Our Disability Lawyers Help You Collect Disability Insurance Benefits in Pennsylvania
If you are a resident of Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania law because there are certain state-specific aspects that may affect the case.
Our Pennsylvania disability attorneys assist disability insurance claimants during all stages of a claim for disability insurance benefits. Since 1979, our disability law firm has represented disability claimants against every major disability insurance company. We have earned our reputation in both Pennsylvania 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. We have relationships with lawyers throughout Pennsylvania and if we are not able to assist you with your disability claim, then we may be able to recommend a Pennsylvania disability lawyer. If you have a disability insurance claim in either Pennsylvania or any other state, contact our disability insurance attorneys for a free consultation.
Pennsylvania residents that have had their disability insurance benefits denied can file a lawsuit in the Court of Common Pleas under a limited set of circumstances. Pennsylvania’s state appellate courts includes the Commonwealth Court, Superior Court, and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. If the disability claimant resides in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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. Pennsylvania has three Federal District Courts, which are the Eastern, Middle, and Western District of Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania Department of Insurance there are more than 1,800 insurance companies that sell insurance products in Pennsylvania.
If you need attorney representation, 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.
Do I have to file my disability denial lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania disability insurance attorney can usually file a lawsuit in any federal court in any state.
Who qualifies for disability rights in Pennsylvania?
Both adults with disabilities and children with disabilities may qualify for benefits. If your short-term claim transition to the need for long-term disability benefits, you will need financial support now and in the future. The caring disability attorneys at the Law Office of Dell Disability Lawyers will guide you through the application process and guide you to obtain the medical evidence you need to send to the hearing office.
Reasons for denial of benefits vary. However, the ERISA, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act will protect legitimate claims. The law was enacted in 1974 to protect workers with private health and pension plans.
What qualifies you for disability in PA?
The qualifying list contains more than 200 medical conditions. A few categories identified by medical professionals include serious medical issues such as cancer, brain disorders, and rare children’s disorders.
Can you work while on disability in PA?
Generally speaking, people with disabilities cannot work while receiving benefits.
What if my claim is denied?
If you receive a denial of benefits notification, you may appeal the decision. The reconsideration stage has a high rate of denial. Hire a legal team with experience in PA disability law to best understand your legal options.
Answers to Questions About Working With Us
I need a disability lawyer near me. Do you work in Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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. 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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:
Pat from Harrisburg
My experience with Dell Disability Lawyers, especially attorney Cesar Gavidia and his staff was excellent. I contacted Dell Disability Lawyers when I needed help as my disability insurance carrier terminated my benefits at the 2 year mark of my disability. I spent about 2 months putting together what I thought may be a decent appeal of that decision. However, the further I got into the workings and gaining some understanding of how the appeals worked under ERISA, I realized there was a lot at risk and only had one shot at it. I sought advice from an immediate family member who is also an attorney and was advised “get a firm that specializes in this type of work, then get the best”. Hence my decision to choose Dell Disability Lawyers.
Upon acceptance of my case, I felt that I was the center of attention for Attorney Gavidia. I had already used up 1/3 of the 180 days allotted to file the appeal working on my own so we were in a bit of a time crunch. Hundreds of pages of medical records the detail of the termination of benefits, my disability policy and several other different documents were delivered to attorney Gavidia. In short order those documents were reviewed and our strategy of appeal was discussed and developed. Necessary appointments and evaluations were coordinated and our appeal was submitted before the 180 days had expired. At the 45 day mark my insurer requested a 45 day extension on the decision. I was advised by Mr Gavidia’s assistant Michal who reassured me that this happens in most appeals. At the 90 day mark we received a favorable decision on the appeal, benefits were reinstated and back pay was awarded, but the story was not over.
After the initial termination of benefits by my insurer, I was alienated and expressed my desire with attorney Gavidia to try and find an amicable separation for all parties. Attorney Gavidia tactfully used some facts and disputes of the initial claim to open conversation with the insurer’s attorneys. He developed a dialog proposing, although I remain totally disabled as defined by my plan, a lump sum buy out of my future monthly disability benefits. Attorney Gavidia was successful in reaching an agreement that was acceptable to all parties and made sure that I had the final say on acceptance or not.
