Our Disability Lawyers Help You Collect Disability Insurance Benefits in Colorado
If you are a resident of Colorado and would like assistance with your short or long term disability benefits claim, ERISA denial, long term care, life insurance or accidental death policy, there are several things you need to be aware of. Regardless of what stage of the claim process you are currently in, it’s usually best to consult a disability lawyer and carefully go through your options before you file a disability benefits claim, appeal, or a lawsuit. In addition, it’s important to have an experienced lawyer who deals specifically with Colorado law because there are certain state-specific aspects that may affect the case.
When seeking assistance from a disability insurance attorney in Colorado, it is important to consider how much experience your lawyer has in dealing with your specific disability insurance company. At the Law Offices of Dell Disability Lawyers, we deal with every major disability company on a daily basis. We know every action that they will take. We have earned our reputation in both Colorado and Nationwide as aggressive, competent, and reliable disability insurance lawyers. It is essential to hire an experienced attorney with a disability insurance law firm that has the resources, co-counsel network and experience to effectively represent disability insurance claimants against these nationwide disability insurance companies.
If you need attorney representation in Colorado, please contact us for a free phone consultation. We handle disability benefits claims process at all stages: applications to disability, appeals processes, and litigation of disability lawsuits. We are available to help you with any claim in the United States and you will not be required to come to our office. If we cannot assist you, we will try to refer you to someone that can. We encourage you to look around our extensive website and download our free E-brochure to learn more about our legal services.
What qualifies as a disability in Colorado?
Under Colorado disability law, a person is deemed to be disabled if they are unable to engage in their regular or customary work activities due to a physical or mental impairment that has lasted, or is expected to last, 12 months or more. In addition, the disability must be severe enough to prevent the claimant from engaging in any gainful occupation for which they are reasonably suited based on their education and experience.
In order to qualify for disability benefits, a claimant must provide substantial medical evidence that establishes their inability to work. This usually includes detailed information regarding the diagnosis, prognosis, current symptoms and treatments, as well as opinions from medical experts.
What is the appeal process for disability benefits?
After your initial application is denied, you may request a reconsideration of your application. During the reconsideration stage, another review of your application will determine whether it should be approved. If you receive a second denial, you can request a hearing. You have 60 days from the date of the reconsideration’s denial to request a hearing. You will also need to submit any new evidence within 10 days of filing the hearing request.
At the hearing, a judge from the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR) will hear your case. Your attorney or legal representative can present evidence, question witnesses, and make arguments on your behalf. The judge may also review documents such as medical records or employment history. After hearing all of the evidence, the judge will issue a decision in writing.
If you are still not satisfied with the judge’s decision, you may appeal the ruling to the Appeals Council. The Appeals Council will review your case and make a final determination on whether or not you qualify for disability benefits.
Do I have to file my disability denial lawsuit in Colorado?
In the event of a disability claim denial, our disability attorneys will usually have the option of selecting one of several states to file the disability lawsuit. More than 80% of short-term and long-term disability insurance policies are governed by a federal law called ERISA, which means that a Colorado disability insurance attorney can usually file a lawsuit in any federal court in any state.
If the disability claim is not governed by ERISA, then the specific state laws may determine where the lawsuit must be filed. In Colorado, a disability insurance attorney can file a denial of benefits lawsuit in any county or district court that has jurisdiction over the matter.
Answers to Questions About Working With Us
I need a disability lawyer near me. Do you work in Colorado?
Yes. We are a national disability insurance law firm with extensive experience and we are available to represent you regardless of where you live in Colorado or anywhere else in the United States. We have partner disability 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, and we deal with clients who have a wide variety of medical conditions or have experienced injury. There is nothing that our lawyers have not seen in the disability insurance world, so please do not hesitate to give us a call for a free initial consultation.
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 clients to make our attorney fees as affordable as possible. The three available fee options are a contingency fee basis (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. We are certainly available to meet with you at any of our satellite offices located in either Colorado or another state, however following a review of your disability policy or any other pertinent documents and a free telephone conversation we are usually able to make a determination of how to best move forward with legal representation.
A successful claim will depend on the confirmation of your physician. With properly documented medical evidence our knowledgeable attorneys will make a determination of the best path forward. It is our job to try to get our deserving clients paid their disability insurance benefits as quick as possible; therefore we prefer to have an initial consultation via telephone.
