What to Know About The Standard Disability Denials
Insurance companies like The Standard often operate to create wealth for their executives and investors, leading to unjust claim denials that leave policyholders without the benefits they paid for.
However, insurers have a legal duty to their policyholders to evaluate claims fairly and ethically. When they fall short, they may be acting in bad faith, which is against the law.
Find out more about The Standard disability denials:
- In 1906, the Oregon Life Insurance Co. was founded, changing their name 40 years later to Standard Insurance Company as they grew and began selling products to those in the western states.
- Today, The Standard provides coverage to more than 8.4 million people, making it one of the largest long-term disability (LTD) insurance carriers in the country.
- Unfortunately, The Standard has a history of denying and terminating legitimate disability claims, often relying on narrow policy language and hand-picked doctors whose opinions favor denial.
- An audit by the North Carolina Department of Insurance found The Standard took an average of 61 days to process a claim denial — twice as long as it took to process a payment.
- Multiple states have taken steps to ban so-called "discretionary clauses" from The Standard's policies, which gave the company unchecked power to decide who qualifies as disabled.
- The Standard has consistently gotten poor reviews, racking up a 1.1 star review rating from ConsumerAffairs and a 1.06 star review rating from the Better Business Bureau.
If The Standard has wrongfully denied your disability benefits, there are options to fight back. At Sokolove Law, our The Standard disability insurance denial attorneys can help families in all 50 states file an appeal or lawsuit for compensation.
7 Reasons for The Standard LTD Denials
Many families rely on The Standard disability benefits to cover expenses in the case of an injury or illness. However, the insurer has been known to deny valid claims, leaving policyholders without financial support when they need it most.
Common The Standard claim denial tactics include:
- Insufficient Medical Evidence: Saying your claim lacks adequate evidence of a qualifying medical condition
- Change in Definition of Disability: Shifting the definition of disability from an inability to perform your "own occupation" to "any occupation," disqualifying many claimants
- Failure to Meet Policy Definitions: Using specific language and policy terms to invalidate claims on technicalities
- Policy Exclusions and Limitations: Reclassifying certain disabilities to avoid paying out benefits
- Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion: Arguing that your disability is related to a condition that predates your policy
- Failure to Seek Regular Treatment: Claiming that your condition isn't as serious as you say or that you're not taking reasonable steps to get better
- Surveillance or Social Media Evidence: Hiring investigators to dig up evidence like photos or social media posts that show you're more capable than what your medical records suggest
The Standard may employ more than one of these tactics to intentionally make the process confusing and burdensome, with the goal of getting you to abandon your claim for benefits and boosting their bottom line.
We understand the tactics insurance companies like The Standard use to avoid paying legitimate claims, and we know how to fight back.
"At Sokolove Law, we’ve helped people nationwide challenge disability denials and recover the benefits they were rightfully owed. A bad faith insurance claim isn’t just about money — it’s about justice, accountability, and giving people the chance to move forward with dignity."
– Ricky LeBlanc, Managing Attorney of Sokolove Law
What Can I Do If The Standard Disability Insurance Company Denied My Claim?
Most states have laws banning bad faith insurance practices. However, large insurance companies like The Standard have ample legal resources at their disposal to challenge your complaints.
If The Standard has denied your long-term disability claim or your appeal, please know: You do have legal rights and may still have options to secure the benefits you're entitled to.
If you're facing a The Standard long-term disability denial, we may be able to help you:
- Understand your legal rights under ERISA, a federal law that sets minimum standards aimed at protecting workers covered by private-sector policies
- File a The Standard long-term disability insurance appeal of your denied disability claim
- Request a second appeal if your first appeal was denied
- Submit a complaint with your state’s Insurance Department to lay the groundwork for legal action
- File a The Standard disability lawsuit on your behalf
- Negotiate a lawsuit settlement with the Standard Insurance Company if possible
- Argue your case in court to recover the benefits owed, plus additional damages in some cases
Our long-term disability denial attorneys can help families in all 50 states, and they never charge any upfront costs or hourly fees.
“Thanks to Sokolove Law, we won the battle against the insurance company. Now, I have the support and financial security I need to focus on my health and well-being. I’m grateful for their help and would recommend Sokolove Law to anyone facing a similar struggle.”
– Engineer in D.C. with a Denied Disability Claim
What to Expect with Your The Standard Disability Insurance Appeal
At this point, you've likely already filed a long-term disability claim and received a denial from The Standard. While all The Standard disability appeals are unique, most go through a series of similar steps.
