Our Disability Lawyers Help You Collect Disability Insurance Benefits in North Carolina
If you are a resident of North Carolina 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 North Carolina law because there are certain state-specific aspects that may affect the case.
North Carolina residents that have had their disability insurance benefits denied can file a lawsuit in the District Court or Superior Court under a limited set of circumstances. North Carolina’s state appellate courts includes the Court of Appeals and the North Carolina Supreme Court. If the disability claimant resides in North Carolina and the disability insurance company is located in a different state, and the amount of disability benefits payable is greater than $75,000, then the lawsuit can be filed in North Carolina Federal District Court. If the disability insurance policy is an employer provided policy governed by ERISA, then the disability claim must be filed in federal court. North Carolina has three Federal District Courts, which are the Eastern, Middle, and Western District of North Carolina Federal Courts. An ERISA governed disability claim denial lawsuit can usually be filed in any state that the insurance company conducts business. According to the North Carolina Department of Insurance there are more than 1,400 insurance companies that sell insurance products in North Carolina.
When seeking assistance from a disability insurance attorney in North Carolina, 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 North Carolina and Nationwide as aggressive, competent, and reliable disability insurance lawyers. It is essential to hire 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 North Carolina, please contact us for a free phone consultation. We handle disability benefit claims at all stages: applications, appeals, 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 for disability in North Carolina?
To qualify for disability in NC you need to have a condition that prevents you from working for at least a year. You’ll also need to be within certain income limits.
Qualifying conditions for disability can include physical, mental, or a combination of both. A physical disability would typically involve an injury or illness that impairs your ability to move and function normally. Examples of physical disabilities could be chronic pain, paralysis, or an inability to walk. Mental disabilities can involve conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, and other mental illnesses. These conditions can affect your ability to concentrate, remember information, and make decisions.
Regardless of the type of disability, it’s important to remember that applying for benefits can be a difficult and time-consuming process. In order to qualify for disability in North Carolina, applicants must prove their condition is serious enough to prevent them from performing any sort of substantial work. This often requires extensive evidence from medical professionals as well as testimony from family members and other witnesses regarding the person ’s condition.
Do I need a disability lawyer in North Carolina for my appeal?
Disability appeals can be daunting at any time, however, with an experienced disability lawyer on your side, you’ll complete the disability claim denial process in a shorter period of time.
Having a disability lawyer on your side can be beneficial for many reasons. They are familiar with the process and understand all the complexities of filing an appeal. They can help you compile evidence, support your claim, gather medical records, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that you get the benefits you need. In addition, they can provide legal advice and representation in court if necessary.
Even if you believe you can handle your disability appeal on your own, it’s best to consult with an experienced disability lawyer in North Carolina. Our attorneys have years of experience helping clients win disability benefits and they understand the nuances of this complex area of law. We offer free consultations and are always available to discuss your case.
Do I have to file my disability denial lawsuit in North Carolina?
In the event your initial application is denied 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 disability insurance attorney in North Carolina can usually file a lawsuit in any federal court in any state.
Answers to Questions About Working With Us
I need a disability lawyer near me. Do you work in North Carolina?
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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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. It is our job to try to get our 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina have extensive legal resources, a well-earned reputation, and a high client satisfaction rate. Be sure to review some of the client recommendations to make the best decisions:
Regina from Charlotte
First and foremost, I believe in letting others know about truthful and relevant experiences.
I was represented by Mr. Jay Symonds, Attorney. My team consisted of Mr. Symonds and Ms. Sonia Nogueira, Paralegal. I can say that these two are hands down a team to reckon with and I am eternally blessed they were assigned to my case. They both understand Client Customer Service, are compassionate, and being responsive to the client’s needs. Mr. Jay Symonds was well versed in matters as he has worked on both sides, defending and representing, when dealing with disability matters. Lastly and very important, Mr. Jay Symonds absolutely pays attention to details on your case.
I have had dealt with several Attorneys in my various matters and I believe and thru their ACTIONS of DOING, Mr. Symonds and Ms. Nogueira are the epitomai of what an Attorney and Paralegal team should represent. I never had to inquire about the status of my case, they always were on top of matters. They were both forthcoming, relevant, honest, and realistic in the facts, and what could be ultimately be achieved in my case.
What is most important, and unless you have experienced the bad and ugly in legal matters, you will not appreciate this firms work and work ethics. No one should have ever had to deal with matters like I have PRIOR to myself retaining this firm, however, life is not perfect.
