Dell Disability Lawyers Client Testimonials

I am very humbled to have the privilege to write this testimonial on behalf of Dell & Schaefer and more specifically, Mr. Cesar Gavidia. Unfortunately, after suffering from Essential Benign tremors for numerous years I lost a career for which I dearly loved. I was a dental implant surgeon whose accomplishments are quite humbling. I devoted my entire career to my patients, employees, colleagues and students. Upon discovery of my disability, I contacted Mr. Cesar Gavidia for professional guidance. Upon meeting Mr. Gavidia, I inquired of his knowledge, years of experience, colleagues and most importantly his “Passion” to represent each and every client.

What I discovered was a very sincere Gentleman with a tremendous depth of knowledge regarding my disability policies and many others aspects of business law. During the last five (5) years of my career I could have increased the benefits of my disability policy. However, I failed to do so. I thought I had all of the answers. I was wrong! I would encourage each and every reader to consult with an expert such as Mr. Cesar Gavidia prior to entering into a “Disability Insurance Contract”. Or at least shortly thereafter. You will be enlightened to learn the details and how they will affect you if you incur a career ending disability. You owe it to yourself and your family to understand your DISABILITY POLICY. Mr. Gavidia’s ability to explain the most important details was masterful. My initial conversation with Mr. Gavidia reminds me of our patients and how we sometimes would fail to explain things in laymen’s terms. And we wondered why our patients were confused? Now I know.

I would further suggest that you conduct an annual review of your policy with Dell & Schaefer to ensure your understanding and expectations to protect yourself and your loved ones. I am fortunate. I thought I had performed my “Due Diligence”. I had to a minimal level. Had I taken the initiative to contact this excellent group of experts, early on I could have protected my wife and children like a responsible spouse and father should. However, we are fortunate and blessed in that my disability insurance covers our very nominal financial requirements.

We have no additional funds for our children’s college nor do we live a lavish lifestyle. I simply receive the “minimum” to get by each month. I am very fortunate to have a “true expert” to take care of me and an insurance company, who to date has honored their contract. I thought I had performed my due diligence. In retrospect I was simply naive. While considered an “expert” in my profession with the highest accolades in the world I finally realized that it is impossible to know everything. My encouragement would be to focus on your passion and expertise and let those who are experts in their field help you.

I am very, very fortunate to have sincere and professional colleagues, Mr. Cesar Gavidia and his paralegal, Ms. Danielle Lauria help me through some very difficult times. I have returned to school and recently earned my MBA so I can “get back on my feet” and continue to help those who have blessed me so much. Dell & Schaefer helped me with this too. They encouraged me to do so when I thought the world had ended. In medicine we take an oath, “Do No Harm”. That should also apply to ourselves. Make sure you take care of yourself and your loved ones. You deserve it!

Why would you recommend Dell Disability Lawyers?
> Knowledge, Expertise, Professional, Reliability, Comprehensive
> Compassion
> Personality
> Concern
> Caring
> Firm
> Logical
> Detailed
> Promptness
> Willingness
> Realistic

What could we do to improve?
Spread the word to as many colleagues as possible. Utilize someone like myself on your behalf to simply share their “story” and the truth. This has been a tremendous learning experience for me and my family.

I contacted the law firm of Dell & Schaefer just to check and see if there was a possibility to settle my claim with UNUM and get a lump sum buyout. BEST decision I have ever made! Cesar called me within 24 hours of me sending a email and he discussed my claim in detail with me. Let me tell you, he not only discussed my claim detail but discussed my future plans and diagnosis, he wanted to make sure the settlement was the right option for my case. We decided to move forward with an offer to Unum for the buyout and within three weeks we had an offer. The offer that Cesar negotiated was not only fair but much more than I expected. And the best thing of all, I no longer have to deal with those monthly phone calls and interviews and having someone harass my doctors.

I do not want to forget Mr. Gavidia’s assistant, Anneli Decardenas. She kept me up to date on every aspect of the case, no I did not have to call to get information, Anneli kept me informed. If I did send in a request for information I received a prompt response. Best law firm I have ever had the pleasure to have represent me. Last but not least, I did crunch the numbers and accessed my long term payments against the settlement offer, I can tell you my outcome was very fair.