Thus, working with Dell Disability Lawyers I had my benefits, which had been terminated, restored, received back-pay for benefits that were withheld and missed, and successfully and satisfactorily “divorced” from my insurance provider in the form of a lump sum buy-out of my future disability benefits.
I would recommend Dell Disability Lawyers for the following reasons:
– They get the desired results!
– They have the resources and expertise to handle complex cases.
– They strive to understand the clients situation and desires.
– They made me feel that I was the #1 priority and client.
– They were very responsive to telephone and email inquiries.
I chose Dell Disability Lawyers as I searched for “the best” I could find in this area or expertise. I was not disappointed. If I were starting over again today my choice would remain Dell Disability Lawyers.
Daniel R. from Lehigh Valley
ABSOLUTELY THE BEST! After practicing over 27 yrs., suddenly I was now unable to practice any more. Having Atty. Steven Dell and his awesome team represent me was the best decision I made having to deal with my disability claim. Their knowledge, expertise and professionalism gave me the peace of mind and confidence to get me through one of the most difficult times of my life. When you really need someone to have your back, knowing that you have the best that there is, makes all the difference in the world.
No matter what, they always made me feel like I was the most important client they had. In life, you always want to have the best there is. Dell Disability Lawyers are the best you can get.
Jon H. from Pittsburgh
My experience with Dell Disability Lawyers, the attorney handling my case, Alexander Palamara, and his is paralegal, Sonia, was very positive. They kept me informed, obtain my records for me when needed and truly did work for my best interest. They also had a good sense of humor. Alex was able to reach a goal I had set for him in settling my case. The process is slow but not because of the law firm, that is just the way things are everywhere in adversarial proceedings.
Overall, I’m very happy and glad I chose Dell Disability Lawyers to handle my legal issues. You are not just a file sitting in a filing cabinet. You’re a real person to them, they mean business and take care of business. Thank you!
Kim K. from Philadelphia
Rachel was recommended to me by a lawyer friend. I am also an attorney. So, needless to say… probably not the easiest of clients… with tougher than normal expectations. Rachel did a really great job. She listened to what I wanted and delivered what I asked for, in record time.
Rhonda P. from Pittsburgh
Dear Rachel Alters and team, I would like to thank you and your team for all of your help in the appeal for my disability claim with Liberty Mutual. I would not have gotten my long term disability restarted without you. I am so grateful for everything that you have done.
Rachel Alters was very thorough and professional with me from the first time I talk to her. She and her team communicated with me frequently. They took time to explain what was going on so that I could understand. Emails were answered in a timely manner sometimes almost immediately. Rachel Alters will be highly recommended. From the first time I had a conversation with Rachel, I felt confident that she would support me. I really appreciate all of your hard work and time you put in my case and continue to support me. Thank you so much.
Monica H. from Philadelphia
My experience with this law firm was amazing. The turnaround on my case was unbelievable in a great way. It was business being handled however my team made me feel like a family member as well. The law firm is very professional, and attentive to your needs. If you’re seeking great representation, I recommend Dell Disability Lawyers to handle your needs. I would like to thank my attorney Rachel Alters and paralegal Sonia for the amazing job working on my case.
The law firm are go-getters and take care of you as if you were family. To be honest I personally can’t think of anything for the firm to improve. Continue providing great service.
Top 5 Disability Insurance Cases Resolved by Dell Disability Lawyers in Pennsylvania
After Appeal, Lincoln Overturns Denial of LTD benefits for Trucking Supervisor — The claimant, a trucking supervisor, suffered serious injuries leading to several medical conditions including severe back pain, after a fall at work. Despite ample medical evidence, Lincoln Financial denied the claim on the grounds that he could still work in a sedentary job. Dell Disability Lawyers, on behalf of the claimant, challenged this reasoning, arguing the decision did not consider the physically demanding nature of his job, nor the combined impact of his multiple conditions. They also underlined the accommodation of Lincoln Financial’s own independent vocational review, which listed jobs the claimant couldn’t reasonably perform due to his health issues. Consequently, the firm decided to appeal the decision. Following a meticulous review, Lincoln Financial overturned their denial, and the claimant was provided with the long term disability benefits. This case highlights the importance of expert legal representation when dealing with complex insurance case.
