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South Carolina Disability Insurance Lawyer Representation for Your LTD Insurance Claim

Do I Need To Come To Your Office In Order For Your Firm To Evaluate My Claim?
Do I Have to File My Disability Denial Lawsuit in South Carolina?
South Carolina Courts, Government and South Carolina Department of Insurance Information

Our South Carolina disability insurance 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 South Carolina and Nationwide as aggressive, competent, and reliable disability insurance lawyers.

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How can we help you?

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 South Carolina and if we are not able to assist you with your disability claim, then we may be able to recommend a South Carolina disability insurance lawyer. If you have a disability insurance claim in either South Carolina or any other state, contact our disability insurance attorneys for a free consultation

South Carolina residents that have had their disability insurance benefits denied can file a lawsuit in the Circuit Court under a limited set of circumstances. South Carolina’s state appellate courts includes the Court of Appeals and the South Carolina Supreme Court. If the disability claimant resides in South 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 South 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. South Carolina has one Federal District Court. An ERISA governed disability claim denial lawsuit can usually be filed in any state that the insurance company conducts business. According to the South Carolina Department of Insurance there are more than 1,800 insurance companies that sell insurance products in South Carolina.

Do I Need To Come To Your Office In Order For Your Firm To Evaluate My Claim?

No. We are certainly available to meet with you at any of our satellite offices located in either South 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.

Do I Have to File My Disability Denial Lawsuit in South Carolina?

In the event of a disability claim denial, our disability insurance 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 South Carolina disability insurance attorney can usually file a lawsuit in any federal court in any state.

South Carolina State Legal Resources

South Carolina Court System Official Website
South Carolina Court Structure Chart
Official Government Website of the State of South Carolina – Information regarding the state of South Carolina governmental entities resources
South Carolina Department of Insurance – Regulates all insurance companies that do business in South 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
District of South Carolina 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.

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Sue Your Disability Insurance Company

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

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Protect Your Benefits

Get Your Disability Application Approved

We help claimants throughout the entire application process.

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Prevent a Disability Benefit Denial

We manage every aspect of your disability claim following claim approval.

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Negotiate a Lump-Sum Settlement

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

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Disability Company Reviews

(656)

Showing 8 of 656 Reviews

Sedgwick

Don't trust them, they like to play games

Reviewed by Bob on November 14th 2024 Verified Policyholder | June 2024 date of disability

They suck the life out of people that need help. They falsely advertise for helping people that they care. Sorry to tell you it's all about money, they do not care for any... read more >

New York Life

Lyme Disease Disability Claim Denial

Reviewed by Bob C. on November 13th 2024 Verified Policyholder

I have had repeat claims for genuine medical leave and they have repeatedly been denied by NY Life. I have even been diagnosed with Lyme and going through treatments and t... read more >

New York Life

Disappointed with NY Life Disability Excuses

Reviewed by Carina S. on November 12th 2024 Verified Policyholder

I am beyond disappointed with NY Life Disability Insurance’s handling of my father’s claim. My father, a 66-year-old man who has suffered two strokes and continues to ... read more >

New York Life

New York Life is a joke!

Reviewed by Heather on October 3rd 2024 Verified Policyholder | August 2024 date of disability

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 ****

Reviewed by KM on October 3rd 2024 Verified Policyholder | August 2024 date of disability

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

Reviewed by RobRob on September 23rd 2024 Verified Policyholder | August 2024 date of disability

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

Reviewed by Jeff on August 22nd 2024 Verified Policyholder | August 2024 date of disability

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

Reviewed by GaKRN on August 22nd 2024 Verified Policyholder | June 2024 date of disability

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 >

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Helpful Videos

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Disability Benefit Tips

(331)

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 >

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Dell Disability Cases

(375)

Showing 8 of 375 Dell Disability Cases

After appeal filed by Attorney Jay Symonds, UNUM overturned previous denial of long term disability benefits for South Carolina Nurse