Why would you recommend Dell Disability Lawyers?
If you are on long term disability, you need to hire this law firm. Hands down they are the best.

What could we do to improve?
Do not change a thing.

I was pleased with the effort and professionalism of both Mr. Alex Palamara and Ms. Danielle Lauria. It is sad how New York Life treats sick people like me who after years of payments, refuse with what they promised. I for one would much rather be healthy and able to work. But since that is no longer the case, it is a wonderful service Dell Disability Lawyers provided me through Alex and Danielle and I am truly grateful. They got the job done.

Why would you recommend Dell Disability Lawyers?
Simple. I am too sick to work, and Mr. Palamara and his support team helped me get the insurance company to recognize and accept this.

From the first contact this office was organized, professional and responsive to all my needs and questions. Following my sudden career threatening injury it was most comforting and assuring as a potential client to feel as if I was dealing with the most experienced and most competent professionals in the industry and in my opinion Dell & Schaefer has provided just that. I find Gregory Dell’s legal representation to date to be excellent in every way.

Why would you recommend Dell Disability Lawyers?
Excellent communication and explanation of all aspects, they are organized and detail attentive, call backs or email reply within minutes. Excellent representation.

I researched a lot of disability attorneys on-line for an “insurance buy-out” with Unum. I ultimately decided to go with Alex’s firm, I am glad I did, as he was very professional yet down to earth. I literally felt at ease during the entire course of my business with him as well as his staff members. He did everything he said he’d do for me in a quick and timely manner.

His fees were within range with other firms based on my research, he always returned my calls and kept me posted from beginning to end. I settled in a few weeks. I don’t think anybody wants to get an attorney to deal with an insurance company, but if you find yourself in this situation as I did, then Dell & Schaefer is the way to go! I’m glad I had the opportunity to work with his firm.

Why would you recommend Dell Disability Lawyers?
I would absolutely recommend him to others as they are very knowledgeable with how the big insurance companies operate and they treat you like a person not just another client.

I called Dell & Schaefer the day I received the LTD denial letter, and immediately spoke with attorney Cesar Gavidia. From our phone conversation he understood what I was up against. After my denial I was feeling hopeless and was ready to throw in the towel. Cesar explained to me the next step was to file a lawsuit and take the case before a federal judge. We settled the case at mediation with the insurance co. rep and their counsel.

Why would you recommend Dell Disability Lawyers?
When I thought it was hopeless to try and fight the Insurance Co. and their resource, Dell & Schaefer used their knowledge in dealing with these giants, to get me a fair settlement.

My husband was looking for attorneys to help me with my disability claim. He was in Florida on business and happened to call Dell & Schaefer by accident. I have been out of work due to physical illness with an emotional component related to the pain from my physical problems.

My employer used a 3 party administrator for disability claims and they were less than helpful. I was afraid I was going to loose everything if they stopped paying my benefits. I received a phone call from attorney Rachel Alters. She was my angel! She had me fax all the communication I had received from the disability company. She read through all the of sideways language and was able to explain every bit of it to me. Best of all, once I hired Dell & Schaefer I did not have to talk to “the company again.” What a relief! As soon as “the company” found out I had a lawyer everything turned around. I was deemed totally disabled not only for my job but any JOB. Rachel guided me patiently and kindly through every step of this process.

As it stands now, “the company” is paying me a lump sum settlement, that Rachel worked very hard to obtain. They will continue to pay for the services of the company working on my social security disability. Rachel also negotiated my life insurance will be paid by the company until I am 65.

Also “the company” wanted to keep any retro-payments due to me from social security. Rachel stood up for my best interest and any funds that are due to me from Social Security are mine and “the company has no right to them.” Rachel has also educated me about managing a large lump sum of money and the responsibility associated with making it last. Rachel Alters is my lawyer but I also consider her my friend (I have never met her) but only a friend would work so hard to protect the interest of someone else.

Why would you recommend Dell Disability Lawyers?
Dell & Schaefer attorneys are knowledgeable, professional, and are outstanding communicators. I am an RN so I understood all the of the medical information that was needed. I have full faith that if a client was not a nurse and did not understand medical language, that client would have the benefit of patient and kind communication until they were comfortable.

I would recommend Dell Disability Lawyers without hesitation.