Liberty Mutual Overturns Denial of Disability Benefits Following Submission of an ERISA Appeal — John, a Chemical Supervisor for Arkema, Inc., was forced to stop working in 2015 due to chronic pain from degenerative disk disease and post laminectomy syndrome. He filed for long-term disability with Arkenma’s insurer, Liberty Mutual, who initially approved his claim after confirming John was disabled from his own occupation. Liberty Mutual further urged John to apply for social security disability benefits, suggesting a positive result could strengthen his claim. Near the end of the “Own Occupation” period, Liberty Mutual, in consultation with third-party vendor MES Peer Review Services and physical medicine specialist Dr. Mark Reecer, concluded John could return to work and ended his disability claim. Attorney Gavidia, hired with three months to compile necessary documentation, launched an aggressive ERISA Administrative Appeal, attacking the credibility of Dr. Reecer’s report and challenging the vocational review. Liberty Mutual subsequently overturned its decision, reapproving John’s benefits. The legal team continues to oversee John’s claim, ensuring John meets the proof of loss requirements and safeguarding against future interruptions in his benefits.
Successful Appeal Against Prudential Gets Breast Cancer Survivor Back on Claim for LTD Benefits — A breast cancer survivor, initially diagnosed ten years ago, successfully appealed a denial of Long Term Disability (LTD) benefits from Prudential. In 2015, after a recurrence of cancer, she underwent extensive treatment, subsequently applying for LTD benefits which were granted by Prudential until early 2018. Prudential then discontinued her benefits, claiming she was fit for sedentary work, despite her severe health challenges. After enlisting the help of Dell Disability Lawyers, the claimant successfully appealed against the termination of her coverage. The appeal, led by Attorney Alexander Palamara, proved that Prudential erroneously selected certain medical records and ignored additional evidence to deny the claim. The appeal relied on extensive supporting documentation from medical providers and prior assessments confirming the claimant’s inability to work. Prudential reinstated the benefits in January 2019. For those denied disability benefits, experienced lawyers can help fight such decisions.
Dell Disability Lawyers Wins Short Term Disability Appeal Against Lincoln — Dell Disability Lawyers, renowned as experienced disability insurance attorneys, has successfully won a Short Term Disability (STD) appeal against Lincoln Financial Group. The subject of this claim was a Senior CRM Architect who had to cease working due to the severity of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Despite comprehensive medical records providing concrete evidence of the illness, the claim was initially denied by Lincoln. Dell Disability Lawyers challenged this denial, targeting its inherent weaknesses such as an in-house nurse’s lack of experience, inadequate consideration of functional capacity evaluation, and utilization of vague language to deny the claim. The appeal was sustained, compelling Lincoln Financial Group to pay back all owed disability benefits and accept the STD claim.
Cigna Overturns Denial of Long Term Disability Benefits — A former inventory control specialist at Johns Hopkins University won an appeal for her long term disability benefits claim with insurance company, Cigna. After suffering a severe stroke, she was rendered wheelchair bound with substantial vision difficulties. Initially, Cigna approved her short term and then long term disability claims swiftly. However, seven months into the claims, Cigna reviewed her medical files and determined that the client would not be disabled beyond the initial one year period, declaring her fit for work in five months. Attorney Stephen Jessup was instrumental in denouncing Cigna’s decision to deny her benefits. A Functional Capacity Examination supported her claim that she was categorically unable to work full time. With concrete evidence, Jessup filed an appeal accompanied by significant medical information. Despite Cigna’s resistance, they were forced to reinstate her claim for long term disability benefits. Attorney Jessup now continues to represent the client, ensuring Cigna does not terminate her claim again.
Pennsylvania Courts, Government and Pennsylvania Department of Insurance Information
- Pennsylvania — Court System Official Website
- Pennsylvania Court Structure Chart
- Official Government Website of the State of Pennsylvania — Information regarding the state of Pennsylvania governmental entities resources.
- Pennsylvania Department of Insurance — Regulates all insurance companies that do business in Pennsylvania.
Federal Courts
- U.S. Court of Appeals (3rd Circuit) — Features opinions, dockets, rules, procedures, forms and more. Jurisdiction includes Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.