All my dealings were via mail, phone calls, and emails and this made it very easy to communicate. This team was very well organized and proactive! This is absolutely KEY in handling ANY case!
It is about what can realistically be accomplished and achieved and resolution and not promises or false hopes in what could come of your case. I will say that what you as a client puts into your case is also very critical and relevant. Always be forthcoming, honest, and keep your Attorney team updated. It is a TEAM effort by all parties involved and my personal experience with this Mr. Jay Symonds and this firm was pleasant and successful.
Thank You both for all your efforts and determination to see my case to a successful resolution.
Effective, Honest, Relevant, Realistic, ProActive, and Organized to say a Few! I pray and hope you post my comments as I have been extremely pleased and this is unfortunately NOT my first dealing with law firms but it is the absolute BEST experience I have had.
All I know to say is that I am sorry, I did not know of your firm the beginning of my case. Too often we think of national firms being false and not what they say they are and that is absolutely not the situation with this Firm. I feel blessed I was referred to you and that was the BEST move my previous Attorney did as all other matters his firm has handled have been an absolute disaster.
Samantha from Charlotte
I am so glad I signed with Alex and the team at Dell Disability Lawyers. Lupus hit me like a brick wall, completely disrupting my life. The physical changes and ailments, treatments and pain were scary enough. I could not have dealt with the insurance company alone. Alex and his paralegal Danielle helped me through everything. They explained every step of the paperwork to me and even encouraged me while I was in the hospital. Best of all, they got the insurance company to settle while I focused on my health.
Sachem from Raleigh
The best part about the experience working with Dell Disability Lawyers was that my attorney was upfront, honest, and transparent. He did not try to be a salesman and make promises about a case outcome. He was extremely direct about the way that things work and what he thought he was able to do for me. I valued this, because it is extremely rare to receive cut and dried information like this.
They could not have made this experience any easier for me. After I completed all the paperwork on my end, they were able to handle the case professionally and proficiently with very little effort on my part.
Dr. Kenneth from Durham
I want to take a minute and tell you… as well as ‘The Greg Dell’ team: “Thanks for all your assistance” during the past 4+ years. I will never forget that late night… in 2012 – sitting alone in my chiropractic office… anxiously wondering “how in the heck am I going to get through all this”! I emailed you late and you called me back on a Friday night. That call literally changed my life… not only my life… but the lives of the members of my family. You told me that you thought I had a good claim and that you would manage every part of the process from start through finish.
I am now ‘through-it’… and it’s hard to imagine… but I’ve had absolutely no issues with my insurance carrier… a carrier with a horrible reputation of harassing clients on policy. And Greg… I honestly attribute this to you folks. Y’all made our lives easier and less stressful.
Michael from Greensboro
From the very beginning my lawyer Rachel Alters and her staff have been nothing but professional. They were on top of things and advocated for my case from the very start. They always kept me informed at every step of the way and made sure that I was an integral part of the entire process. I would highly recommend using their services.
Professionalism. Expedient work. Knowledgeable staff.
Juan from Outer Banks
Extremely satisfied. I’m a physician/surgeon who got rheumatoid arthritis when I least expected. Attorney Dell and everybody else in his firm made the claim, transition and final successful resolution, quickly, expertly, painless and very cost effective. Mr. Dell exceeded my expectations by a long margin and I am forever grateful for his services.
Tess from Raleigh
Mr. Jessup is efficient at his skills but that is not what made my experience wonderful. When you are ill, and been arguing with everyone to get a crap of what you deserve because you have worked hard all your life, paid your taxes, and paid your insurance premiums… yet no one cares. No one cares that they are increasing your symptoms by not paying you the money that you are entitled to.
Mr. Jessup was unbelievably kind and empathetic to my situation. His congenial personality, truly, was the key to hiring him. I felt like even though he had other clients in similar circumstances, he still cared what was happening to me and my family. I felt he cared enough to trust him completely.
I would recommend Stephen Jessup, because of his ability to empathize, to make you feel like he really is concerned about you and what your family is going through. have recommended him to other people… I am curious to know what all kind of cases does he handle. I have one friend and maybe more that will need him soon.