For purposes of efficiency and to reduce expenses for our clients we have found that 99% of our clients prefer to communicate via telephone, e-mail, text or an online meeting tool. 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. Whether you need help with the initial application process, ERISA-governed policy issues, employer-sponsored Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance problems, insurance company denial, appeals, or litigation processes, we are happy to help remotely.
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. Because we have extensive resources, our lawyers and staff return all client calls the 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.
Reviews From Colorado Clients
Choosing a disability law firm to represent you in the application, appeals, or lawsuit stages is no easy task. You want to look for a law office with legal experts who have extensive experience in dealing with initial disability claims, appeals processes, and litigation, and have handled thousands of claims. It’s vital that your chosen disability lawyers of Colorado have extensive legal resources, a well-earned reputation, and a high client satisfaction rate. Be sure to browse some of the client recommendations to make the best decisions:
Alyssa S.
As with anyone who finds themselves empty handed and lost as it becomes apparent long term disability is their only means for income and support for their family, the web searches become unbelievably daunting on what firm could properly represent you and your case. It was extremely important to me I found a firm who had not only won against my private LTD policy, but had also won cases concerning my disease and the extraordinary challenges that accompany it. Dell & Schaefer fit those requirements on paper, and only affirmed through the roof they were the law firm for me.
They are some of the most compassionate individuals I could have ever had the chance to work with, and from day 1 to the end, 14 months later they always treated me, just as me. I wasn’t a disability case, or a chronically ill patient, but someone who should feel and be empowered to fight for what I am rightfully owed. Their experience fighting cases shows, and I never once questioned hiring an attorney versus fighting the appeals myself.
I would recommend Dell Disability Lawyers because of their breadth of cases won, and for differing workers comp issues, and disabilities. There is very little if anything this law firm can’t handle, and if they couldn’t, I know they would be the first to be honest and refer someone to the absolute best.
The entire staff is extremely professionalism and extraordinarily responsive. All of that you can find in time at another firm, but you can’t find how Dell Disability Lawyers makes you feel, like the person you were before disability, and through disability – we are so much more than the sum of our claim, and every day the staff rests their hat to keep that character instilled in all they do.
Tina R.
I found that during the time my claim was being processed, my attorney (Ms. Alters) and her assistant (Ms. Arriaga) were both very professional, quick to respond, and did not seem pressed for time in a way that let me feel that I was important to them.
They were both very straightforward in expressing their thoughts and suggestions as well as helping me understand anything I did not understand. They took the time necessary to explain anything that was confusing to me. I felt as if I knew them personally and appreciated their help very much.
The professionalism, experience, and knowledge are high-level. Those qualities are very important to build my confidence in their representation as well as the outcome of my case.
Glen P.
Simply The Best. I chose Dell & Schaefer after watching several videos that Greg had made and I also checked his reviews. I contacted him through his website and within 1 hour Greg called me on a Sunday afternoon. We discussed my medical issues and how they were rapidly damaging my abilities to continue my dental practice of 32 years. He told me that he would handle my case himself. I asked for names of dentists that he had represented. I spoke to 3 and they all said hire Greg ASAP. I had 3 specialists who recommended that I stop practicing but I had a tough time dealing with losing my practice of 32 years. I was dealing with depression and anxieties due to my reduction in hours along with knowing that my disability insurance company had a bad reputation of denying legitimate claims. Greg had a way of calming me down and he told me he had dealt with my company hundreds of times. He was not at all intimidated. He said that he was going to help me and was confident that we would win. Greg guided me through the entire process and it was completed in the time frame he said it would be. He and Vanessa returned all my calls and emails rapidly.
I would think of questions on weekends or late at night and he would always return my emails and calls. Once everything was into the insurance company they had an inexperienced claim consultant on my case that was challenging my disabling conditions. Greg fired off a letter giving them 5 days to make a decision. They moved my case up the ladder to a “lead” consultant and within 2 days we had the approval letter. He was also able to collect a period of partial disability, my business overhead expense policy, get me deemed totally disabled get my three insurance premiums refunded to me. We also received all past due benefits for the maximum monthly payment for the past 8 months since I stopped working. Greg continues to handle my claim and thankfully he will always be on my claim until my policy expires.
My family will be thankful to Greg, his assistant Vanessa and their entire team forever.
Laurie W.
My experience working with Jay and Sonia was the most wonderful gratifying experience I have ever had. I have never liked lawyer nor have I ever used one my opinion has changed deeply. I would never have received the benefits that I paid for that I deserve were it not for them. They were always cordial, friendly and always answered every question I had.
