Texas Disability Insurance Attorneys Handling Denials, Appeals, Lawsuits, and Applications

When seeking assistance from a Texas disability insurance attorney it is important to consider how much experience your lawyer has in dealing with your specific disability insurance company. Every day we deal with every major disability company and we know every action that they will take. Texas is one of the few states that has attempted to level the playing field for disability insurance claimants by abolishing discretionary clauses in ERISA disability policies. Texas is a very fair state for disability claimants. Our lawyers have helped thousands of disabled individuals to recover disability benefits.

Texas Disability Insurance Lawsuit Case Summaries

In order to help you gain a further understanding of Texas disability insurance law our lawyers have provided some simple summaries of some Texas disability lawsuits. In addition we regularly update this page with recent court decisions, lawsuits and news regarding disability denials in Texas. We handle disability claims from the application stage through the litigation of a disability lawsuit. If you are looking for assistance for your disability insurance claim, then we always offer a free consultation to discuss your options.

  • Unum Disability Benefit Denial Overturned for Pre-textual Investigation

    Unum Life Insurance Company conducted a long term disability benefit review of a claim filed by a carpenter who had six surgeries over three years. Despite his advanced sciatica and debilitating pain, Unum denied the ERISA disability benefit claim based on its internal physicians disregard of the treating doctor’s conclusion he could not work. But Unum’s company physicians had no concrete medical evidence for their conclusion. And, during this process, Unum kept critical medical records from the internal physicians. This pre-textual investigation was only discovered when a claimant hired a Texas disability benefit lawyer to challenge the denial… continue reading

  • Texas Disability Insurance Companies Can Be Subject to Bad Faith Claim

    Texas law protects policy holders and requires that disability insurance companies act in a certain way. Though insurance companies would like to downplay their obligations, Texas law demands more. If a disability insurance company commits bad faith then they could be subject to damages that far exceed just disability payments. Only individual disability policy holders can seek bad faith damages, as ERISA prohibits bad faith and punitive damage claims… continue reading

  • Do I Qualify For Total Disability Insurance Benefits In Texas?

    One of the most common litigated issues involving an individual disability policy is whether a disabled claimant that is working qualifies for “total disability” benefits. The lawsuits almost always occur because the disability company claims that the claimant is not totally disabled if he or she is able to perform the major duties of his or her pre-disability occupation. The answer to this complicated scenario is almost always a question of fact that must be decided by a jury. Since 1922, the Texas state courts have addressed several different cases which clarify how “total disability” should be defined and applied. Our Texas disability lawyers handle this issue on a daily basis… continue reading

  • Texas Disability Insurance Lawyers Regularly Fight ERISA Disability Denials

    Insurance companies know what they’re doing when they write disability insurance policies as they build in language allowing for denials of benefits and limiting a court’s ability to overturn these decisions. Does your disability benefit policy have a discretionary clause which is subject to ERISA? If it does, or if you don’t know what a discretionary clause is, then you need an experienced Texas disability insurance lawyer to protect your rights… continue reading

  • Texas Court Upholds Prudential Disability Insurance Denial

    ERISA laws often give the insurance company the right to make critical decisions and the courts are limited in their ability to reverse a denial of benefits. A disability company is constantly monitoring a claim in search of a reason to deny a claim. A claimant always needs to understand the language of their disability policy and be careful as to how they report information to the disability company… continue reading

disability attorney texasTexas Courts, Government and Texas Department of Insurance Information

Federal Courts

Texas has four Federal District Courts, which are the Eastern, Northern, Southern and Western District of Texas Federal Courts.

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
(617)
Showing 8 of 617 Reviews
Prudential

Prudential terminated my LTD, so now I have no income

Reviewed by Carlos M on June 10th 2022   Verified Policyholder
I was working at a shipyard at San Diego and hurt my back again while working. Hurt my back in the US Navy in 98 and had issues since then so I decided to get the surgery ... read more >
Reply
Sent on June 11th 2022 by Attorney Rachel Alters

Carlos, yes we may be able to help. Please email your denial letter to Rachel@diattorney.com and cc Amanda@diattorney.com. Thank you.

