Collecting Cancer Disability Benefits Is A Reality

How can Disability Insurance Attorneys Dell & Schaefer assist you?

As disability insurance attorneys, Dell & Schaefer have represented numerous long term disability claimants that have been unable to work as a result of being diagnosed with cancer. Disability Attorneys Dell & Schaefer have an expansive understanding of the significant restrictions and limitations that a person with cancer must live with on a daily basis. We have worked closely with top physicians in order to sufficiently satisfy a disability carrier’s threshold of evidence necessary to prove that a client is disabled by cancer.

Not everyone suffering with cancer qualifies for long-term disability benefits, therefore the medicals records of each client must be reviewed to determine the level of restrictions. With most clients suffering from cancer, it is the side effects of the medication and therapies which prevents them from being able to work. While many people are able to go into remission we have represented many disability claimants that continue to suffer with fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, depression and cognitive impairment as a result of the their cancer treatments.

We welcome the opportunity to discuss your long-term disability claim. You can contact us for a free initial consultation.

What is cancer?

Cancer refers to any one of a large number of diseases characterized by the development of abnormal cells that divide uncontrollably and have the ability to infiltrate and destroy normal body tissue.

Cancer begins in your cells, which are the building blocks of your body. Normally, your body forms new cells as you need them, replacing old cells that die. Sometimes this process goes horribly wrong. New cells grow even when you don’t need them, and old cells don’t die when they should. These extra cells can form a mass called a tumor.

Tumors can be benign or malignant. Begnin tumors aren’t cancer while malignant ones are. Cells from malignant tumors can invade nearby tissues. They can also break away and spread to other parts of the body.

Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the United States, second only to heart disease. One in four Americans is diagnosed with cancer everyday. There are over 200 known types of cancer that can affect the human body.

How the symptoms and treatment can affect you

Although each type of cancer has its own specific set of symptoms, there are general symptoms that occur in many types of cancer such as; persistent fatigue, unintentional weight loss, lower back and stomach pain, fever, bowel changes and chronic cough.

These general symptoms in combination with the more specific symptoms of the type of cancer a person suffers from can be debilitating, both mentally and physically.

Treatment also varies based on the type of cancer and its stage. The stage of a cancer refers to how much it has grown and whether the tumor has spread from its original location. Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy are the most common types of treatment for various types of cancer. The side effects of chemotherapy and radiation can be unpleasant and can include radiation recall (reddening and blistering of the skin), fatigue, nausea, pain, hair loss, anemia, infection, blood clotting problems, nerve and muscle effects, skin and nail effects, fluid retention and flu like symptoms.

For most people with cancer, living with the disease is the biggest challenge they have ever faced. The disease changes your daily routines, roles and relationships. It can cause money and work problems as those who suffer from cancer often find themselves unable to continue to work due to the physical and mental demands of the disease and treatment. It can change the way a person sees themselves physically and emotionally.

However, through prevention education, early screening and improved treatments, overall diagnosis and death rates have dropped and survival rates have increased.

Resources and information

There are many valuable sources of cancer information available. You can also access resources over the internet such as:

There are numerous charities dedicated to cancer research, prevention, detection and treatment including:

Resources to Help You Win Disability Benefits

Disability Benefit Denial Options
Submit a Strong Appeal Package

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

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Sue Your Disability Insurance Company

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

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Get Your Disability Application Approved
We help claimants throughout the entire application process.

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

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Negotiate a Lump-Sum Settlement

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

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Disability Company Reviews
(641)
Showing 8 of 641 Reviews
MetLife

Metlife closed my STD claim amid several injuries

Reviewed by Donnette S. on October 14th 2020   Verified Policyholder
I am currently on STD with Metlife due to an accident on July 2nd. The accident broke my femur in have and I was care flighted to a trauma unit in Houston. The body scans ... read more >
Reply
Sent on October 14th 2020 by Attorney Jay Symonds

Donnette: This is a very unfortunate set of circumstances. Have you received a written denial letter? I suggest you contact our office and speak with one of the attorne... read more >

Reliance Standard

I was receiving LTD from Reliance Standard due to breast cancer until they suddenly denied me my benefits.

Reviewed by Mary Anne B. on March 3rd 2020   Verified Policyholder
I was diagnosed stage 2 breast cancer June 2015 and went out on std with Reliance. Within 4 months following my status changed to stage 4 with Mets to my spine. STD conver... read more >
Reply
Sent on March 3rd 2020 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

Mary Anne, your recourse would be to go through the administrative appeal process and if that is denied to file lawsuit. Please contact our office to discuss the denial... read more >

Sun Life

Why are they handling it this way?