I have been a client of Stephen Jessup since early last year and have to say he’s an amazing attorney whose direct approach and attention to detail are second to none. My case presents a difficult challenge in that we have to manage my LTD policy, workers compensation, and SSDI all together. Attorney Jessup has been able to guide me through all the intricacies of all three and has gone out of his way to do so, even in dealing with workers compensation and SSDI, although he is not required to do so. He doesn’t embellish or overstate what he can do for you. I have never had an email go unanswered or an attorney conference call cancelled. His compassion and understanding about your situation and condition are genuine. He listens to all your concerns and never will respond with empty rhetoric or lip service. And let’s not forget Anneli De Cardenas, who is definitely a big part of Dell & Schaefer. She has been terrific to deal with and has been very empathetic regarding my case.

Dealing with the insurance company by yourself is not only stressful but also not recommended; since Dell & Schaefer have started managing my LTD policy, I have felt a tremendous sense of relief because they are always on the ball and I trust that they are handling it effectively. I have the utmost gratitude to Stephen Jessup and Dell & Schafer for everything they have done for my case.

Why would you recommend Dell Disability Lawyers?
I would recommend Dell & Schaefer because they listen to all of your needs and will never back down from any insurance company. They are a boutique law firm that will take the time to personally and effectively manage your case.

Cesar Gavidia handled our disability claim which turned out to be very complex… not the simple claim we thought. After reviewing all options and being fully advised as to all options we agreed a settlement would be in our best interests and authorized Cesar to go forward. He was able to procure an extremely good settlement under the circumstances… he was pleasant professional and extremely knowledgeable in his field of insurance disability claims. I can’t say enough good things about our experience. Our only disappointment was the understanding of all the factors involved in the claim but when faced with reality… Cesar did a tremendous job for us. And our case was resolved quickly once the decision to settle was made.

What could we do to improve?
Nothing… everything was done as well as could be expected… and since I am a PI attorney and have handled thousands of claims myself – I can say this professionally as well. Keep up the good work.

My wife and I were quite pleased with how Dell & Schaefer managed to procure a buyout from a nation-wide disability insurance company, whose name has been consistently associated with attempts to discredit the expert diagnosis of qualified physicians, in favor of their own staff appointed representatives. A practice that they have routinely used over the years in order to deny as many valid claims of disability as possible. They have also used this tactic to undermine the validity of many of the recipients of disability benefits who were already receiving their disability payments, as was the case with us. Dell & Schaefer was familiar with these tactics and the other methods used by this particular disability insurance company and it is for this reason that we contacted them. We were glad that we did.

Why would you recommend Dell Disability Lawyers?
Dell & Schaefer were very courteous and understanding. They presented a means to resolve the situation brought to them and they produced the results that they claimed were possible. In our case, even a little better than claimed. They did so in a reasonable timeframe, as well.

I worked with Mr. Dell in a lump sum buyout of my long term disability policy with a major national carrier. I knew I would need a professional for this and when I emailed Mr. Dell about information, he promptly set up a time to chat with me and it all went from there. He was able to negotiate with the insurance company to obtain a very attractive buyout offer, which I took.

Mr. Dell never delayed more than an hour in answering my emails and calls. In fact, usually I heard something from him or his associate within minutes. I really appreciated this, given that all of this is done without actually meeting in person. I highly recommend getting help if you are considering a lump sum buyout of your policy. And after my experience working with this firm, you will feel most secure that you’re getting the best deal possible. Thanks Greg and all you guys there that were so helpful.

Why would you recommend Dell Disability Lawyers?
I felt the staff was professional and dedicated to getting the best job done in my behalf.

I must say, words can’t express my inner-feelings for the fabulous job that Dell & Schaefer firm have done for me. I was so impress with the outline of my disability appeal, it was totally organized. Dell & Schaefer keep me abreast with the entire proceedings. To have an attorney that has your interest at heart is a phenomenal thing. Dell & Schaefer was referred to me by a friend. It was a true blessing. I would return a favor, by referring Dell & Schaefer to anyone that needs an attorney.

Thank You, Dell & Schaefer and Stephen Jessup, for being there in my time of need.

Cesar Gavidia and Michal Mizrahi, are undeniably one of the most efficient and productive teams of legal experts out there. Professional, ethical, patient and relentless in the pursuit of practical and just results for their clients. Definitely recommend them both to anyone seeking legal council.