Lincoln Financial

Lincoln Financial made my life a living hell

Reviewed by Salyna D on June 1st 2022   Verified Policyholder
Lincoln Financial made my life a living hell. I went on medical leave from my job just to work for them basically. My mental health is worse than it was and I still do not... read more >
Reply
Sent on June 2nd 2022 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

Salyna, I am sorry to hear about your experience. I wish I could say it is an anomaly, but it is an all too common occurrence. Depending on if the claim was ever approv... read more >

MetLife

They demanded an overpayment, stopped my claim, and lied about it

Reviewed by Diana R. on May 28th 2022   Verified Policyholder
Metlife over paid me. Stopped my Ltd claim. The overpayment were not done right. They lied and said they deposited money in my account.
Reply
Sent on May 28th 2022 by Attorney Alex Palamara

Diana, I am sorry to hear of this denial and the demand for an overpayment. Please contact us so that we can review your claim and see if we can get you back to receivi... read more >

Sun Life

Sun Life is a real pain

Reviewed by Chris K. on May 20th 2022   Verified Policyholder
Sun Life is a real pain. I just want them to buyout my long term disability policy, but they keep playing around and around. I just to be left alone and given my lump sum ... read more >
Reply
Sent on May 20th 2022 by Attorney Rachel Alters

Chris, you can contact me at Rachel@diattorney.com and we can set up a call to discuss your buy out options.

Unum

I feel like Unum is giving me the runaround!

Reviewed by Rachelle H. on May 11th 2022   Verified Policyholder
I have contacted UNUM multiple times since I’ve needed them. I feel like they are giving me the runaround! Please help!
Reply
Sent on May 11th 2022 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

Rachelle, the law provides certain timelines and deadlines with which to provide information or decisions. Please feel free to contact our office to discuss your situat... read more >

Cigna

Payment delays!

Reviewed by Kim W on May 7th 2022   Verified Policyholder | September 2021 date of disability
I have a Long term disability claim with Cigna. Approval process did not take too long and they did start my LTD just a few days after my STD ended. First check was mailed... read more >
Cigna

Cigna (NYL) denied my claim

Reviewed by Trapped in the cogs on March 7th 2022   Verified Policyholder | May 2021 date of disability
I’ve been an RN for 31 years. I lost 6 family members (3 of those to cancer) in 9 months and suffered a breakdown, I just couldn’t watch people die anymore. Cigna (NYL... read more >
Cigna

Hold up on payments!!!

Reviewed by A Crews on January 20th 2022   Verified Policyholder | July 2021 date of disability
I have had 3 people on my case since July 2021! This last person Amanda S drag her feet on my claims and payments. I literally have to go to my mom for help! When I contac... read more >
Answered Questions by Our Lawyers
(1)
Showing 1 of 1 Answered Questions

Q: Can I lose my Hartford benefits if I also receive an annuity payment?

Answered on January 9th 2019 by Attorney Alex Palamara
A: Fred, I am happy to hear that your claim is being paid. From the scenario you provided, I don’t believe you ... Read More >
Helpful Videos
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Showing 12 of 729 Videos
Disability Benefit Tips
(324)
Showing 8 of 324 Benefit Tips

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 >

Guardian Disability Benefit Claim Handling Tips

When you finally receive a letter from Guardian Disability informing you that your claim for ... Read More >

Application Tips: Northwestern Mutual Disability Benefits - Top Denial Reasons

Every disability insurance policy is different, and whether your disability insurance claim i... Read More >

Is UNUM a Good Insurance Company?

One common question the attorneys here at Dell & Schaefer receive comes from policyholder... Read More >

Don’t Ignore Disability Insurance. Here’s What to Buy.