Reviewed by Damette on January 23rd 2020   Verified Policyholder
Stage 3 locally advanced pancreatic cancer. Currently in chemotherapy with complications of weakness, anermia, neuteopenia, very low platwtte counts. The biggest concern: ... read more >
Lincoln Financial

Lincoln Financial continuously offsets my son's LTD benefits. It is upending his already difficult life.

Reviewed by Jerri on April 26th 2018   Verified Policyholder
My son was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2013. He is 41 years old. He has had 3 craniotomies. He has been on LTD thru Lincoln Financial since 2014. They required he file ... read more >
Reply
Sent on April 26th 2018 by Attorney Cesar Gavidia

Jerri, I’m sorry to hear about your son. I also understand how emotionally and financially difficult it must be. Unfortunately, it does not appear that I have good ne... read more >

Sun Life

Thank you so very much for your website, and for educating the public about this ugly, evil corporation.

Reviewed by Lynda M. on September 25th 2017   Verified Policyholder
I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in March of 2016 and received a Stem Cell Transplant mid October of 2016, and remained hospitalized until mid November. I have ... read more >
Reply
Sent on September 25th 2017 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

Lynda, you will have an ability to appeal the denial of benefits, which can also address the issue of the repayment of benefits. Sun Life hoped you would accept their b... read more >

Unum

I don't understand why Unum terminated my benefits

Reviewed by Tammy on June 30th 2016   Verified Policyholder
I am a bone cancer survivor with limited use of dominant right arm. Receiving both unum and ssdi for eight years now. Unum has terminated my benefits. I do not understand ... read more >
Reply
Sent on June 30th 2016 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

Tammy, please feel free to contact our office to discuss how we can assist you in appealing the denial of benefits. It is not uncommon for an insurance carrier to termi... read more >

MetLife

Battle with MetLife is like battle with cancer

Reviewed by Faith Porras on April 15th 2015   Verified Policyholder
I have filed a claim for short term disability which started on 01-21-2015 and per the form my doctor filled out, he put return to work date 06-01-2015. Someone at MetLife... read more >
Reply
Sent on April 15th 2015 by Attorney Gregory Dell

Faith, please feel free to contact our office to discuss your claim. It is not uncommon that an insurance company determines a return to work date is much sooner than y... read more >

Prudential

Thanks to Prudential, my family will be living under a bridge soon

Reviewed by Jo-Jo on February 9th 2015   Verified Policyholder
I just want to state that it’s sad when your husband has worked for 31 years. Most of these years was as a certified mechanic and then a retail manager. We aren’t your... read more >
Reply
Sent on February 9th 2015 by Attorney Gregory Dell

Jo-Jo, I am truly sorry to hear about your situation. Please feel free to contact our office to discuss how we may be able to assist your husband in appealing the denia... read more >

Answered Questions by Our Lawyers
(12)
Showing 8 of 12 Answered Questions

Q: Is the recipient responsible for overpayment when they had nothing to do with the reporting?

Answered on November 30th 2023 by Attorney Gregory Dell
A: Jeanne:The beneficiary, which would be you, is responsible for a legitimate overpayment regardless of who ... Read More >

Q: How can I mount a successful appeal to a denial of coverage under my employer's Insurance carriers EOI review for Long Term Disability. Or is it a losing battle?

Answered on June 6th 2023 by Attorney Gregory Dell
A: I don’t think you will have too many options as your Employer is not required to offer Long-Term Disability ... Read More >

Q: Can Principal deduct my social security payment from my monthly Principal disability benefit payment?

Answered on March 30th 2023 by Attorney Gregory Dell
A: Does you disability policy say social security retirement is deductible? If it does then they are allowed to d... Read More >

Q: Does Lincoln Financial apply offsets to all claimants equitably?

Answered on September 20th 2022 by Attorney Cesar Gavidia
A: Jerry, yes, Lincoln Financial may seek to recover an overpayment of benefits pursuant to the contractual langu... Read More >

Q: Do I still need to fill out Guardian claim forms if I am eligible for Presumptive Total Disability?

Answered on June 25th 2019 by Attorney Cesar Gavidia
A: Kate, it is common for benefit checks to be accompanied with claim forms as a matter of course. You can make i... Read More >

Q: Can Lincoln deny my because of my prior cancer diagnosis?

Answered on August 28th 2018 by Attorney Jay Symonds
A: Marla, the carrier is entitled to deny coverage based on their assessment of your medical underwriting. Althou... Read More >

Q: Is it likely that I can prove discrimination of coverage for mental health defects?

Answered on September 13th 2017 by Attorney Gregory Dell
A: Bridget, unfortunately, a carrier can limit payment for a variety of conditions. Mental health limitations of ... Read More >

Q: Can I sue for bad faith under ERISA?

