Advocating For Families During Accidental Death And Disability Claims

When an accident leads to fatal injuries or a life-changing disability, families often need additional support. Accidental death and disability insurance can provide necessary support, but navigating the insurance system can be a significant challenge for a family already struggling with the aftermath of an accident.

You do not have to navigate these challenges alone. At Kimsey Law Firm, P.A., our lawyer knows how families can struggle after an accident. From our office in Tampa, he provides Florida residents with skilled legal guidance and support as they seek the benefits they need.

Answering Common Questions About Accidental Death & Disability

Accidental death and disability insurance (sometimes called accidental death and dismemberment) provides support after a fatal or disabling accident. People can often purchase this coverage on its own, though it may also be a supplemental benefit connected to a life insurance policy. While these policies can provide peace of mind to both the insured person and their family, they can also leave them with questions.

How is accidental death and disability insurance different from life insurance?

While both accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage and life insurance may seem similar, they differ in a few specific ways. Life insurance provides benefits after a person passes away from any cause, whether they died in an accident or after a long illness. AD&D benefits, on the other hand, apply specifically to deaths and disability that result from an accident.

Another difference between these two types of coverage is the cost. Generally, the cost of AD&D insurance is lower than the cost of life insurance because AD&D covers a more limited set of circumstances.

What is the cost of AD&D life insurance?

AD&D coverage can involve different costs depending on the amount of coverage you have and your age. Some policies can cost less than $10 a month for $100,000 worth of coverage. However, higher amounts of coverage can increase those costs. Coverage may also cost more for older people.

What is covered by AD&D insurance?

AD&D benefits apply to deaths that were the result of accidents like car crashes or falls. In addition to providing support after fatal accidents, AD&D provides support in the case of a disability, like the loss of eyesight, the loss of a limb or paralysis.

What isn’t covered by AD&D insurance?

Deaths that were not caused by an accident are generally not be eligible for AD&D benefits. For example, a death that resulted from an illness like cancer would not qualify.

AD&D insurance also often excludes deaths that resulted from the actions of the person who passed away. For example, if a person passed away while driving drunk or engaging in dangerous activities like skydiving, then their beneficiary would generally not receive benefits after their death.

Common Reasons For AD&D Claim Denials

Unfortunately, it can sometimes be difficult for families to receive the support they need after an accident. Insurance companies may deny a claim for a variety of reasons, including the following:

• The accident that caused the death occurred before coverage started.
• The policy lapsed because the policyholder did not pay their premiums.
• The death did not immediately follow an accident, but, instead, occurred months or weeks later.
• The policyholder misrepresented details about their life.
• The death or disability was the result of committing a crime.
• The death or disability was not the result of an accident.
• The death was the result of an unknown cause.
• The death was the result of a murder.

Sometimes, the reasons for a denial can be nuanced. For example, the insurance provider may deny a claim after a car accident if the collisions was caused by the deceased person suffering a heart attack or stroke while behind the wheel.

The Benefits Of Working With An Experienced AD&D Attorney

A lawyer with experience in navigating the insurance system, like ours, can help you push back against a denied claim by guiding you through the appeals process. Because our attorneys knows this process, his experienced legal guidance can help you meet any necessary deadlines, provide additional support for your claim and give your appeal a strong chance for success.

He can also help you identify bad faith behavior on the part of your insurance provider. If the insurance company intentionally delayed your claim or denied your valid claim based on unfair reasons, then our attorney can identify these issues and create a strong strategy for holding them responsible.

Call 813-867-2179 For Skilled Legal Guidance

Our lawyer at the Kimsey Law Firm, P.A., offers no-cost consultations to families fighting for fair compensation from their AD&D insurance provider. Call 813-867-2179 today or reach out to our firm online to discuss your claim with our dedicated and compassionate attorney.