The Standard disability insurance appeals usually involve:
- Reviewing The Standard Denial Letter: A review of the insurer's denial letter lets you know the specific reasons for the insurer's decision and the deadline for appeal.
- Requesting the Claim File: Request your entire claim file from The Standard to know what evidence they used and what they disregarded in denying your LTD claim.
- Strengthening Evidence: Collect new evidence to fill in the gaps, like updated medical records, functional assessments, and letters from treating physicians supporting your inability to work.
- Drafting the Appeal Letter: Prepare a thorough document addressing the specific reasons for the denial and explaining why you are eligible for benefits.
- Performing an Administrative Review: The Standard will review the new information and may send you or your file for an independent medical review performed by doctors on their payroll.
- Deciding on Your Claim: You will receive a decision in a few months, typically within 45 to 90 days.
- Taking Legal Action: If your appeal is denied, you may be able to file a second one or push forward with a The Standard disability lawsuit for compensation.
Challenging a The Standard claim denial may seem overwhelming, but our team can handle each step in the process. With our disability denial lawyers fighting for the benefits you deserve, you can focus on your health and recovery.
Call (800) 995-1212 now to see if we may be able to fight for your The Standard disability benefits. It costs nothing to speak with us.
How to File Your The Standard Long-Term Disability Appeal or Lawsuit
Filing a The Standard long-term disability appeal or lawsuit after a denial involves more than submitting paperwork. Each step has strict requirements, and how you handle the process can directly impact your ability to recover benefits.
At Sokolove Law, we help guide clients through every stage — from your initial appeal to a potential The Standard disability lawsuit.
1. Track Your Deadline
Most long-term disability policies give you a limited window — often 180 days — to file an appeal. Missing this deadline can prevent you from moving forward, including filing a lawsuit later.
Our team helps ensure all deadlines are identified and met from the very beginning to the resolution of your case. This ensures that you don't miss out on benefits owed.
2. Review Your The Standard Long-Term Disability Policy
A review of your The Standard denial letter and long-term disability policy will provide information on why your claim was denied and what information is missing.
Our The Standard disability appeal lawyer can help review:
- The insurer’s stated reasons for denial
- The policy’s definition of disability
- Your claim file
- Any gaps in the evidence
After analyzing this information, your attorney can craft an appeal strategy aimed at securing the benefits you deserve.
3. Build and Submit a Strong Appeal
Your The Standard LTD appeal should be complete, well-documented, and include:
- A detailed appeal letter addressing each reason for denial
- Supporting medical records and physician opinions
- Evidence showing how your condition limits your ability to work
We help gather, organize, and present this information to strengthen your case and make it more difficult for a The Standard appeal denial.
4. Wait for the Insurer's Decision
After submission, the insurer will review The Standard Company appeal and issue a decision, typically within 45 to 90 days, though extensions may apply.
We handle all communications with the insurance company throughout this process, so you don't have to. Any unnecessary delays may be considered bad faith, which may entitle you to additional compensation.
5. File a The Standard Disability Lawsuit if Necessary
If your appeal is denied, you may be able to file a The Standard disability lawsuit to pursue benefits.
However, in most cases, you must first exhaust the appeals process before taking legal action. Our The Standard disability benefit lawyers can help you understand your options and file a lawsuit if you qualify.
Insurance companies like The Standard often have teams working to defend claim denials. Having the right support can make a meaningful difference.
Since 1979, Sokolove Law has helped thousands of families nationwide secure the compensation they deserve.
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The Standard Disability Lawsuit Settlements & Verdicts
The Standard lawsuit settlements and verdicts may vary depending on the facts of each case, including the strength of the medical evidence, the specific policy terms, and more.
In some cases, you may be entitled to benefits dating back to the date of the denial plus interest, which can increase the total amount of money you may receive.
A few of our The Standard Company lawsuit settlements and verdicts include:
- $350,000 for a Washington man denied The Standard disability after years of receiving benefits
- $191,000 to a California man who retired due to his medical condition
- $156,000 for a veteran in Texas suffering from depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- $130,000 to a Wisconsin attorney facing a denied ERISA claim
- $170,000 for a Texas man with a The Standard LTD denial after 2 years of receiving benefits for a degenerative disc and arthritis
- $275,000 to a Missouri man with headaches and mental health challenges
These court decisions show that claimants can successfully challenge wrongful The Standard denials and recover the benefits they need and deserve.