We all make, everyone of us, life altering decisions everyday that could and often do, save or change the course of our lives. Something as simple as driving to the market one rainy afternoon for groceries with the children carefully strapped and tucked into their car seats… safety belts secured around each one them and returning them home safely… intact – also very important… choosing the right early education program for one of those youngsters who is struggling to “keep up” in school – or maybe it’s a quality of life choice so very important to you personally like… choosing the surgeon who will repair a delicate to treat and painful spinal disc ailment that has caused you years of terrible suffering.

We regularly make decisions that affect our personal and family lives within the context of the times we are living in when we make them. We place our faith and trust in the professionals we select to advise us on these and other very important matters. These “coaches”, as I will continue to refer to them, are Physicians, Lawyers, CPA’s, Financial Investment Consultants, RealEstate Professionals, Insurance Experts, etcetera. These carefully chosen advisers keep us abreast of new opportunities for healing, financial growth and security while at the same time appraising us of the risks and dangers that occur minute to minute both over and under the world’s constantly changing landscape. When the unpredicted problem arises and a major problem will happen at least once in all of our lives, we might need to turn to the “law” – the law lives and breathes and changes by virtue of human, political and technical progress. Those “Coaches”, I mentioned earlier in this memo, also rely on legal experts to help them and their young as well as you and I who they might advise having been selected by one of “us” as a “coach”. We all in the final analysis, must navigate what is often a cloudy, murky, unsure world as part of survival in and of itself.

My legal “coach”… Cesar Gavidia, who has been helping me find my way in this unsure world, is a lawyer I’m very proud to know. After taking my troubling call about a serious insurance matter, Cesar immediately set about collecting the insurance policy information and after carefully studying the insurance policy language… language with which he was and is very familiar, gave me a “gift” that I cannot repay in kind… the “gift” was faith in the law and more importantly… faith in Cesar Gavidia. If you believe as I do, that a legal “coach” is needed to help flesh out your team of professional advisors… then consider talking to Cesar.

We live in a cynical world and we are all afraid of the “unknown”. Step into the knowledgable, kind, generous, professional world of “law” as practiced by Cesar… he really, really, really saved me. And although there are no absolutes… my insurance problems may need more care… a constant I can rely on and believe in is Cesar Gavidia. He will protect me by judiciously and honestly applying the “law”. As hard as it is to believe in anything we hear or read today… please believe me… because my still unfolding story just happens to be the unvarnished truth… and Cesar will get me through these insurance issues the right way, by employing the “truth” in the law… I just know he will… i just somehow know he will. Dan

Why would you recommend Dell Disability Lawyers?
My experience with Cesar Gavidia is unparalleled given my limited knowledge of the legal profession. But if kind, generous, compassionate legal advice tempered with empathy and faith in the law is considered “old fashioned” then I’m “old fashioned” enough to recognize a thoughtful legitimate legal mind with a commitment to the “truth” first and then the law. The “People” make the laws and the wisdom of it’s application should be under the auspices and careful administration of talents like Cesar Gavidia… Congratulations to Dell & Schaefer… having made the decision to staff the firm with a quality talent like Cesar… a wise investment that puts truth in the law first for each of Cesar’s clients… subsequently makes the “truth” in the law available to all of the “People”. The very “People” who craft the laws for the sake of the truth!

What could we do to improve?
I’ve most gratefully just come in contact with your firm, Cesar Gavidia in particular, but outside of the Dell & Schaefer law practice itself is the need for the profession as a whole to take a stand on voting rights, equality under the law and most importantly the priority of improved education, nutrition and basic care of our countries children… the future of this democracy depends on the good stewardship of those important resources… particularly from those men and women who administer the law in their defense… these few afore-mentioned legal, political and social challenges are “rights” not privileges and all members of the bar should fight to preserve these “best” American practices and values. My best to Cesar and to all of his team and colleagues…

Very friendly and always answered my emails. Explained things simple and very well.

Why would you recommend Dell Disability Lawyers?
They work hard for you.

They were very professional in helping me with my legal situation. I was very fortunate to find such a competent company and attorney to represent me. Everyone that I had the pleasure of talking to, was very pleasant and helpful.

