Our Disability Lawyers Help You Collect Northwestern Mutual Benefits

Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company is one of the three most credible companies that sells long term disability insurance coverage. Compared to other companies, Northwestern Mutual clearly approves more disability claims than they deny.

Our disability lawyers have assisted numerous doctors, lawyers, and other business owners throughout the nation at all stages of their claim for disability benefits with Northwestern. We can provide references upon request.

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Our Lawyers Respond Today

Through the multiple lawsuits that we have filed against Northwestern Mutual, we have gained an inside understanding into their claims handling practices. We could tell you stories and try to tell you that they like to engage in intentional denials of claims, but it would not be true. The reality is that Northwestern attempts to do a good job of reviewing a disability claim, but their mistakes can be incredibly frustrating and scary for a disability claimant.

Why Would Northwestern Mutual Deny A Disability Claim?

A Northwestern Mutual disability claim denial usually occurs because the claims examiner has set unjustified expectations with regard to the claimant’s ability to prove they are disabled.

Every disability policy has a proof of loss provision which places the burden of proving that he or she is disabled on the claimant. This means that a claimant will be responsible to submit medical evidence of their disability as well as proof of their pre-disability occupational duties.

In most disability claims, Northwestern Mutual will have their own internal doctors and outside medical consultants review a claimant’s medical records. Northwestern will look for very specific information in your medical records to determine if you are disabled.

Most treating doctors don’t take great notes and they certainly don’t expect their medical notes to be scrutinized by an insurance company. We have seen many claims were the claimant is clearly disabled, but the medical records don’t tell the true story.

Unfortunately the disability insurance company will usually only review the claim based on the medical records and never exam the claimant. If the insurance company does choose to exam the claimant, it is rare that the claimant will receive a fair evaluation as the reviewing doctor is being paid by the insurance company. Watch the second video on this page about “hired gun physicians”.

In many claims we have been able to dissect the review of Northwestern Mutual’s hired doctors and explain to Northwestern why our client is medically disabled.

Contact us at any stage of your claim to discuss how we may be able to assist you recover disability benefits. We offer both hourly and contingent fee agreements in order to make our fees affordable for our clients.

Doctors And Lawyers Must Be Able To Prove Their Pre-Disability Duties

If you are a doctor or lawyer seeking Northwestern Mutual Disability benefits, then you must be aware that Northwestern is going to want to know very detailed information about the work you were performing before you became disabled. For example, if you were doctor, then you will be asked for your monthly and annual CPT production reports for at least the one year before your date of disability. You will also be asked for monthly profit and loss statement, tax returns, and your daily appointment book.

If you are an attorney seeking disability, you will be asked for your appointment book for the past 2 years, your case list with an itemization as to the types of cases, your litigation related work if you are litigator, tax returns, and monthly profit and loss statements for at least 2 years.

If a claimant is seeking Partial disability, then the request for occupational information will usually be more extensive.

Most claimants will also be asked to be interviewed by a Northwestern Mutual representative. These interviews should never take place without legal representation.

We often see claims denied because Northwestern is asking for information that cannot reasonably be produced. In addition to filing appeals and lawsuits, our attorneys regularly work with claimants to submit their application for disability benefits. You may find it helpful to watch our video discussing the disability application process.

Northwestern Mutual Lawsuits, Court Decisions, And Complaints / Comments

In order to educate claimants about Northwestern Mutual disability claims we share public information about lawsuits and court decisions around the country dealing with Northwestern Mutual.

You can also read or post comments, complaints and questions to our website and our lawyers will respond.

If you would like to discuss your claim, please contact us privately for a free phone consultation.

Resources to Help You Win Disability Benefits

Disability Benefit Denial Options
Submit a Strong Northwestern Mutual Appeal Package

We work with you, your doctors, and other experts to submit a very strong Northwestern Mutual appeal.

Learn more

Sue Northwestern Mutual

We have filed thousands of disability denial lawsuits in federal Courts nationwide against Northwestern Mutual.