Top 5 Disability Insurance Cases Resolved by Dell Disability Lawyers in North Carolina
LINA overturned its previous LTD denial for Medical Technologist — Former Medical Technologist, Ms. H faced a problem with her Long-Term Disability (LTD) coverage. She couldn’t work due to health issues like psoriatic arthritis and osteoarthritis. Her LTD payments were stopped by the insurance company (LINA) after a month, claiming she wasn’t disabled as per their policy. Attorney Jay Symonds from Dell Disability Lawyers stepped in to help. He found mistakes in LINA’s decision and appealed on Ms. H’s behalf. The appeal pointed out that LINA’s reasons didn’t match the medical proof and their reviewer misunderstood the evidence. Ms. H’s doctor confirmed that her pain was real and affected her work. The appeal also criticized how LINA didn’t consider the specific skills needed for her job. After about five weeks, LINA changed its decision, gave her back the benefits she missed, and paid her. Attorney Symonds is still working with Ms. H to make sure she keeps getting her benefits. Having a good disability insurance lawyer can make a big difference in situations like this.
Reliance Standard reinstates disability benefits to Project Manager — A former Senior Project Manager faced chronic pain from spine disorders. He got short term and then long term disability support from Reliance Standard. But when his claim shifted to the “any occupation” phase, he was cut off. Reliance Standard said he could do light work and blamed mental health too. He contacted Dell Disability Lawyers to challenge this. Lawyer Stephen Jessup argued that mental health wasn’t a main factor and arranged a test to prove physical limits. It showed he couldn’t do light or desk work regularly. After an Independent Medical Examination confirmed his disability, Reliance Standard reapproved the claim and paid the missed benefits.
Liberty Mutual Twice Denies and Approves Long-term Disability Benefits to IT Systems Analyst with Rheumatoid Arthritis — Ms. V, an IT Systems Analyst at Highmark Blue Shield, faced unending pain from Rheumatoid Arthritis. She sought long-term disability help through Liberty Mutual, but they denied her. She asked Attorney Cesar Gavidia and Dell Disability Lawyers for support. They collected proof, talked to her doctors, and made an appeal. After about 45 days, Liberty agreed for her ‘own occupation’ time but rejected benefits past 24 months. They said she needed to be unable to do any suitable job for more benefits. Attorney Gavidia appealed again, proving this wrong. With more proof, Liberty changed its decision and gave her long-term disability aid. Attorney Gavidia now watches over communications with Liberty to ensure accuracy.
After Two Appeals, Cigna Finally Sees the Light and Pays Disability Benefits — A truck driver dealing with chronic health issues was denied Short Term and Long Term Disability Benefits by Cigna, even though he clearly qualified per his policy. He hired Dell Disability Lawyers after the initial denial. Wefought the rejection and also applied for Long Term Disability Benefits. Cigna denied both claims, despite the medical records. Disability Attorney Alexander Palamara, made a second appeal, highlighteding the medical evidence and Cigna’s potential conflict of interest. Within 45 days, Cigna reversed its decision and approved both claims, giving the client the disability benefits he deserved.
A Liberty Life Disability Benefit Denial is Reversed after ERISA Appeal filed by Attorney Alex Palamara of Dell Disability Lawyers — After a stroke and related health issues, engineer Ms. W had her Liberty Life Disability Benefit denied after 10 months. Even though she suffered from multiple conditions like seizures, depression, and memory loss, Liberty Life said there wasn’t enough proof that she couldn’t work normally in her job. Attorney Alex Palamara from Dell Disability Lawyers found problems in Liberty Life’s evaluation. He got supporting evidence from Ms. W’s doctors and filed an appeal in March 2013. In April 2013, Liberty Life gave back her long term disability benefits, paid her for what she missed, and she still gets monthly benefits.
North Carolina Courts, Government and North Carolina Department of Insurance Information
- North Carolina Court System Official Website
- North Carolina Court Structure Chart
- Official Government Website of the State of North Carolina — Information regarding the state of North Carolina governmental entities resources.
- North Carolina Department of Insurance — Regulates all insurance companies that do business in North Carolina.
Federal Courts
- United States Court Of Appeals for The Fourth Circuit — This court has jurisdiction over appeals from United States District Courts located in Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.
- Eastern District of North Carolina Federal Court
- Middle District of North Carolina Federal Court
- Western District of North Carolina Federal Court
Resources to Help You Win Disability Benefits
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.
Get Your Disability Application Approved
Prevent a Disability Benefit Denial
Negotiate a Lump-Sum Settlement
Our goal is to negotiate the highest possible buyout of your long-term disability policy.