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The Global Insight

Is there a class action lawsuit against Unum Insurance?

Author

Christopher Ramos

Updated on April 06, 2026

A federal judge Tuesday granted class-action status to a lawsuit that contends Unum Group, the nation’s largest disability insurer, schemed to deny or terminate claims of thousands of disabled Americans.

Can I sue Unum?

So whether short term or long term, if your claim’s denied, Unum requires, under the law, under ERISA, one mandatory level of appeal. If that appeal is denied, then you can sue Unum for unpaid benefits. That’s governed by ERISA, which means you have to do an appeal.

Why is Unum being sued?

Randall Chapman, a Novato, California eye surgeon. He sued in 2001 after UnumProvident refused to pay the $11,600 monthly benefit called for in a long-term disability policy Chapman had purchased during the 1980s. Chapman said he had developed a phobia that caused him to shake, making him unable to perform eye surgery.

Is Unum the same as provident?

Unum Group was created by the 1999 merger of Unum Corporation and The Provident Companies and comprises four distinct businesses – Unum US, Unum UK, Unum Poland and Colonial Life. Its underwriting insurers include The Paul Revere Life Insurance Company and Provident Life and Accident Insurance Company.

How long is short term disability unum?

How disability coverage compares

Short Term
Length of possible coverage payments9–52 weeks
Amount that your benefit can payUp to 60% of your monthly income
PortabilitySometimes portable, depending on plan
Most commonly used by people who experiencePregnancy Injuries Joint disorders Digestive issues Cancer2

How do I file a complaint with Unum?

You can get a claim form at or contact your HR department at work. Follow the instructions on the form to mail or fax your completed form. But for fastest results, file online if you can.

Is Unum a stable company?

The FSR of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term ICRs of “a” (Excellent) have been affirmed with stable outlooks of the following U.S. life/health subsidiaries of Unum Group: Unum Life Insurance Company of America. Provident Life and Accident Insurance Company.

Does Unum back pay?

When the determination is made that this claim is eligible for short-term disability insurance payment, Unum will pay you retroactively, back to the eligibility date of November 16.

What happens when short term disability ends?

What happens when short term disability runs out? If you’re out on a disability claim and the short term disability runs out, your benefit payments will end. This is why one option is to have a long-term disability plan in addition to an STD plan to start replacing your income when your STD benefits run out.

Are there any class action lawsuits against Unum?

In addition to facing thousands of individual lawsuits filed by policyholders who allege their disability claims were wrongly denied, the company has been the defendant in numerous class action lawsuits for insurance bad faith practices since 2002.

What was the plaintiff’s disability claim against Unum?

Later, the plaintiff was diagnosed with prostate cancer and submitted a claim for disability that was accepted by the defendant, the case states. Per the complaint, Unum’s definition of disability “largely mimicked” the definition adopted by the Social Security Administration (SSA), with some additional restrictions.

What was the fine for Unum Insurance Company?

To ensure fair and just review and handling of all further policyholders’ claims, Unum was charged with overhauling the methods by which they evaluate and process claims. Unum was also ordered to pay a fine of $15 million to several states.

Who is unum life insurance company of America?

Unum Life Insurance Company of America. Filed: September 29, 2020 § 1:20-cv-05799. • Read Complaint. An Illinois man claims in a proposed class action that Unum Life Insurance Company of America wrongfully demanded reimbursement of his disability benefits. Defendant (s) Unum Life Insurance Company of America. Law (s)