Learn more

Protect Your Benefits
Get Your Northwestern Mutual Disability Application Approved
We help claimants throughout the entire application process.

Learn more

Prevent a Northwestern Mutual Disability Benefit Denial
We manage every aspect of your disability claim following claim approval.

Learn more

Negotiate a Northwestern Mutual Lump-Sum Settlement

Our goal is to negotiate the highest possible buyout of your long-term disability policy.

Learn more

Northwestern Mutual Reviews
(7)

Policy Holder Rating

1.7 out of 5
Read 7 reviews
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71%
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Timely Payments
2.3out of 5
Handling Claim
2.6out of 5
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Dependable
1.6out of 5
Value
1.9out of 5
Showing 7 of 7 Reviews
Northwestern Mutual

Northwestern thinks I can walk even though my left leg is paralyzed

Reviewed by Dave B on July 7th 2019   Verified Policyholder
My Northwestern Disability policy has a presumptive total clause which pays lifetime benefits for loss of use of one hand and one foot. They Have claimed I do not fulfill ... read more >
Northwestern Mutual

Northwestern is the Quiet Company that silently screws its policy holders but is too big to fail

Reviewed by Magda S. on August 8th 2018   Verified Policyholder
I am a board certified cardiologist with severe diabetic comorbidities. I have had occupation specific DI policies with NML since 1980. I am now legally blind, have no fee... read more >
Northwestern Mutual

My claim was handled so unprofessionally – almost no written communication from NW Mutual

Reviewed by B.J. Robinson on April 19th 2015   Verified Policyholder
While waiting for NW Mutual’s decision on my claim for LTD benefits, I was terminated. The following week, NW Mutual sent me a letter denying my claim. Denial was seemin... read more >
Reply
Sent on April 19th 2015 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

BJ, you will have rights to appeal this denial. If you have not already done so please feel free to contact our office to discuss how we can assist you.

Northwestern Mutual

NWM refused to have a hematologist review my claim since my "numbers are currently normal." They ignored my primary concern of relapsing

Reviewed by JP on March 27th 2015   Verified Policyholder
Hi there. I have a chronic autoimmune disease that has temporarily placed me on LTD 5 times over the last 18 years. I currently am in remission although I remain on severa... read more >
Reply
Sent on March 27th 2015 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

JP, I think your claim could be in a grey area if the issue is not a current flare up causing disability as defined under the policy, but merely the risk of relapse. Ne... read more >

Northwestern Mutual

NW said my relatives' claim was "not justified" and double the premium for no reason

Reviewed by Lyn N. on May 28th 2013   Verified Policyholder
Northwestern claims examiner automatically ruled against my relatives’ claim “not justified.” We had one doctor who told us all he could do for my relatives pain was... read more >
Northwestern Mutual

BAD FAITH

Reviewed by Pamela Cherry on September 25th 2011   Verified Policyholder
I have two words for each of you: “BAD FAITH”. Sue Northwestern Mutual, ask for a jury trial and let justice prevail. There is no reason why your legitimate claims hav... read more >
Reply
Sent on September 25th 2011 by Attorney Gregory Dell

Pam, Thanks for your comment. Bad Faith can be a very powerful tool, however ERISA governed disability insurance policy holders have no right to a jury trial and no rig... read more >

Northwestern Mutual

NML says I have no limitarion and is refusing my benefits

Reviewed by Cynthia on May 15th 2011   Verified Policyholder
I am a litigation attorney with a paralyzed right vocal cord. My treating physician has placed me on vocal rest and said after the 7 years since my condition I can no long... read more >
Reply
Sent on May 15th 2011 by Attorney Gregory Dell

Cynthia, I am sorry to hear about your situation. In order to determine if we can assist you, we need to review your denial letter and a copy of your policy. Please con... read more >

Answered Questions by Our Lawyers
(11)
Showing 8 of 11 Answered Questions

Q: Do you help with negotiating lump sum settlements of policies?

