In Wake of CIGNA Settlement, Consult a Top Disability Lawyer

Ontario, CA (PRWEB) July 17, 2013

On May 13, the Department of Insurance from five states completed a multi-year investigation of Cigna Insurance Company’s long term disability claims process and entered into a Regulatory Settlement Agreement. As the nation’s top long term disability attorney, Frank N. Darras warns claimants that they should use extreme caution when seeking benefits during the reassessment period without first consulting with a top rated disability insurance attorney.

“This is confirmation that Cigna / Life Insurance Company of North America may have mishandled long term disability claims resulting in the wrongful denial of thousands of disability claims. While the opportunity to have your claim reassessed is great, make sure to consult an experienced long term disability insurance lawyer first so you don’t mistakenly waive your rights to a lawsuit later and to ensure you follow the reassessment process correctly,” says Darras.

The agreement, which was led by the states of California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania requires Cigna to implement enhanced claim handling procedures, undergo monthly monitoring and reporting to the Department of Insurance for two years, and reassess long term disability denials for the residents of the five states which occurred anytime in 2009 and 2010. For California residents, the reassessment reaches claims back to 2008.

“If your claim was denied by Cigna during this time period and you live in one of the above named states, you should contact a disability insurance lawyer immediately. You must notify Cigna of your right to have your claim reevaluated within 60 days of the date of the letter. Before submitting this reevaluation, be sure to seek legal advice and representation from a top disability insurance attorney and communicate with them regularly throughout the process. Be warned that Cigna isn’t automatically obligated to pay denied claims and anticipate that the level of scrutiny will be heightened with the spotlight on unreasonable denial Cigna will be going through your reevaluation with a fine tooth comb,” says Darras.

Darras and his long term disability team are committed to helping claimants get all they rightfully deserve and would be happy to help any individual who does not have the resources to take such action. DarrasLaw has an emergency hotline number for anyone affected by the CIGNA settlement and can be reached by calling 800-458-4577.

“Don’t wait to reach out for help. This process is tricky and it helps to have an experienced top long term disability insurance lawyer on your side who has worked with similar cases. Pick up the phone and get real help today,” says Darras.

About the California Department of Insurance

Life Insurance Company of North America ("LINA"), and the California Department of Insurance entered into a Stipulation and Waiver, File Number UPA 2012 00018 signed on May 10, 2013 by Matthew G. Manders, President of LINA.

The California Department of Insurance issued this press release:
For Release: May 24, 2013
Insurance Commissioner announces multi-state settlement for improper disability claim handling practices case against major insurer
CIGNA to pay $1.6 Million in fines/fees and up to $70 Million to policyholders

About DarrasLaw America's Top Disability Firm

DarrasLaw, its attorneys, including founder Frank N. Darras, the nation’s top disability insurance attorney, have received numerous honors and awards from peers, validating the claim that we are America's top disability firm. Lawdragon has singled out Frank N. Darras for five years in a row as one of the Top 500 Lawyers in America. Since its inception, Super Lawyers has honored him by naming him to its list for his work with disability insurance policyholders. The American Association of Justice lists him as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in California. Best Lawyers in America has profiled DarrasLaw and the firm's accomplishments on behalf of the disadvantaged and disabled.

At DarrasLaw, our compassion goes hand-in-hand with our legal expertise. We take pride not only in the results we achieve, but the care our team provides along the way. We hire only the top disability attorneys and staff, including our in-house nurse, for their compassion as much as their expertise and knowledge. Hiring the cream of the crop has been critical to maintaining our position as America's top disability firm.

Our national reach plays a role too. People from all 50 states turn to us for help with individual disability insurance matters.

Nationwide, we review more than 2,500 claims a month. In any given year, we handle more cases than many firms handle in their lifetime. We have recovered more than $750 million in wrongfully denied insurance benefits.

Darras is available for interviews. Contact robin(at)mcdavidpr(dot)com.

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/7/prweb10935749.htm