I owe them the security and comfort that I now enjoy at once again. I would recommend them to anyone for any disability claim in a heartbeat. Service was more than superb and I am truly grateful.
Gladys F.
I worked extremely hard on Wall Street for over twenty years – spending almost seventeen years at one of the biggest and most reputable firms – where in the 360 annual reviews I was consistently within the top five percent of performers. I suffered an injury while at work and had to undergo spine surgery and take medical leave to recuperate which lasted almost six months. However, that surgery didn’t do what we all expected and as time went by I got worse. The pain was too much, I was hardly able to walk, work, commute, sleep or anything. I had to be constantly drugged, having involuntary leg spasms at night that are extremely painful. Three top US Doctors agreed the only way to help me was for me to undergo an anterior and posterior spine fusion. This meant a very long and risky surgery and we didn’t know how long I would be unable to work. At that moment – I was laid off from my job.
After the 2nd surgery and until today, I continued to suffer from lots of pain, lack of mobility, depression, anxiety, inability to care for myself or my family, the painful leg spams continued and I realized my life had changed for the worse. I applied for disability insurance from my LTD carrier – this is the insurance I had been paying out of pocket for about sixteen years just in case I ever needed it. Despite all the Doctor’s reports, all the pain and suffering, the disability, medication and symptoms I have, the fact that my family has to do many things for me including help me bathe and dress and despite the fact that I’m going to need a third surgery pretty soon, the LTD carrier denied my claim. I contacted the law firm of Dell & Schaefer after conducting some research on great law firms in the US.
My experience with Disability Insurance Dell Disability Lawyers has been outstanding. From our initial conversation, I knew I was speaking with a sensitive attorney who was fully engaged in our conversation, my case, and extremely frustrating situation. My attorney listened to me very patiently and once I finished he started asking me questions regarding my case. He took my case as he understood from all the medical reports and everything I had gone through for years that this is a strong case. Needless to say within a month of submitting his appeal – the LTD carrier approved my claim. I have had past experience with a couple of law firms before – nothing compares to the knowledge, empathy and top-notch work that Dell & Schaefer has done for me. I would highly recommend Dell & Schaefer to anyone who’s denied LTD.
Top 5 Disability Insurance Cases Resolved by Dell Disability Lawyers in Colorado
Northwestern Mutual Approves Claim For Disability Benefits — The client, a sole proprietor of a lawn care business, had an eye injury that caused vision problems, leading to the closure of his business. In January 2017, he filed a disability claim with Northwestern Mutual. There were misunderstandings and miscommunication which complicated the process. Northwestern Mutual considered the client to have two jobs – lawn care and rental property management. However, Attorney Stephen Jessup argued that the client only had one job, with rental income being passive. Northwestern Mutual disagreed, citing the client’s claim forms. Attorney Jessup argued for partial disability benefits based on the policy’s provision.
After two years and the involvement of Attorney Jessup, Northwestern eventually approved partial and total disability benefits, retroactive to January 2017.
Cigna Overturns Denial of LTD Benefits to Computer Systems Engineer after Appeal and Independent Medical Examination — A Computer Systems Engineer applied for Long Term Disability (LTD) benefits but was denied by Cigna insurance company. The claimant hired Attorney Alexander Palamara, who reviewed medical and policy records. Attorney Palamara appealed the denial and pointed out inconsistencies in Cigna’s conclusions and their failure to conduct an Independent Medical Examination (IME). Cigna reversed the denial after the IME and approved all pending benefits. The claimant is still receiving support from Attorney Palamara to maintain their claim status.
Attorney Jay Symonds successfully appealed UNUM’s denial of long term disability benefits for a Colorado plumber — Attorney Jay Symonds appealed the denial of long-term disability benefits for Mr. B, a Colorado Plumber. Mr. B stopped working in January 2016 due to medical conditions. He initially claimed short-term disability benefits, which were extended to long-term disability. However, UNUM, the administrator and funder of the benefits, denied the claim. UNUM argued that Mr. B no longer met the policy’s disability definition because he wasn’t under a physician’s care when he stopped working. Dell Disability Lawyers and Attorney Symonds were retained, and an appeal was filed. The appeal pointed out errors in UNUM’s decision and disputed the findings of its medical reviews. After seven weeks and a thorough review of medical records, UNUM reversed its decision and awarded long-term disability benefits to our client.