Answered on August 11th 2020 by Attorney Stephen Jessup
A: Marcella, yes, we do assist in negotiating lump sum settlements of policies. Northwestern Mutual is very selec... Read More >

Q: Are there successful arguments to appeal Northwestern Mutual’s offset of claimant’s LTB by the amount of SSD benefits awarded?

Answered on April 23rd 2020 by Attorney Stephen Jessup
A: Carol, in almost all cases, no. If the policy explicitly allows for the offset, the offset is enforceable. Read More >

Q: Why does Northwestern ask the questions they do in the "Request for Continuation of Disability Benefits" form?

Answered on August 5th 2019 by Attorney Cesar Gavidia
A: Daniel, disability insurers ask these questions in order to obtain information relating to your level of activ... Read More >

Q: What exactly does Northwestern mean by “not gainfully employed in any occupation”? 

Answered on April 5th 2018 by Attorney Gregory Dell
A: Carol, Gainful work would imply you are performing steady work for payment and getting paid $20 for baby sitti... Read More >

Q: Why is NWM reviewing my claim when my condition hasn't changed? Is it strange that they requested an in-person review?

Answered on October 25th 2017 by Attorney Stephen Jessup
A: Jim, first and foremost, NWM is one of the most reputable insurance carriers in the industry. Although your co... Read More >

Q: Can I refuse to sign NWM's authoritization form?

Answered on March 31st 2016 by Attorney Stephen Jessup
A: David, you do have the ability to limit the authority granted, or to refuse it- but you will be responsible fo... Read More >

Q: Can NWM rescind my policy because I forgot to disclose an illness I had 20 years ago (that I no longer have)? Do I have to sign their release to access everything about me?

Answered on January 6th 2015 by Attorney Alex Palamara
A: Christine, If you failed to disclose a medical condition on an application to purchase a disability insurance ... Read More >

Q: Can you explain why NWM is still paying me while my claim is being reviewed? They said if they don't approve it, their accomodation payment is not owed back to them.

Answered on May 21st 2014 by Attorney Stephen Jessup
A: Frustrated, Northwestern Mutual is providing benefits under what is commonly known as a “Reservation of Righ... Read More >
Helpful Videos
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Showing 12 of 873 Videos
Disability Benefit Tips
(330)
Showing 8 of 330 Benefit Tips

Application Tips: Northwestern Mutual Disability Benefits - Top Denial Reasons

Every disability insurance policy is different, and whether your disability insurance claim i... Read More >

Tips to Protect Your Northwestern Mutual Long Term Disability Benefits

Whether you're considering filing a long term disability insurance claim with Northwestern Mutual, have recently received a denial letter, or ... Read More >

What Can I Expect When Seeking Long Term Disability Benefits from Northwestern Mutual?

In this video, disability insurance attorneys Stephen Jessup and Gregory Dell discuss multipl... Read More >

Disability Benefit Denial Reason #5 – Your Medical Evidence is Weak

If you're seeking long term disability benefits from an insurance company, you may be concern... Read More >

Disability Benefit Denial Reason #4 - Your Doctor Is Misled By the Disability Company

When you're seeking disability benefits under a long term disability policy, your medical rec... Read More >

Disability Benefit Denial Reason #3 - Video & Social Media Surveillance

One thing many long term disability claimants don't know about (or expect) from the claims re... Read More >

How Do You Fight a Long-Term Disability Denial?