Our client, Ms. L, formerly worked as a Registered Nurse for a nursing home. In November 2014 a number of chronic physical conditions and pain forced Ms. L to stop working and submit her claim for disability benefits first under her employer’s short term disability (“STD”) Policy then continuing under her employer’s Long-Term Disability (“LTD”) Policy both benefits were administered and funded by C... Read More >

Aetna Reinstates Disability Insurance Benefits to Home Depot Manager

Prior to disability our client worked as a Warehouse Distribution Operations Manager for Home Depot, a job that not only required supervision of employees, but a significant amount of physical ability. However, a long fight with uncontrolled diabetes and severe diabetic neuropathy reached a point where he was no longer able to meet the physical demands of his occupation leaving him with little choice but to fi... Read More >

Aetna's denial of disability benefits to an OBGYN physician is reversed following an appeal submitted by Dell Disability Lawyers

Our client, an obstetrician/gynecologist, suffered from rheumatoid arthritis and could no longer perform his occupation. He approached Dell Disability Lawyers seeking assistance with his long-term disability applications. After completion of his applications for private long-term disability insurance benefits and approval by two different insurance companies, the doctor disclosed that he had recently been deni... 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 >

Nurse Denied Long-term Disability Benefits by Lincoln After the Definition of Disability Changed

Our client, a registered nurse for Dignity Health, found herself in a difficult situation after being diagnosed with lumbar spondylosis and left knee arthritis. She continued to work, however, struggled while attempting to work through chronic lower back pain and left lower extremity radicular symptoms on a daily basis. Sadly, her condition failed to improve and... Read More >

Lincoln Reverses Decision to Terminate LTD Benefits of Corporate Attorney after Dell Disability Lawyers Appeals the Decision

The claimant is an 64 year old former Corporate Attorney and at a prominent Florida business law firm who was forced to cease working in his highly successful and rewarding profession, job, and career on January 27, 2021, and to seek disability compensation under his policies with Lincoln due to severe symptomatology stemming from or following a viral COVID-19 i... Read More >

Transportation Manager with Brain Injury Wins Unum Disability Benefit Appeal

Unum unjustly terminated our client’s disability insurance claim after it had approved and accepted liability for six months. Unum unreasonably concluded, without any evidence of improvement, that the claimant had resumed the sustained work capacity to perform the material and substantial duties of her high level occupation as a Transportation Division Manage... Read More >

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Disability Lawsuit Stories

(765)

Showing 8 of 765 Lawsuit Stories

Federal Appeal Court Upholds District Court Order to FedEx to Pay Long Term Total Disability Benefits to Its Employee

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit recently agreed with a federal district court in South Carolina that the Federal Express Corporation (FedEx) was blatantly wrong when it denied long-term total disability benefits to its employee who was injured on the job. The claimant, Richard Bilheimer, had been employed by FedEx for eight years when he was involved in his second on the job car wreck. He was ... Read More >

FedEx and Aetna Disability Benefit Claim Ruling is Great for Disabled FedEx Employees

One of the most difficult things in any ERISA governed long term disability claim is dealing with a discretionary clause. A discretionary clause is language found in most ERISA disability policies which gives a plan administrator the ability to choose who will make decisions to approve or deny claims. If a disability policy has a discretionary clause then usually a court must apply an abuse of discretion stand... Read More >

Employees of Boeing and Bank of America sue Aetna for denying disability benefits under ERISA regulations

Aetna Life Insurance Company (Aetna) was recently sued three times in the Federal District Court of South Carolina by three separate Plaintiffs for short-term and/or long-term disability benefits violations under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). In each of the three cases filed by South Carolina disability attorneys, Aetna is accused of illegally denying the Plaintiffs' claims for short-ter... Read More >

Disabled South Carolina doctor sues Berkshire Life for disability benefits

A disability attorney recently filed a federal lawsuit in South Carolina against the Berkshire Life Insurance Company of America. The plaintiff, a physician, paid for disability policies that were underwritten and insured by Berkshire. When the doctor applied for disability benefit, Berkshire refused to pay.The Plaintiff, through his disability Lawyer, filed a disability lawsuit due to Berkshire's breach o... Read More >

Hartford Life And Accident Insurance Company denies disability benefits and prevails in lawsuit filed by operator for Mohawk Inc.

