Skilled Insurance Claims Attorneys Representing Disabled Lawyers Throughout the U.S.
At Disability Insurance Law Group, our claims attorneys, with over 50 years of combined experience, have represented claimants nationwide for decades. This includes lawyers who work in criminal, personal injury, bankruptcy, family law, and other legal areas to protect their rights when filing a disability claim.
Even though professional attorneys are highly intelligent and skilled in the legal field, filing a disability insurance claim involves specific knowledge and experience beyond general legal expertise. Our disability insurance claims attorneys are professionally trained in navigating complex policies, medical documentation requirements, and insurers’ denial tactics.
When attorneys seek disability benefits from their policy—or potentially more than one policy—and the claim is disputed or denied, their livelihoods are at stake. As professionals who depend on their cognitive abilities, stamina, and legal acumen, a disabling condition can be career-ending. When insurers dispute or deny their claims, they must navigate the complex and emotionally draining process of appealing the decision while facing financial uncertainty. This undermines their ability to focus on recovery, exacerbates stress, and can feel like a betrayal by the very system they once trusted to protect in times of need.
By relying on disability insurance claims attorneys like ours, even the most brilliant lawyer can avoid costly mistakes, ensure that their claim is presented with the most substantial possible evidence, and improve their chances of a successful outcome without risking their financial security by going it alone.
Whether you are an attorney with a single individual policy or a personal policy with overlapping coverage from a group/ERISA policy and those offered as Member Benefits by the Florida Bar, you are entitled to the benefits outlined by your insurer(s). If you are an attorney in Florida or anywhere else in the U.S. facing obstacles in obtaining these crucial disability benefits, contact our skilled lawyers today for help.
Understanding the Difference Between Own Occupation and Any Occupation When Filing a Disability Claim as an Attorney
Disability policies often include complicated terms, strict deadlines, and numerous legal requirements that, if mishandled, can easily lead to claim denials or delays.
Two of the most comprehensive terms that typically apply to attorneys, whether they have an independent, group/employer-provided, state bar membership disability insurance policy, or all three, is the distinction between “own occupation” and “any occupation” in the terms, which will affect their claims.
- Own Occupation: This policy provides benefits if the attorney cannot perform the specific duties of their legal job, even if they could work in another capacity. For example, if an attorney can no longer litigate due to a disability but can still perform other tasks, they would still qualify for benefits under this policy. The focus is on whether the attorney can perform their specific legal duties rather than whether they can work in another field or role.
- Any Occupation: This policy is more restrictive. Benefits are only paid if the attorney cannot perform the duties of any job for which they are reasonably qualified by education, experience, or training. This means that even if the attorney cannot practice law but could work in another field or less demanding legal capacity, they might not qualify for benefits.
Even after the initial assessment, some policies limit “own-occupation” provisions to the first two years of a disability. After that, the insurance company may re-evaluate your case using the “any-occupation” definition. When transitioning from “own occupation” to “any occupation,” the insurer may hire a vocational expert to assess your claim.
Our extensive proficiency with disability insurance claims makes us a reliable partner for legal professionals nationwide. We will fight for your deserved benefits by representing you at each policy milestone. Contact our skilled disability insurance claims attorneys for lawyers nationwide today to learn more during a free consultation.
Are You an Attorney with More Than One Disability Insurance Policy? We Can Help.
At Disability Insurance Law Group, our nationwide claims attorneys represent all types of lawyers from all 50 states, whether they have a single disability insurance policy or several policies from different insurers.
That includes those with:
- Individual Disability Insurance Policies for Lawyers
Individual policies, purchased independently by lawyers, offer a range of benefits that make them an attractive choice. These policies are tailored to the specific needs of the lawyer, offering greater flexibility, higher benefits, and more robust protections.
- Group/ERISA Disability Insurance Policies for Attorneys
Group/ERISA policies come with their own set of limitations. These policies, provided by the employer as part of a benefits package, are generally more affordable due to their group nature. However, they often have limitations such as lower benefit amounts, stricter definitions of disability, and coverage that may cease if the lawyer leaves the firm prior to becoming disabled. It’s important to note that ERISA makes disputes over claims more difficult to challenge in court.
- Disability Insurance Provided as a Member Benefit by the Florida Bar
The Florida Bar offers a Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance plan, currently issued by The Prudential Insurance Company of America (Prudential), which helps provide a monthly income if the covered attorney becomes disabled as the result of a covered accident or illness (including pregnancy).
Although this is a group disability policy, it is not governed by ERISA, which provides more leverage as a claimant should the claim be denied, and litigation may be necessary. In this type of case, state laws apply.
How Disability Insurance Law Group Can Help Attorneys with More Than One Disability Claim
Whether you have a single policy or concurrent policy protections, if the insurance company disputes your ability to work or questions the severity of the disability, we can provide the valuable advocacy you need to respond to their dispute without delay.
In addition, we can also help with appeals if a claim is denied, ensuring your rights are protected under state law and federal ERISA regulations. We provide the experience, strategic guidance, and strong representation to help ensure lawyers receive the full benefits they are entitled to under their disability plans.
We can use our over 50 years of combined experience to:
Contact Our Dedicated Disability Insurance Claims Lawyers Today
Contact our dedicated disability insurance claims attorneys in Florida and nationwide by calling (954)-989-9000 or online to schedule a free and confidential case assessment.