Getting a denial letter from your disability insurance company is one of the ultimate insults... Read More >

Disability Denial Reason #2 - Change of Disability Definition & Vocational Review

One of the top reasons for terminating a claimant's long term disability benefits involves th... Read More >
Dell Disability Cases
(372)
Showing 8 of 372 Dell Disability Cases

Northwestern Mutual Approves Claim For Disability Benefits

Prior to contacting our office, our client was having little success in securing his disability insurance benefits under his privately purchas... Read More >

Northwestern Mutual Reinstates Disability Benefits to Attorney Suffering From Gastrointestinal Problems

Prior to filing for long term disability benefits under her private individual disability policy with Northwestern Mutual due to severe gastro... Read More >

Northwestern Mutual Approves Long Term Disability Insurance Benefits for Veterinarian

Our client was a long time Emergency Room Veterinarian whose job was far from what most envision when thinking of a Veterinarian. Unlike your ... Read More >

Transportation Manager with Brain Injury Wins Unum Disability Benefit Appeal

Unum unjustly terminated our client’s long term disability claim after it had approved and... Read More >

Engineer With Depression Wins Prudential LTD Appeal

The claimant is a former Senior Technology Services Engineer for Accolade, Inc. who was force... Read More >
Disability Lawsuit Stories
(765)
Showing 8 of 765 Lawsuit Stories

9th Circuit Clarifies The Definition Of "Sedentary Work"

In Armani v. Northwest Mutual, plaintiff Avery Armani, a Controller for an insurance agency, injured his back while lifting a heavy back-... Read More >

Northwestern Mutual Disability Claim Denial Reversed By Court

A Colorado court recently brought down a very harsh ruling against Northwestern for blatantly abusing its discretion in denying long-term disa... Read More >

California Consultant sues Northwestern Life Insurance Company for unpaid disability benefits

Northwestern Insurance beneficiary Todd W. and his California disability attorney's complaint against the insurer accuses Northwestern of brea... Read More >

Northwestern Mutual sued by shareholder attorney for underpaying and denying long-term disability benefits

A Washington disability attorney filed a federal lawsuit in the District Court serving the Western District Court of Washington at Seattle aga... Read More >

Northwestern Mutual denies partial disability benefits to trial attorney resulting in lawsuit for violations of Washington Insurance Fair Conduct Act

The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (Northwestern Life) was recently sued by a disability lawyer for the violations of the Washingt... Read More >

Podiatrist sues Northwestern Mutual seeking disability insurance benefits and bad faith damages

This case began in the United States District Court of the Southern District of Florida on April 8, 2011 when Northwestern Mutual refused to p... Read More >

Northwestern Mutual rescinds disability policy after claimant paid premiums for 15 years

When you apply for a disability policy, it is very important to answer all questions as truthfully as you can. The courts generally will not r... Read More >

Reliance Standard Disability Denial Upheld Due to Claimant's Lack of Strong Medical Record Support

In the case of Amy Wright v. Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company (Reliance), Plaintiff was the vice-president of... Read More >

Reviews from Our Clients

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5 Ways We Help Get Your Benefits Paid

Get Your Disability Application Approved

Our goal is to get your application for disability income benefits approved. Applying for disability benefits can be a difficult process and the information you provide is critical. Most disability insurance companies look at your application in hopes of finding a reason to deny your claim. Your disability company will ask you to complete numerous forms, interview you, request lots of information, speak with your doctors and possibly request to have you examined by their "hired gun" doctor.

Through our experience of having helped thousands of disability insurance claimants, our lawyers will guide you through the entire application process and give you the best chance to get your disability claim approved the first time.

Submit A Strong Appeal Package

If your disability insurance benefits have been wrongfully denied, then our lawyers know exactly what it takes to get your disability claim approved. You only get once chance to submit an Appeal, therefore every piece of evidence that will support your disability claim must be included. The goal is to win your disability benefits at the Appeal level, but while preparing your Appeal you must consider how a federal judge will review your disability claim if your benefit denial is upheld.

Preparing a strong disability appeal package is an art that requires you to understand how the courts interpret your disability policy language, ERISA regulations / laws, and how to strategically present evidence in support of your definition of "disability". We encourage you to contact any of our lawyers for a free immediate review of your disability denial.

Sue Your Disability Company

98% of the disability insurance lawsuits filed by our law firm have resulted in either the payment of benefits or a lump-sum settlement agreement. Our disability lawyers have filed ERISA governed and private policy long term disability insurance lawsuits against every major disability insurance company in state and federal courts nationwide and we love fighting for the "little guy" against the multi-billion dollar insurance company giants.

