Prudential Claim Denials Attorney
Dedicated Prudential Claim Denial Lawyers Serving Clients Around the United States
Prudential Disability Insurance, a subsidiary of Prudential Financial Inc., founded in 1875 in Newark, New Jersey, serves over 50 million customers across more than 50 countries. The company offers group and individual disability insurance, providing income replacement for short-term or long-term disabilities. However, policyholders seeking benefits often face challenges, including claim denials, leading many to seek the expertise of a Prudential claim denials attorney to navigate disputes and secure their rightful benefits.
History of Legal Challenges
Prudential Disability has faced significant legal scrutiny, particularly regarding its claims handling and benefits administration. Policyholders have frequently turned to our attorneys to address wrongful denials and improper practices, as evidenced by numerous lawsuits.
Class Action Lawsuits
1982–1995 Fraudulent Sales Practices
Between 1982 and 1995, Prudential was accused of defrauding approximately eight million policyholders through improper sales tactics, affecting nearly 11 million policies. The Multi-State Life Insurance Task Force, formed in 1995, uncovered “widespread evidence of fraudulent sales practices and inadequate supervision by Prudential’s management.” The Task Force noted that Prudential was aware of “cases of alleged misrepresentation” but failed to investigate or discipline effectively. A court-ordered settlement required Prudential to pay $90 million in attorneys’ fees and compensate affected policyholders based on individual harm. In: RE Prudential Insurance Company of America Sales Practice Litigation. Nos. 97-5155, 97-5156, 97-5217, 97-5312. Policyholders impacted by such practices often relied on Prudential claim denial lawyers to pursue justice.
2014 Veterans’ Benefits Dispute
In 2014, families of veterans filed a class action lawsuit alleging that Prudential wrongfully denied benefits under the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Act. The plaintiffs claimed Prudential’s refusal violated the U.S. Constitution’s Equal Protections Clause and constituted breaches of contract, good faith, fiduciary duty, and unjust enrichment. The case settled with Prudential paying nearly $40 million to military families. Hamilton v. Prudential Ins. Co. of Am., 18 F. Supp. 3d 571, (D.N.J. 2014). A Prudential claim denials attorney can be instrumental in resolving such complex disputes involving federal protections.
Individual Lawsuits Highlighting Claim Denials
Prudential’s claim denials have also prompted individual lawsuits, often requiring the expertise of a lawyer from Eric Buchanan & Associates to challenge improper decisions.
2017 Mental Illness Limitation Case
In 2017, a court ruled that Prudential wrongfully applied a 24-month mental illness limitation to a plaintiff’s claim. The plaintiff, John Doe, was unable to work due to HIV infections and related conditions, including depression. Initially deemed disabled, Doe received benefits until Prudential attempted to enforce a 2009 mental illness limitation. The court found this limitation inapplicable, ruling that Doe’s benefits were wrongfully denied. Doe v. Prudential Ins. Co. of Am., Case No. CV 15-04089 AB (FFMx). A Prudential claim denials attorney can help policyholders challenge similar misapplications of policy terms.
2018 Paquin Case
In Paquin v. Prudential Ins. Co. of Am., Prudential paid Michael Paquin’s long-term disability benefits for 11 years before abruptly terminating them, citing new evidence that Paquin was not disabled. Despite 16 healthcare professionals confirming Paquin’s disability from encephalitis contracted via West Nile Virus, Prudential’s three hired physicians disputed the claim. After multiple rejected appeals, a judge ruled in 2018 that Prudential acted arbitrarily and capriciously, reinstating Paquin’s benefits. Civil Action No. 16-cv-02142-RBJ (D. Colo. Jul. 26, 2018). Cases like this underscore the importance of hiring an attorney to counter biased medical reviews.
Government Investigations
In 2023, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration investigated Prudential’s life insurance practices. The investigation revealed that Prudential collected premiums from participants for extended periods but denied claims after their deaths, citing a lack of evidence of insurability. The settlement prohibited Prudential from denying claims based on missing insurability evidence if premiums were paid for over three months and introduced protections to prevent denials more than a year after premium payments began. Policyholders facing such denials can benefit from consulting a Prudential claim denials attorney to enforce these protections.
Why Choose Our Law Firm for Prudential Claim Denials?
At Eric Buchanan & Associates, our dedicated Prudential claim denial attorneys are committed to helping policyholders whose disability insurance claims have been unfairly denied by Prudential. Our firm combines extensive experience, specialized knowledge, and a client-focused approach to deliver exceptional legal representation.
- Our attorneys bring decades of experience successfully resolving disability insurance disputes, including complex Prudential claim denials, ensuring skilled advocacy for your case.
- We maintain an in-depth understanding of Prudential’s claims processes and stay current on relevant legal precedents, enabling us to craft compelling arguments tailored to your situation.
- Recognized as leaders in disability insurance law, Eric Buchanan & Associates advocates for policyholders nationwide, earning a reputation for authoritative representation.
- We prioritize clear, honest communication and personalized service, building trust with our clients as we work diligently to secure the benefits you are entitled to.
If Prudential has denied your disability claim, don’t face the appeals process alone. Contact a Prudential claim denials attorney at Eric Buchanan & Associates today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can help you obtain the benefits you deserve.