Fort Lauderdale Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance Attorney

AD&D Versus Life and Disability Insurance: Key Differences

While AD&D insurance is similar in some ways to life insurance and disability insurance, these types of policies differ in several important ways. AD&D insurance coverage is generally more limited than life insurance, which typically pays out in a wider range of scenarios.

For example, life insurance policies will almost always cover natural causes and health conditions, including:

• Heart attacks
• Strokes
• And cancer

AD&D insurance does not cover any of these natural ailments. Both short- and long-term disability insurance policies cover a significant portion of your paycheck if a disability results in your being unable to work.

Conversely, AD&D insurance will only cover up to a “face amount” that will likely be insufficient in covering you or your beneficiaries’ expenses if you pass away or are permanently unable to work. The bottom line is AD&D insurance is often no substitute for robust life insurance and disability insurance policies. However, AD&D insurance can be useful if your employer offers it as part of your benefits package.

Common Reasons for AD&D Claim Denials

Language in AD&D insurance policies can often be highly specific and should be carefully reviewed. Some policies might include industrial accidents, for example, even if the policyholder is not at fault. Other policies may only cover accidental death and will exclude disfigurement coverage.

Many AD&D claims are denied because an insurer will claim the death or disfigurement was not accidental. Beneficiaries may be expected to prove the policyholder’s death was the result of an accident and not because of some other medical condition.

Claims can also be denied if the insurer believes the death or disfigurement resulted from an intentional act, such as suicide or murder. Many policies will have convoluted exclusions that can be exploited to deny coverage, and some carriers will even attempt to argue that insufficient medical care led to the policyholder’s death and precludes their beneficiaries from receiving benefits.

How Our Accidental Death & Dismemberment Lawyer Can Help You 

We can assist you by:

• Thorough Policy Review and Clarification: We specialize in AD&D cases and will examine your policy thoroughly, clarifying terms and coverage limitations. A lawyer can anticipate and counteract denial tactics by identifying loopholes and terms that insurers may attempt to exploit.
• Assistance with Complex Claim Documentation: Proper documentation is crucial in proving an AD&D claim. Legal guidance helps ensure that all necessary medical reports, accident records, and other supporting documentation are correctly compiled and submitted. This thorough preparation is invaluable in countering insurer claims of insufficient evidence.
• Challenging Denials Based on Policy Exclusions: Insurance companies frequently deny claims based on exclusions for specific risks or activities. Legal representation can contest these exclusions by proving that the cause of death or injury falls within the policy’s coverage. We can interpret complex policy language to your advantage, arguing for the full benefits you deserve.
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies: We are well-versed in negotiating with insurers and will advocate on your behalf to secure fair compensation. Negotiations can often resolve disputes without prolonged litigation, resulting in a faster resolution for you and your family.
• Litigating Unfair Claim Denials: A dedicated AD&D lawyer will not hesitate to take your case to court if an insurance company refuses to pay. Litigation may be necessary to enforce your rights and hold insurers accountable for bad faith practices. With skilled legal representation, beneficiaries can have a much stronger case in court, making it more challenging for insurers to continue unjust denial tactics.
• Fighting Bad Faith Insurance Practices: Insurance companies are legally obligated to process claims fairly and in good faith. When insurers intentionally delay or deny legitimate claims, they may engage in bad faith practices, which can open them up to penalties and additional liability. We can help identify and address these practices, working to hold insurers accountable and secure additional compensation when warranted.