We have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients and we would like the opportunity to provide you with a free review of your disability benefit denial. There are many complex factors in a disability benefit lawsuit and the legal battle to win long term disability benefits can be fierce.

Prevent A Disability Benefit Denial

Approval of long-term disability is a continuous process as every disability insurance company will evaluate your eligibility for benefits on a monthly basis. You can never let your guard down and assume that your disability company will continue to pay your benefits for as long as you think you need them.

Our law firm offers a reasonable flat fee monthly claim handling service in which we handle every aspect of your long-term disability claim and do whatever it takes to make sure you are paid every month.

Negotiate a Lump-Sum Settlement

Let's discuss if a lump-sum settlement or buyout of your disability insurance claim is both available and makes financial sense for you. Our lawyers have negotiated more than five-hundred million dollars in disability insurance buyouts and we know how to get you a maximum settlement. A disability insurance company is not required to offer a buyout and not every disability company offers them.

Questions About Hiring Us

Who are Dell Disability Lawyers?

We are disability insurance lawyers that know how to get your short or long term disability benefits paid. As a nationwide law firm we have helped thousands of disability insurance claimants throughout the United States to collect hundreds of millions of dollars of disability insurance benefits from every major disability insurance company.

In more than 98% of our cases, our lawyers have been able to either get our clients paid monthly disability benefits or obtain a one-time lump-sum settlement. Our lawyers have seen it all when it comes to disability insurance claims and we know exactly what it takes for your disability claim to be approved.

We welcome you to contact any of our attorneys for a free immediate review of your disability claim. We also invite you to visit and subscribe to our YouTube channel where we have more than 700 videos and regularly provide tips to help protect your disability benefits.

Who do you help?

Our lawyers help individuals that have either purchased a long term disability insurance policy from an insurance company or obtained short or long term disability insurance coverage as a benefit from their employer. We have helped individuals in almost every type of occupation with monthly disability benefit payments ranging from $1,500 to $50,000.

Our clients include all types of employees ranging from retail associates, sales representatives, government employees, police officers, teachers, janitors, nurses, pilots, truck drivers, financial advisors, doctors, dentists, veterinarians, lawyers, consultants, IT professionals, engineers, professional athletes, business owners, and high level executives.

A strong understanding and presentation of the duties of your occupation is essential for securing disability insurance benefits.

Do you work in my state?

Yes. We are a national disability insurance law firm that is available to represent you regardless of where you live in the United States. We have partner lawyers in every state and we have filed lawsuits in most federal courts nationwide. Our disability lawyers represent disability claimants at all stages of a claim for disability insurance benefits. There is nothing that our lawyers have not seen in the disability insurance world.

What are your fees?

Since we represent disability insurance claimants at different stages of a disability insurance claim we offer a variety of different fee options. We understand that claimants living on disability insurance benefits have a limited source of income; therefore we always try to work with the claimant to make our attorney fees as affordable as possible.

The three available fee options are a contingency fee agreement (no attorney fee or cost unless we make a recovery), hourly fee or fixed flat rate.

In every case we provide each client with a written fee agreement detailing the terms and conditions. We always offer a free initial phone consultation and we appreciate the opportunity to work with you in obtaining payment of your disability insurance benefits.

Do I have to come to your office to work with your law firm?

No. For purposes of efficiency and to reduce expenses for our clients we have found that 99% of our clients prefer to communicate via phone, email, fax, GoToMeeting sessions, or Skype. If you prefer an initial in-person meeting please let us know. A disability company will never require you to come to their office and similarly we are set up so that we handle your entire claim without the need for you to come to our office.

How can I contact you?

When you call us during normal business hours you will immediately speak with a disability attorney. We can be reached at 800-698-9159 or by email. Lawyers and staff must return all client calls same day. Client emails are usually replied to within the same business day and seem to be the preferred and most efficient method of communication for most clients.