How To Screw Up Your Long-Term Disability Claim – With Facebook

A new client opens a file with an experienced ERISA law firm. The first thing they see? A lengthy investigative report that starts with screen shots of his celebrating his physical prowess while vacationing! The investigators didn’t have to work very hard to find it. They just clicked, and there it was, in all its glory, on his open Facebook page.

There goes his claim!

They didn’t stop there, though. The insurance company talked to his neighbors, made “discreet inquiries” (probably called him directly) to see whether he was running a business on the side. They didn’t have video this time, but many files are filled with surveillance video that insurance companies have gotten from unsuspecting claimants.

Usually, the claimant expresses outrage: “How dare they sit on my street and video me. It’s an invasion of privacy for them to follow me to my doctor’s office.” The reply: “Don’t lie to the insurance company. What were you thinking?”

Here are some tips on not sinking your long term disability claim:

• Be honest and straightforward when you tell the insurance company what you can and can’t do. Cheaters ALWAYS get caught.
• Be aware that if the insurance company knows when your next doctor’s appointment is they will likely be videotaping your trip. Don’t stop at the mall to shop.
• Don’t post stupid stuff to Facebook and, at the very least, update your social media privacy settings.

Don’t think that an experienced long-term disability lawyer can work miracles. There’s a lot an experienced firm can do to improve your chances of winning but changing the reality of a video or photo or Facebook comment isn’t one of them.

If you have questions about your ERISA disability claim, or you have received a denial letter from your employer’s insurance company, give us a call today!