- Eastern District of Pennsylvania — Federal Court
- Middle District of Pennsylvania — Federal Court
- Western District of Pennsylvania — 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 642 Reviews
Sedgwick
AT&T Was Great and Sedgwick Horrible
My Physician recommended that I take some time from a toxic environment after several deaths in my family coupled with AT&T trying to run tenured employees out of the door... read more >
New York Life
Keeps claiming they will not approve claim for pre existing conditions but my illness is not preexisting
I have been appealing a claim for LTD for 8 months! New York Life keeps claiming they will not approve claim for pre existing conditions but my illness is not preexisting ... read more >
Reliance Standard
Staff Lie
I had my disability cut off the day I was scheduled to find out whether I should have surgery. The claims examiner was aware that I had an appointment on that date and sai... read more >
Reply
Hartford
Former Hartford employee has had life insurance and accidental death policy's revoked for one late premium payment
Dislike how they are constantly interrupting the lives of their disabled EE's whom are entitled to benefit which they paid into out of there pay check every pay period onl... read more >
Reply
Lincoln Financial
Never received benefits my entire leave - or help with them
I used my short term disability insurance for maternity leave and started the process beforehand knowing when I would be out (scheduled induction.) It took a little over a... read more >
Sun Life
Unscrupulous Tactics
Sunlife uses unscrupulous tactics in order to prevent payment of claims. They wait until it is close to the 30 day mark and then they ask for another form of information o... read more >
Sedgwick
Lame
My experience with Sedgwick and personell is as follows: Unhelpful, unprofessional and an overall unpleasant experience.
Reliance Standard
Reliance Standard should be paying for my STD claim, but they won't return my calls.
Hi all, my name is Mark Ozimek, I was employed at Lehigh Heavy Forge which is the old Bethlehem Steel plant in Bethlehem PA. I was out for a shoulder operation for a rotat... read more >
Reply
Answered Questions by Our Lawyers
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Showing 1 of 1 Answered Questions
Q: After 3 months my LTD approval, insurance company stopped LTD payment during review of continuity and also have argument with insurance company regarding offset of my son's disabled adult child benefits
A: Yifan:Thank you for contacting us about a Hartford LTD denial. It sounds like there should not be a setoff ... Read More >
Helpful Videos
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Showing 12 of 888 Videos
Disability Benefit Tips
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Showing 8 of 330 Benefit Tips
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 >
Applying for Standard Disability Benefits? Top 5 Claim Denial Reasons
At Dell & Schaefer, we've helped hundreds of clients recover long term disability benefit... Read More >
Dell Disability Cases
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Showing 8 of 375 Dell Disability Cases
After Appeal, Lincoln Overturns Denial of LTD benefits for Trucking Supervisor
Our client, Mr. D, formerly worked as a Trucking Supervisor for a large steel distribution center. For many years Mr. D suffered from chronic ... Read More >
Dell Disability Lawyers Wins Short Term Disability Appeal Against Lincoln
Prior to contacting our office to assist her in fighting Lincoln to secure her short term disability benefits, our client, a Financial Control... 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 >
Liberty Mutual Overturns Denial of Disability Benefits Following Submission of an ERISA Appeal
Liberty Mutual Initially Approves Disability Claim After Finding Total Disability From Own OccupationOur client, John, was working as a Ch... Read More >
Cigna Overturns Denial of Long Term Disability Benefits
Our client, a former inventory control specialist for Johns Hopkins University, suffered a devastating stroke that ultimately left her wheelch... Read More >
After appeal filed by Attorney Jay Symonds, Prudential overturned its previous denial of long term disability benefits for Pennsylvania Corporate Training Coordinator
Our client, Mr. T, formerly worked as a Corporate Training Coordinator for a large consumer product corporation. In October 2015 a number chro... Read More >
Fresenius Medical Care North America Employee Wins Disability Appeal With CIGNA
Due to conditions that included Polyneuropathy, Encephalopathy, Osteomyelitis, Radiculitis, and Degenerative Disc Disease with Myelopathy, a R... Read More >
Cigna Reinstates Long Term Disability Benefits to Medical Coder
Prior to filing for disability in June of 2012, our client was a Certified Drug Coder for a large hospital network. She had been suffering wit... Read More >
Disability Lawsuit Stories
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Reviews from Our Clients
