The Standard Insurance Company Denials Attorney
Denied Under a Standard Disability Policy?
The Standard Insurance Company administers employer sponsored long term disability policies nationwide. Many of these policies are governed by ERISA and grant The Standard discretionary authority to interpret plan language and determine eligibility for benefits.
When The Standard denies or terminates disability benefits, federal courts often do not simply decide whether a claimant is disabled. Instead, courts examine whether the insurer’s decision resulted from a deliberate and principled reasoning process and whether it is supported by substantial evidence in the administrative record.
Because The Standard often serves as both the decision maker and payor of benefits, courts sometimes recognize a structural conflict of interest that must be considered when reviewing a denial.
Documented History of the Standard’s Claim Practices
Discretionary Authority and Judicial Review
Many disability policies issued or administered by The Standard grant discretionary authority. When that authority exists, courts apply the arbitrary and capricious standard of review. Under that standard, a denial will be upheld only if it is reasonable and supported by substantial evidence.
Evaluation of Medical Evidence
Courts reviewing disability claims examine whether the insurer reasonably evaluated competing medical opinions, addressed treating physician findings, and explained its reasoning. A denial must reflect a principled analysis of the evidence rather than selective reliance on portions of the record.
Limited Judicial Review Under ERISA
In most ERISA cases, federal courts limit review to the administrative record. This means the appeal stage is often the final opportunity to submit medical documentation, vocational analysis, and expert opinions before litigation.
The Standard’s Claim Practices And Legal Framework
Disability determinations made by The Standard are governed by federal ERISA law when the policy is employer sponsored. Under ERISA, plan administrators must provide claimants with a “full and fair review” of benefit denials.
When discretionary authority applies, courts review whether the insurer’s decision was arbitrary and capricious. This requires the decision to result from a deliberate and principled reasoning process and to be supported by substantial evidence.
Courts also consider whether the insurer properly interpreted the plan’s definition of disability, reasonably weighed medical evidence, and adequately explained its conclusions.
Courts do not simply defer without question. They examine whether the insurer followed a reasoned process and properly considered the evidence before reaching its conclusion.
See Our Happy Client Reviews
Financial Pressure on Claim Decision Makers
In many ERISA governed plans, the insurer both decides claims and pays benefits from its own funds. The United States Supreme Court has recognized that this dual role creates a structural conflict of interest that must be weighed in judicial review.
While the existence of a conflict does not automatically render a denial improper, it becomes more significant where questions arise about how evidence was evaluated or how conclusions were reached.
Understanding this framework is critical when challenging a denial.
How We Approach The Standard’s Disability Claims
Challenging a disability denial from The Standard requires more than simply submitting additional medical records. It requires a strategic approach tailored to ERISA’s procedural rules and the applicable standard of review.
Our approach focuses on:
- Careful review of policy language
- Determining whether discretionary authority applies
- Developing detailed medical evidence tied to policy definitions
- Addressing insurer retained medical reviewers
- Submitting vocational analysis where appropriate
- Preparing cases for federal litigation when necessary
Because courts often limit review to the administrative record, building the strongest possible appeal is critical.
Our Role As Advocates
At Eric Buchanan & Associates, we represent individuals nationwide in long term disability disputes under ERISA and private disability policies.
If The Standard denied or terminated your benefits, strict deadlines apply. The administrative appeal may be your final opportunity to submit critical evidence. Call (877) 634-2506 to discuss your claim.
Contact Us Today!
You don’t have to deal with the insurance company alone. If your claim was denied, delayed, or handled unfairly, our team is ready to review your case and help you understand your next steps.