medical evidence can lead to a denial. Ensuring that your medical documentation is complete and aligns with the policy’s requirements is essential for a successful claim.
Denial from Principal Financial Group
If you’ve been denied, don’t give up. Principal Financial must send you a disability insurance denial letter explaining why they denied your claim and the appeals process. Here’s how to start an appeal:
- Get Your Claim File: The claim file has all the evidence they used to deny your benefits. Review it to see what’s missing or incomplete.
- Find Errors or Gaps: Look for inconsistencies, errors or holes in the information they used to deny your claim. Fix those and you’ll strengthen your appeal.
- Add New Evidence: Send in any missing medical records, test results or expert opinions that support your case. New evidence can make a big difference.
- Meet Deadlines: Appeals have strict deadlines. Make sure all paperwork is in on time to avoid losing your right to challenge the denial.
The Importance of Legal Help
Filing a claim or appealing a claim can be overwhelming when facing the Principal Financial machine. An experienced disability lawyer can make all the difference. Attorneys who have experience with Principal Financial Group denials know the tricks the insurers use to deny claims. They can guide you through the process, make sure you meet all the requirements and advocate for you.
An experienced attorney can also help you challenge unfair practices such as:
- Using surveillance or unrelated medical info.
- Ignoring valid evidence.
- Delaying or stalling.
- Lowball settlement offers that undervalue your claim.
After a Principal Financial Group Denial
A denial is not the end. By carefully reviewing your disability insurance denial letter, you can identify the reasons for the denial and plan your next steps. By knowing your policy, getting all the evidence and getting expert help, you can overcome the hurdles of a Principal Financial Group denial. Whether you’re filing a claim for the first time or appealing a bad decision, persistence and strategy will get you there.
Navigating the ERISA Appeal: Why Your First Move is Your Only Move
If your Principal disability coverage is through your employer, it is governed by a federal law known as ERISA. This law creates a significant hurdle for policyholders: the Administrative Record.
When Principal denies your claim, you are granted a single opportunity to appeal (usually within 180 days). Crucially, if your appeal is denied and you file a lawsuit, you are generally not allowed to introduce new evidence. A judge will only look at the evidence already in the file. To win, your appeal must include:
- Detailed Vocational Analysis: Proving why you cannot perform your specific occupational duties.
- Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs): Objective testing to refute Principal’s “paper-only” medical reviews.
- Treating Physician Statements: Specific narratives from your doctors that address the exact language in your Principal policy.
Individual Policies: Holding Principal Accountable for Bad Faith
Unlike group plans, Individual Disability Insurance (IDI) policies from Principal offer much stronger consumer protections under state law. If Principal has unreasonably delayed, lowballed, or wrongfully denied your individual claim, we may be able to pursue a Bad Faith Lawsuit.
In a bad faith case, we don’t just fight for your monthly benefits; we can seek:
- Damages for emotional distress.
- Punitive damages to punish the insurer for unfair practices.
- Attorney’s fees and legal costs.
Why Principal Denies Claims at the 24-Month Mark
A common tactic in Principal policies is the “Change of Definition.” For the first two years, you are disabled if you cannot perform your own occupation. After 24 months, the standard usually shifts to “any occupation.”
Principal often uses this transition as a “trigger” for denial. They may hire a vocational expert to claim you have “transferable skills” for a sedentary job you’ve never performed. We specialize in refuting these vocational reports by highlighting the cognitive and physical demands of your true career.
How DarrasLaw Can Help You With Your Denial
A Principal Financial Group denial is not the final answer. The attorneys at DarrasLaw know the claims process, how to appeal a wrongful denial, and how to hold the insurance company accountable. Whether you’re filing an initial claim or appealing a denial we can help you:
- Understand Your Policy: We’ll help you understand your policy language including definitions of disability and benefit limitations.
- Build Your Case: We’ll work with you to gather and present all your medical and vocational evidence.
- Expose Unfair Tactics: Insurance companies will use stalling, burdensome documentation requests or vague explanations for denial. We’ll make sure these tactics are addressed.
- Appeal Aggressively: If your initial claim is denied we can help prepare and file a strong appeal within the time limits.
We want to get you the benefits you’re entitled to and make sure a Principal Financial Group denial doesn’t ruin your financial stability.
Meet Our Disability Attorneys
Frank N. Darras, Founding Partner
Experience: For more than 30 years, Frank N. Darras has focused exclusively on long-term disability and insurance litigation, including high-stakes disputes against Unum.