Attorney Jay Symonds successfully appealed and overturned Mutual of Omaha’s denial of short term disability benefits for a Colorado Senior Manager — Ms. J was denied short-term disability benefits. She had medical issues and sought help from Attorney Jay Symonds. Symonds found issues with Mutual of Omaha’s investigation and assessment of her medical records. The appeal pointed out these issues and clarified Ms. J’s job requirements. One month later, Mutual of Omaha reversed its decision and compensated Ms. J with full short-term disability benefits. Her long-term disability benefit claim was also approved, ensuring continuous monthly income and no coverage gaps.
Cigna overturns Short Term Disability Denial and awards Long Term Disability Benefits — An ex-employee at Critigen, Inc. had her Short Term Disability claim denied by Cigna, despite her health issues. Attorney Alexander Palamara intervened and proved the denial wrong. He demanded approval for both STD and LTD benefits. Cigna reconsidered and approved both benefits. The client now receives monthly benefits.
Colorado Courts, Government and Colorado Department of Insurance Information
- Colorado Court System – Official Website of the Colorado state court system
- Official Government Website of the State of Colorado – Information regarding the state of Colorado governmental entities and resources.
- Colorado Department of Insurance – Regulates all insurance companies that do business in Colorado.
Federal Courts
- U.S. Court of Appeals (10th Circuit) – This court has jurisdiction over appeals from United States District Courts located in Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah and Wyoming.
- District of Colorado Federal Court
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.
Sue Your Disability Insurance Company
We have filed thousands of disability denial lawsuits in federal Courts nationwide.
Protect Your Benefits
Get Your Disability Application Approved
We help claimants throughout the entire application process.
Prevent a Disability Benefit Denial
We manage every aspect of your disability claim following claim approval.
Negotiate a Lump-Sum Settlement
Our goal is to negotiate the highest possible buyout of your long-term disability policy.
Disability Company Reviews
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Showing 8 of 653 Reviews
New York Life
New York Life is a joke!
This company sucks when it comes to disability claims. They are slow at processing stuff, then they always say they didn't recieve the doctors information. You spend your ... read more >
MetLife
They FULL OF ****
MetLife is what everyone on this review are saying. They don't contact you to let you know what's going on with your claim or to let know you need additional info. I had a... read more >
Sedgwick
Worst Company Ever
If something happens to you at work you better hope you die, my son is going through HELL because this company is handling his work comp. NO RETURN PHONE CALLS, TEXTS, EMA... read more >
MetLife
MetLife for disability? Avoid the surgery unless it's life-threatening
The worst company I ever dealt with, never received a call from my claim manager.
Reliance Standard
Short Term Disability Claim/Inconsistent to NO Communication
When I did call & reach a live person they were kind & helpful. The person assigned to my claim left one phone message & I have not spoken to her since. Information she re... read more >
Unum
Unum Closed My Case Today
Unum will keep you around, if they pay you 100 a month. But as soon as have to pay more than 2700 a month, they will drop you. We will be going to the attorneys office fir... read more >
Prudential
Denied but Not Denied but I am Denied
I went out in Aug. 2022 for neck pain. After seeing a neurologist I had to get an ACDF C5-7, it was also determined I had carpal tunnel in my right hand and bulging disk i... read more >
Answered Questions by Our Lawyers
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Helpful Videos
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Disability Benefit Tips
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Showing 8 of 331 Benefit Tips
Why Must Your Disability Insurance Lawyer Understand Your Disabling Condition?