The Standard Denial Lawsuit News & Updates
The Standard denial lawsuits and legal updates continue to raise questions about how disability claims are handled by the insurer. These cases highlight patterns in behavior and offer important information for policyholders considering an appeal or legal action.
A few of the latest The Standard disability denial lawsuit updates include:
- A Wisconsin court reinstated The Standard LTD disability benefits for a dentist with chronic neck and arm pain.
- Disability benefits were reinstated for a Georgia attorney who injured himself after falling down the stairs and suffered migraine headaches that The Standard misclassified as a mental disorder.
- An Oregon court ruled that a woman who worked as a credentialing manager before suffering complications from a hysterectomy that left her with chronic pain was entitled to LTD benefits.
- A New Mexico class action lawsuit resulted in a $2.4 Million The Standard lawsuit settlement for more than 74,000 public employees over mismanaged death benefit coverage.
- A The Standard data breach exposed the personal information of more than 300,000 policyholders.
From disputed medical evaluations to denied insurance benefits, The Standard cases offer a closer look at how insurers make decisions that can impact people’s lives and financial security.
North Carolina Department of Insurance Flags The Standard's Claims Handling Failures
In 2024, the North Carolina Department of Insurance performed a formal market conduct examination of The Standard, auditing the company's claims handling, policyholder treatment, and complaint response practices.
Examiners found that The Standard was missing required approval letters in 6% of reviewed files and failed to pay benefits within the legally required 45-day window in other cases. The state required the insurer to take corrective action.
$2.4 Million The Standard Class Action Settlement for New Mexico Death Benefits
A $2.4 Million The Standard lawsuit settlement in a New Mexico class action lawsuit involved the insurer's handling of death benefit coverage for more than 74,000 public employees.
The Standard was accused of failing to properly administer benefits over technicalities like incomplete medical forms, denying more than $200,000 in death benefits to families and leaving them without coverage when they needed it most.
“When a family is expecting that … money … for death benefits and find out that they are not getting anything, I think that’s obscene."
– New Mexico Personnel Director
While the settlement resolved the lawsuit, many families were left with far less than they deserved. Individual payouts ranged from $5 to $42 after the settlement proceeds were divided among the class members.
Multistate Investigations Raise Concerns About The Standard's Life Insurance Claim Practices
Regulators across multiple states, including California, Florida, and South Carolina, have investigated how life insurance companies, including The Standard, identified and paid death benefits to beneficiaries.
These investigations found that The Standard and others used the Social Security Administration's Death Master File to stop annuity payments when a policyholder died, but did not always use the same data to locate beneficiaries owed life insurance benefits.
This practice raised concerns that eligible families may not have been notified or paid in a timely manner or at all, leaving funds unclaimed or turned over to state programs instead of intended recipients.
Over 300,000 Policyholders Affected by The Standard Data Breach
A MOVEit data breach exposed sensitive personal information belonging to more than 300,000 The Standard customers.
The breach happened when an unauthorized party gained access to highly sensitive data, including names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers. The incident raised serious concerns about the company's security safeguards.
Other insurance companies impacted by the breach include Unum, Sun Life and Health Insurance Company, and Prudential Insurance Company of America.
How Our The Standard Disability Appeal Attorneys Can Help
When your long-term disability claim is denied, the process of fighting back can seem overwhelming. Between strict deadlines, complex paperwork, and insurance company tactics, it’s a lot to take on, especially when you're not feeling your best.
That’s where having a The Standard disability denial lawyer from Sokolove Law in your corner can make all the difference and potentially help improve your chances of a successful outcome.
A The Standard denial attorney on our team can:
- Review Your The Standard Denial Letter: Your denial letter outlines why your claim was rejected and what the insurance company says is missing. However, these explanations are often technical and hard to understand.
- Gather the Right Evidence: Building a strong appeal involves detailed physician statements, specialist opinions, and evidence of how your condition affects your ability to work. We collect and present this evidence in a way that directly counters the insurance company’s arguments.
- Handle the Appeals Process from Start to Finish: Before filing a The Standard disability lawsuit, you must exhaust the appeals process required by your policy. Our disability attorneys can prepare and submit your appeal, ensure all deadlines are met, and communicate with The Standard on your behalf.
- File a Lawsuit If Needed to Fight Back: If your appeal is denied, your legal team can take the next step and file a The Standard disability lawsuit.
Insurance companies often have experienced legal teams ready to defend these claims. The Standard is prepared to spend time and resources fighting your claim. You shouldn’t have to go through that alone.