When making a case for a claim of disability benefits, it is essential that a claimant has strong medical support from treating physicians. The disability insurance companies are not under any duty to help a claimant further his or her claim for disability benefits. It is the burden of the claimant to ensure that he or she had provided sufficient proof of his or her disability status.This case of Almetta T... Read More >

Sun Life is sued for disability benefits in two separate cases for arbitrary and capricious denial of disability claims

With disability insurance lawsuits occurring up and down the eastern US coastline, Sun Life Insurance Company has a lot of litigation to settle. Just in May 2011, Sun Life was hit with two complaints from disability insurance benefits claimants, one in the United States District Court District of New Jersey (Kevin Giblin v. Sun Life and Health Insurance Company et. al) and the other in the United States Distri... Read More >

South Carolina disability attorneys sue Liberty Mutual three times in one week for denial of disability insurance benefits

Liberty Mutual finds itself back in court having to prove to a judge the validity of their reasons for denying yet another long-term disability insurance benefit claim. This time it isn't just one lawsuit filed by a disability attorney on behalf of one plaintiff. As a matter of fact, the same disability attorney filed three separate Federal lawsuits against Liberty Mutual on behalf of three individual plaintif... Read More >

Nurse anesthetist denied long-term disability benefits for drug addiction by Continental casualty loses at trial and on appeal

Robert Stanford was a nurse anesthetist in a hospital in South Carolina. In his position, he was exposed to and responsible for administering anesthesia and narcotics to surgical and obstetric patients. Shortly after starting work, he began taking Fentanyl, a powerful narcotic. By September of 2003 he had become addicted to the drug, and entered rehabilitation the following month.After release from rehabil... Read More >

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Reviews from Our Clients

S.S.

I am a physician in my 30s who was practicing in my hospital based medical specialty until my Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis began to severely limit my physical ability to work.

My husband and I were obviously in distress at these very unwanted life changes and frankly overwhelmed with the possibility of a long and traumatizing legal battle ahead of us. We knew we were legally entitled to benefits through the separate private individual and employer based ERISA disability insurance policies we had, but even cursory research and discussion with colleagues made it clear that insurance companies will strategize with their own legal teams to find ways to not pay out benefits. We found many before us who had fallen unwittingly into legal pitfalls that prevented them from ultimately obtaining benefits. We realized we needed to seek legal counseling.

We found Dell Disability Lawyers through their YouTube channel where their partners have videos discussing the legal intricacies and latest developments in private disability law. I was impressed by their dedication to the field and reached out through their website to request a free consultation.

We were delighted to hear that Mr. Steven Dell himself would be willing to take our case and felt assured that we would be represented by the best of the best.

We have not been disappointed in our expectation and have, in fact, been consistently very impressed. Steven Dell is clearly both knowledgeable and wise about dealing with these issues but more importantly, has shown kindness and impeccable honesty at each step of the way.

Merlin has demonstrated a very high capacity for organizing and handling the endless myriad of documents and communications between us and the insurance companies. She has also been very compassionate, accessible and forthcoming in dealing with our many anxiety fueled emails and telephone calls to her and we are very grateful for her involvement.

For over 7 months, we have been working closely with Steven Dell and Merlin Bryan from Dell Disability Lawyers as they have guided us through the process of review and initial application for benefits from our two insurance policies (Hartford and Ameritas).

We are happy to announce we just received approval of claim from the Hartford insurance company.

At this time we are still working with this firm as we await the final decisions from Ameritas policy that we are hopeful will have a similar outcome.

As anyone with a chronic and progressive illness can tell you, time becomes a very precious commodity. Through their representation, Dell Disability Lawyers has allowed us to focus the majority of our time enjoying the time and function I have left while resting assured that our disability case laid in competent and caring hands.