When it comes to securing your disability insurance benefits, it's vitally important that your disability insurance lawyer thoroughly understands the symptoms and impact of your disabling condition. Doctors can help you create strong medical records, but they're not accustomed to dealing with the rigorous documentation disability insurance companies require. Lea... 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 concerned that you're facing an uphill battle. Fortunately, the stronger your medical evidence, the greater the odds that your claim will be approved. On the other side of the coin, one of the most common reasons for denial of long term disability benefits involves too-weak med... Read More >
Disability Benefit Denial Reason #4 - Your Doctor Is Misled By the Disability Company
When you're seeking disability insurance benefits, your medical records and treating physician's statement are two of the most important components of your claim. But because the insurance company has a vested interest in denying your disability insurance claim, it often will rely on tactics like ambushing your doctor with a phone call in an attempt to get them ... Read More >
Disability Benefit Denial Reason #3 - Video & Social Media Surveillance
One thing many disability insurance claimants don't know about (or expect) from the claims review process involves video and social media surveillance. Disability insurance carriers often hire people to follow claimants around with a telephoto lens - or even send social media friend requests from fake accounts - to glean whatever information they can about the c... 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. You are sick and not able to work, yet your disability insurance company is telling you to return to work. The disability insurance company has denied your disability benefit claim and is basically calling you a liar. When receiving a disability denial letter or a ph... 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 the change in the disability insurance policy's definition of "disability." This definition change often happens in conjunction with a vocational review, or an analysis of a claimant's medical records that tells the insurance company which jobs the claimant should be able ... Read More >
Disability Denial Reason #1 – Paper Review & IME
At Dell Disability Lawyers, we've seen insurance companies give countless reasons to deny long term disability benefits. However, most disability benefit denials tend to fall into one of a few categories - and one of the biggest ones is the paper review and independent medical exam (IME). Learn more about what this review process entails and what your claim file... 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 things in the process. When you’re experiencing an injury or illness that makes it difficult (or impossible) to work, it can be tempting to file a claim as quickly as possible – but unless a claimant has all their ducks in a row, this could actually delay the ultimate r... Read More >
Dell Disability Cases
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Showing 8 of 375 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 purchased individual disability policy with Northwestern Mutual. Our client, the sole owner and employee of a small lawn care business, suffered an eye injury that required surgery and left his vision severly compromised. Left with only one properly functioning eye his doctor a... Read More >
Cigna Overturns Denial of LTD Benefits to Computer Systems Engineer after Appeal and Independent Medical Examination
Our client was previously employed as a Computer Systems Engineer. In this occupation, he was responsible for support and maintenance of a real-time system that allows pipeline controllers to monitor pipelines across the United States. Unfortunately for him, he was suffering from Lumbar Discogenic and Facetogenic Pain, Lumbar Radiculopathy, Cervical Spine Pain Status Post Fusion, and Piriformis Syndrome, and r... Read More >
After appeal filed by Attorney Jay Symonds, UNUM overturned its previous denial of long term disability benefits for Colorado Plumber
Our client, Mr. B, formerly worked as a Plumber for a fabrication and manufacturing company. In January 2016 a number of medical issues, including chronic low back pain, lumbar spine radiculopathy, bilateral facet hypertrophy, and sciatica, forced Mr. B to stop working and submit his claim for disability benefits, first under his employer’s short-term disability (STD) policy and then continuing under its lon... Read More >
After appeal filed by Attorney Jay Symonds, Mutual of Omaha overturned its previous denial of short term disability benefits for Colorado Senior Manager
Our client, Ms. J, formerly worked as a Senior Manager of a treatment facility. In October 2016 a number of medical issues, including fibromyalgia, chronic pain syndrome, chronic fatigue and depression forced Ms. J to stop working and submit her claim for disability benefits, first under her employer's short-term disability (STD) policy and then continuing under its long-term disability (LTD) policy. The STD c... Read More >
Cigna overturns Short Term Disability Denial and awards Long Term Disability Benefits
A former employee of Critigen, Inc. contacted our office after the Life Insurance Company of North America (aka Cigna) denied her claim for Short Term Disability (STD) Benefits. This Client Services Manager had previously worked at Critigen since 2011 but found herself unable to continue to perform the material duties of her regular occupation due to serious neck issues. In fact, she had 3 prior surgeries that... Read More >
Liberty Mutual Overturns Disability Insurance Denial in Ten Days
After only being on claim for ten months, Liberty Mutual unexpectedly terminated the continued receipt of long term disability benefits of a former Auto Damage Insurance Appraiser for Allstate Insurance Company. Within days of receiving the denial letter from the insurance company, the denied disability claimant contacted Dell Disability Lawyers to assist him in the filing of an administrative ERISA appeal aga... Read More >
Seven Surgeries and The Standard Still Denies Disability Insurance Benefits
Our client was employed with the State of Oregon as a Technical Support Representative. She sought disability through her employer provider LTD Policy with Standard due to low back, hip, and lower extremity pain. She had two hip, two knee and three back surgeries.After paying her for 1.5 years Standard hired a board-certified neurologist to perform a review ... Read More >
Sun Life Wrongfully Denies Disability After Paying For 23 Months
We represent a 57 year-old claimant who’s occupation was selling commercial vehicles for many years. Her job was very physical as it required her to climb in and out of semi-trucks multiple times a day as well as operate them which was very strenuous. She went out of work in due to ongoing and severe debilitating right hip, low back, and bilateral knee pain... Read More >
Disability Lawsuit Stories
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Reviews from Our Clients