At Sokolove Law, we can help level the playing field by building a strong case and advocating for the benefits you’re owed. There are no upfront costs for us to manage the process on your behalf.
Get Help with Your The Standard Disability Benefit Denial
With Sokolove Law, you don’t have to feel intimidated by large insurance companies like The Standard. If you have a case, we can handle the appeals process on your behalf.
Why choose The Standard denial lawyers with Sokolove Law?
- Over 45 years of experience
- More than $146 Million recovered on behalf of clients nationwide
- No upfront costs or out-of-pocket fees
Call (800) 995-1212 now or fill out our contact form for a free, no-obligation legal consultation.
The Standard Claim Denial FAQs
Can I appeal a The Standard long-term disability denial?
Yes. If The Standard wrongfully denies your long-term disability claim, you typically have the right to file an appeal through the insurance company’s internal review process.
Many families choose to work with a disability attorney during this process to help ensure deadlines are met, evidence is properly submitted, and their appeal is as strong as possible.
However, you only have a limited time to file a The Standard disability appeal, so it's important to reach out to an attorney as soon as possible. Get started now with a free case review.
How does The Standard disability work?
The Standard’s long-term disability insurance is designed to replace a portion of your income if you become unable to work due to a covered illness or injury.
Here’s how The Standard disability usually works:
- You become unable to work due to a medical condition that meets your policy’s definition of “disability”
- You file a claim with the insurer and provide medical and employment documentation
- You complete a waiting period, during which time the Standard short-term disability may apply
- Benefits begin if your claim is approved, typically replacing about 60% of your income
- Payments continue for a set period, which could be several years or up to retirement age, depending on your policy
Your policy’s definition of disability is key. Some plans pay benefits if you can’t perform your specific job, while others require that you be unable to work in any job.
It’s also important to know that The Standard will periodically review your claim and may request updated medical records or evaluations to determine if you still qualify for benefits.
Does The Standard deny long-term disability claims?
Like many disability insurance providers, The Standard has been the subject of national investigations looking into their routine practices of wrongfully denying LTD claims.
If The Standard denied your claim, our long-term disability denial attorneys may be able to help you appeal their decision. Call (800) 995-1212 now.
What is The Standard disability payment?
The Standard’s long-term disability payments typically replace about 60% of your income, depending on your policy. Benefits are usually paid monthly and may be reduced by other sources of income, like Social Security disability or workers’ compensation.
The exact amount you receive will depend on your earnings, policy limits, and how your claim is evaluated.
Why did The Standard deny my long-term disability claim?
If your long-term disability benefits were denied, The Standard may have claimed that:
- You failed to disclose a pre-existing health condition
- Your medical examinations were insufficient or inadequate
- There were problems with your paperwork or documentation
- Your medical condition does not qualify as a “covered” disability
- Your procedure was elective, not medically necessary
A denial isn't the final word. A The Standard long-term disability lawyer at Sokolove Law can review your case for free and fight for the benefits you deserve if you're facing a wrongful denial.
What qualifies as disabled under The Standard long-term disability policy?
It depends on your specific policy, but in general, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working.
Conditions that may be covered by The Standard include:
- Cancer
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Cerebral palsy
- Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
- Crohn’s disease
- Degenerative disc disease
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Fibromyalgia
- Heart disease
- Lupus
- Mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Musculoskeletal disorders, like back or joint injuries
- Neurological conditions, including stroke or Parkinson’s disease
However, even if you’ve been diagnosed with one of these conditions, The Standard may still try to deny your claim.
In these cases, a The Standard disability insurance lawyer may be able to file an appeal or lawsuit against the insurer to get the benefits you’re entitled to.
How do I fight a The Standard Company denial?
If The Standard denied your LTD claim, it is in your best interest to get an opinion from a long-term disability denial attorney for help challenging their decision and potentially recovering your benefits.
With experienced legal help on your side, you can focus on your health and recovery, while we focus on the appeals process. Call (800) 995-1212 to learn more about your legal options.
Can I file a The Standard disability lawsuit over a denied claim?
Potentially, yes. If The Standard denied your claim and you’ve already gone through the appeals process, you may be eligible to file a The Standard disability lawsuit.
Only an attorney can determine if this is possible in these situations. Call (800) 995-1212 now to learn more.
How much do The Standard disability appeal lawyers cost?
At Sokolove Law, there are no upfront costs or hourly fees to work with our The Standard disability appeal lawyers. We work on a contingency-fee basis, which means we only get paid if your case results in compensation.