The truth is that no amount of money can make up for what we have lost, but it is a huge comfort to have a team like Dell Disability Lawyers at our sides to help us ensure we will be able to continue to care for ourselves and our families.

We highly recommend Dell Disability Lawyers, Mr. Steven Dell and Ms. Merlin Bryan to handle your disability insurance claim.

Thank you Steven, thank you Merlin!

We will certainly plan on leaving another review for completeness once we have our final decision from Ameritas.

Paula B.

I have been working with Dell Disability Lawyers for the past 5 years concerning my disability as it pertained to my employer. I have been more than pleased with them the entire time. They have always kept me informed of any paperwork needing completed or any changes coming ahead. Nothing has been a surprise. I would recommend them to you to help with your disability case if you’re trying to dip into the policy you’ve been paying for.

Michael M.

I am a physician who has been disabled for over 10 years. During this time I have been represented by Cesar Gavidia and his assistant, Danielle Lauria. Their representation on my behalf has allowed me to concentrate on dealing with my disability/disease process and all associated complications and not having to deal with all the things that are necessary in a disability insurance claim. Based on my personal experience from many years of practicing medicine I would consider their work product, insight and effort in the disability insurance claim procedures to be superior. I would recommnend them, which I have done, with my highest level of confidence. In short, you will be well served with this practice.

Dan P.

I had to retire from my career due to a bad back that restricted me from performing my duties. I had LTD insurance and after a few years of receiving monthly benefits from this insurance company, they notified me that my benefits were terminated stating that I don’t qualify due to my duties not fitting into some “national job description” and a nurse had deemed me eligible to go back to work. It’s a crushing feeling to have this told to you over the phone with hardly any information given. Luckily, I came across Dell Disability Lawyers and spoke with Attorney Palamara who calmed me down and stated they would take my case. Within a couple of months my benefits were restored, and I had piece of mind. I cannot thank Attorney Palamara and the staff at Dell Disability Lawyers enough for their professionalism, no nonsense approach, personal and timely communication and quick ability to litigate my case.

Jen S.

I wanted to thank Mr. Symonds and his legal assistant Sonia for their professionalism, guidance and dedication towards my LTD insurance claim. Going through the denial process on my own was going to get me sicker and I knew it was time for help right away. I reached out to Dell Disability Lawyers for assistance and not too long after my call, I was connected with Sonia. Soon after that, I was talking about my case with Mr. Symonds. After a long and tedious process with the LTD insurer, we won the case. The wait can absolutely be lengthy, but in the end, it was all very much worth the fight. Thank you both so much for all that you have done for me! I also want to thank those who assisted in keeping me updated, as needed. Highly recommended for anyone who is going through the brutal process of an LTD denial.

Carl G.

I would like to thank Dell Disability Lawyers for taking care of my case and help me get the insurance coverage that I was rightfully in need of. Specially, I would like to thank Attorney Alexander Palamara and right-hand legal assistant, Sonia Nogueira, who made this process less stressful. They answered all my questions and kept me informed every step of the way.

Don’t get me wrong. They never promised or told me that I was going to win my case, as no one can guarantee that for you. What they did do, was letting me know that they were working hard for me and to keep positive. Something that I recommend everyone to do is to subscribe to their YouTube channel. That will give you an idea on how they operate and why they (for most of their cases) win their cases.

Since I was awarded disability, I am still having surgeries and thanks to them, I’ve been able to cover all those expenses.

Warm regards to everyone at Dell Disability Lawyers!

Clarisa B.

I’m so very Grateful and Thankful for the team at Dell Disability Lawyers. They worked tirelessly to get the best outcome for me. I’m so glad that I found them!!

Carole S.

Exceptional, efficient and professional service from Jay Symonds and Sonia Nogueira. They were both so helpful and knowledgeable and navigated me through a very stressful and difficult situation with New York Life.

K. S.

Awesome team. Jay and his team, Sonia and Francesca, truly care. This team is very professional and quick to respond. Jay always provided answers in detail to my questions. I strongly recommend Jay Symonds.

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