Answered on February 27th 2017 by Attorney Stephen Jessup
A: RPO, I am sorry to hear about the difficulties you are having with Lincoln. Unfortunately, there are no claims... Read More >
Helpful Videos
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Showing 12 of 873 Videos
Disability Benefit Tips
(330)
Showing 8 of 330 Benefit Tips

Cancer and Long Term Disability Insurance Policies

It seems that instances of cancer are running rampant these days. Almost daily it seems as if there is a new study documenting the rise of cer... 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 >

Disability Denial Reason #1 – Paper Review & IME

At Dell Disability Lawyers, we've seen insurance companies give countless reasons to deny lon... Read More >

How to Apply for Reliance Standard Disability Benefits & Top 5 Reasons for a Claim Denial

At Dell & Schaefer we’ve handled hundreds of long term disability insurance claims against Reliance Standard, and have learned a few thi... Read More >
Dell Disability Cases
(372)
Showing 8 of 372 Dell Disability Cases

JP Morgan Chase Financial Advisor With Cancer Wins Prudential Long Term Disability Appeal

Our client was a 58 year old private client advisor for JP Morgan Chase Bank. He wa... Read More >

CIGNA Overturns a Waiver of Premium for Group Life Insurance Policy

In early 2019, the widow of a decease man contacted our firm as she was troubled by the actions of CIGNA, also known as Life Insurance Company... Read More >

Successful Appeal Against Prudential Gets Breast Cancer Survivor Back on Claim for LTD Benefits

Nearly ten years after initially beating breast cancer, our client was distraught to hear that she had a reoccurrence of the disease in 2015. ... Read More >

Sun Life overturned previous denial of LTD for California Diagnostics Manager

Our client, Ms. G, formerly worked as a Diagnostics Manager for a regional Healthcare System. In October 2016 a number of medical issues, incl... Read More >

Reliance Standard overturns decision to deny long-term disability benefits to Paediatrician with Ovarian Cancer

Prior to her disability Dr. Julie worked as a pediatric physician for a nationally recognized health system based in Florida. In 2015, Dr. Jul... Read More >

Assurant overturned its previous denial of long term disability benefits for Maine Sales Consultant

Our client, Ms. C, formerly worked as a Sales Consultant for an international manufacturer of dental materials. In July 2013 a number of medic... Read More >

Team lead by Attorney Cesar Gavidia Forces Prudential to Overturn Long-term Disability Denial on Appeal for IT Support Technician Diagnosed with Cancer

Jared was an IT Support Technician before small cell carcinoma in his middle ear caused fatigue, weakness, headaches, dizziness and head pains... Read More >

Prudential Overturns Decision to Deny Long-term Disability Benefits to Former JP Morgan Chase Financial Advisor With Mandibular Cancer

In 2014, our client, Michael, received the terrible news that he had squamous cell carcinoma of the alveolar ridge (Mandibular Cancer), and as... Read More >
Disability Lawsuit Stories
(765)
Showing 8 of 765 Lawsuit Stories

1st Circuit Affirms Holding That Claim Is Not Subject To Pre-Existing Condition Provision

In Lavery v. Restoration Hardware Long Term Disability Benefits Plan, 2019 WL 4155038 (1st Cir. September 3, 2019), Plaintiff John Lavery ("La... Read More >

If Your Long Term Disability Claim is Denied due to a Pre-Existing Condition, All May Not be Lost

In a recent case out of Massachusetts, a Court sided with a disabled claimant and found that Aetna’s decision to deny the claim for benefits... Read More >

Court Rules for Paul Revere/UNUM and Holds Plaintiff is not Totally Disabled

In Fiorentini v. Paul Revere Life Insurance Company, Plaintiff Henry Fiorentini, CEO and owner of his own information-technology company Panat... Read More >

4 reasons that make a disability insurer's denial of benefits arbitrary and capricious

Anyone with experience with ERISA lawsuits knows the term "arbitrary and capricious." The term, which describes the standard employed by court... Read More >

Tennessee Court Rules That Hartford's Failure to Examine Patient Was An Abuse of Discretion and Overrules Disability Denial

Many claimants are shocked and upset when they receive a denial or termination of their long-term disability benefits based on some doctor's o... Read More >

Appellate Court Rules That Hartford’s Failure to Examine Patient Was An Abuse of Discretion and Overrules Disability Denial

Many claimants are shocked and upset when they receive a denial or termination of their long-term disability benefits based on some doctor's o... Read More >

Court Takes Sun Life To Task For Denial Of Disability And Life Insurance Benefits Of Man With Brain Tumor

The widow of a claimant, who died from a malignant brain tumor, brought this lawsuit with the help of a Colorado Disability Lawyer after Sun L... Read More >

Weston Engineering employee sues AETNA Life Insurance Company for denied disability benefits

Richard R. and his Illinois disability attorney filed a lawsuit in the United District Court in the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Div... 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.