Why would you recommend Dell Disability Lawyers?
Because they do a great job.

What could we do to improve?
Nothing.

My experience has been very good; but for his representation the insurance company would not have agreed to pay my disability benefits.

Why would you recommend Dell Disability Lawyers?
I would recommend them because they are thoroughly experienced with short term and long term disability insurance and it’s laws, and as such I was quite comfortable having the Firm represent me in my claim for disability benefits against the insurance company.

What could we do to improve?
I have no complaints.

I have been a client of Dell & Schaefer for the 6 months and they have already successfully taken my disability claim to approval. It is privilege to write this testimonial. I am a professional myself, a physician and to me these are some of the core strengths of Steve Jessup and his team.

Listening to the client: Attorneys at Dell & Schaefer really listen to you explain your special situation and undoubtedly every one of us has a special circumstance and specific wishes as to what we want. Most of the time attorneys and in general most professionals these days, will listen to you a couple of minutes and then file you away in a category or a bin and chalk out a plan for you in their mind and stop listening to you and start thinking about the next thing that they have to do. That is why these interactions are so often exasperating for the client.

As a physician I used to try and teach medical students that any well trained monkey can read a few books and do a particular thing in a particular situation, it is however extremely essential that you determine what the situation is and no one understands the situation better than your client or patient. I spoke to a couple of attorneys at D&S, initially with someone who took my call and then Steve who was assigned to me and it was impressive that they really tried to get what I was trying to convey, what my special and unique situation was (and whose isn’t?) and what I wanted.

Shock and Awe: At Dell & Schaefer they don’t go in halfway prepared. Their philosophy is to get well prepared and go in guns blazing. They will make you work on your mission until all anticipated difficulties have a contingency plan before even the adversary is intimated of the challenge. I believe it was Sun Tzu who said that the best battles are won before they are fought. Frequently you are a small David pitted against a Goliath adversary with deep pockets and a much larger time horizon. But you do have an advantage, that of time for preparation. The adversary does not know of the battle until you tell them and then the clock starts ticking. At Dell & Schaefer they make full use of your advantage by preparing your case with utmost thoroughness before the engagement.

Art of the possible: Legal action, just like life, is the art of the possible. I have dealt with 5 other attorneys in my career and only one of them apart from Dell & Schaefer understood this. A professional’s job is to tell you what the score is, what possibly can occur in the future and what measures can be taken to favorably change the future. And the last one is possibly the most vital. You don’t want your attorneys telling you all the time why things cannot be done, how laws are stacked against you, how global warming is melting the icecaps, how the oil is running out and how dogs sometimes eat homework assignments. You want them taxing their brains to see what can be done in best manner possible, so the future, which is not yet written, changes favorably for you. Attorneys at D&S get this and consciously incorporate it in their work ethic.

They say that there are four professionals in your life who should also be your friends. Doctor, Lawyer, Accountant and Banker. There is a deeper side to this sound bite that some people get and some don’t. I live at the other end of the country from where Dell & Schaefer work and play, but the world is small and getting smaller and perhaps someday I can add to my stock of friends.

What an accomplishment Dell & Schaefer had done for my case against Reliance Standard Life Ins Co. The process was better than I could of thought. I could not of recovered my counter action without them. Great people and professionally handled with integrity, honestly and no strings attached. I was right and the firm got me my rights. Thank you Alex and the Dell & Schaefer team.

Why would you recommend Dell Disability Lawyers?
Because they work hard at what they do best… Recover your rights.

What could we do to improve?
At this time… nothing.

I cannot praise highly enough, the Dell & Schaefer law firm and, in particular, Steven Dell and Rachel Alters, the two Dell & Schaefer lawyers who handled my case. I had been a lawyer for more than 30 years when I became disabled. Steven and Rachel successfully obtained payments on each of two separate disability policies.

Throughout the process, they carefully explained to me each step along the way. I always understood my options and the pros and cons of each of them. They have vast experience in pursuing disability claims. As an example, they identified a first-rate expert who prepared a report supporting my case. Steven and Rachel have always responded promptly any time I had a question. Put simply, they are simply great attorneys who know this area of the law inside and out. I unhesitatingly recommend Dell & Schaefer for their professionalism, knowledge, accessibility, promptness and total devotion to their clients’ best interests.