Track Record: He and his firm have recovered nearly $1 billion in wrongfully delayed and denied insurance benefits for policyholders nationwide.
Recognition: Named to Lawdragon’s Top 500 Lawyers in America for 18 consecutive years and listed in Best Lawyers in America since 2006, Mr. Darras is widely regarded as a leading authority on ERISA and disability insurance law.
Susan B. Grabarsky, Senior Trial Attorney
Experience: Ms. Grabarsky represents both individual policyholders and employee groups in complex disability disputes. Her prior experience as an insurance cost-containment analyst provides unique insight into how carriers like Unum evaluate and deny claims.
Approach: She leverages her understanding of insurer review tactics to strategically challenge denials and push for full payment of valid benefits.
Reputation: Known for meticulous preparation and assertive advocacy, she has built a strong record confronting unfair disability practices.
Heather Gardner, Senior Associate
Experience: Heather Gardner concentrates on ERISA-governed and individual disability appeals involving Unum and other national carriers.
Role in Litigation: Working closely with Frank Darras, she helps develop comprehensive administrative records and appellate strategies designed to withstand federal court scrutiny.
Professional Strength: She is respected for her precision in analyzing policy language and dismantling complex denial rationales.
Phillip S. Bather, Associate Attorney
Experience: Phillip S. Bather focuses on ERISA litigation and insurance bad-faith disputes, assisting clients through intake, claim development, and administrative appeals.
Case Strategy: He works to assemble compelling evidentiary records aimed at reversing unjust denials and positioning cases for successful litigation when necessary.
Client Commitment: Recognized for his responsiveness and detail-oriented advocacy, he supports claimants facing aggressive insurer resistance.
Trusted Legal Credentials
- AV Preeminent® Rating – Martindale-Hubbell
- Best Lawyers in America – Disability Law
- Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Lawyers
These distinctions reflect decades of focused experience, ethical representation, and consistent results in complex disability insurance litigation.
Contact DarrasLaw to Guide You in Your Principal Financial Group Denial
If you’ve been denied by Principal Financial Group, you don’t have to accept it without a fight. The insurance company will use technicalities or incomplete information to deny a claim. By knowing your rights and getting expert help, you can fight back against wrongful denials.
We’ll help you get the benefits you paid for. Short-term or long-term disability claims. We’re here for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I handle my Principal appeal without a lawyer?
You can, but it is highly risky. In ERISA cases, once the appeal is submitted, the record is "closed." If you don't include a critical piece of evidence now, you cannot use it later in court. Most policyholders are unaware of the technical evidence required to build a "court-ready" file.
Does Principal use private investigators to film me?
Yes. Principal frequently conducts surveillance. They look for any footage of you driving, carrying groceries, or walking the dog to claim your limitations are exaggerated. Always assume you are being watched or monitored on social media during a denial.
How long does a Principal disability appeal take?
Under ERISA law, Principal usually has 45 days to make a decision on your appeal, with a possible 45-day extension. If they fail to meet these deadlines, they may be in violation of federal regulations.
What is a "Peer Review" doctor?
Principal often hires third-party doctors to review your file. These doctors are paid by the insurance industry and rarely, if ever, examine you in person. They frequently override the opinions of your actual treating physicians.
Should I sign the "Authorization to Release Information" Principal sent me?
Be careful. These forms are often overly broad and allow Principal to dig into your entire medical and financial history—even records unrelated to your disability. We recommend having an attorney review all authorizations.
Can I sue Principal for emotional distress if they deny me?
Only if you have an Individual Policy. If your policy is an ERISA/Group plan through work, federal law prohibits you from suing for emotional distress or punitive damages; you are generally limited to recovering the benefits owed.
What happens if I win my appeal?
If your appeal is successful, Principal must pay all "back benefits" (the money owed from the date of denial) and reinstate your monthly payments moving forward.
Why did Principal send me to an Independent Medical Exam (IME)?
"Independent" is a misnomer. These exams are requested by Principal to find a reason to stop paying your benefits. If Principal schedules an IME, it is almost always a precursor to a denial.
Do I have to pay DarrasLaw upfront to fight my Principal denial?
No. We work on a contingency fee basis. We do not charge any upfront fees or retainers. We only get paid if we successfully recover your benefits or reach a settlement.
Disclaimer: Case results, outcomes, and testimonials are not guarantees of future success. Every claim is unique. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your circumstances, contact one of our attorneys directly.