Disability insurance is one of the most important insurance products, yet the vast majority of people working don’t have it. 35% of employer... Read More >

How To Get Long Term Disability Benefits Approved Due To Neck Pain

If you have a disability claim that involves neck pain, you might be wondering exactly how mu... Read More >

What is disability insurance? What type of disability income policy should you buy?

Disability insurance also known as disability income insurance is an insurance product that will pay a monthly benefit amount if you are unabl... Read More >
Dell Disability Cases
(349)
Showing 8 of 349 Dell Disability Cases

Contracts Manager With Toxic Encephalopathy Wins MetLife Long Term Disability Denial Appeal

Our client came to us after her claim for long term disability insurance benefits was denied ... Read More >

After Two Appeals The Standard Insurance Approves Short & Long Term Disability Benefits for Nurse

Prior to filing for disability, our client was a Registered Nurse employed as a Senior Case Manager for United Healthcare. Our client was a de... Read More >

Reliance Standard overturned its previous denial of long term disability benefits for Texas Retail Store Manager

Our client, Mr. S, formerly worked as a Store Manager for a large national retail chain. In August 2016 Mr. S suffered from multiple Transient... Read More >

Liberty Mutual Approves Disability Benefits to Senior Vice President

Our client, a former Senior Vice President for a large national corporation, filed for disability after having suffered a massive stroke durin... Read More >

Reliance Standard Overturns Its Decision to Deny; Dell Disability Lawyers Client Will Again Receive Long Term Disability Benefits

Previously employed as a Store Manager for Victoria's Secret, our eventual client was forced to leave her position on July 8, 2009 due to nume... Read More >

Sun Life Approves Claim for Long Term Disability Benefits

Sun Life recently awarded long term disability benefits to our client following an application for benefits submitted by Attorney Stephen Jess... Read More >

CIGNA Denies Long-term Disability Benefits to Customer Service Representative with Fibromyalgia

Our client, Ms. N, had been employed with Sears Holdings as a customer service representative, before pain and discomfort from fibromyalgia an... Read More >
Disability Lawsuit Stories
(764)
Showing 8 of 764 Lawsuit Stories

Can Standard Insurance Company’s Failure to Raise an Issue be Considered a Waiver?

The case of Jose Chavez v. Standard Insurance Company has quite a history with the United States District Court for the Northern Dis... Read More >

Texas Court Dismisses ERISA Lawsuit due to Judicial Estoppel

The case of Kidd v. The Prudential Insurance Company of America demonstrates the importance of disclosing all potential assets on a bankruptcy... Read More >

Texas Judge Disagrees with Cigna and Applies Claimant Friendly Disability Standard of Review

In Brasseur v. Life Insurance Company of America (LINA), Plaintiff Wilfred Brasseur, a computer engineer, worked in the Houston office of Chic... Read More >

Texas Judge Rules No New Medical Evidence Allowed Post ERISA Disability Appeal

In Hutchings v. Lora Lyons, Plan Administrator, and Ball Industries Employee Injury Benefit Plan, et al. (Defendants), plaintiff Linda Hutchin... Read More >

Texas Ban on MetLife's Discretionary Clause is Great for Long Term Disability Claimants

In Curtis v. Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, a Texas District court focused only on the standard of review it will use when it evaluates ... Read More >

Texas Court Orders Union Central to Provide Discovery to Plaintiff

Shuping v. The Union Central Life Insurance Company is a plaintiff friendly case in the early stages of disability litigation in a Texas feder... Read More >

$1,000,000 in Unum Disability Benefits for an Attorney, Blackmail, and Supreme Court Denies Cert!

Disability insurance cases usually have similar fact patterns, but it's rare that you see a case that involves an attorney as a claimant, blac... Read More >

Texas Court Upholds Prudential Disability Insurance Denial

Prudential paid total disability benefits for two years, but after certain communications from the claimant, his benefits were denied. Does do... Read More >

Reviews from Our Clients

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5 Ways We Help Get Your Benefits Paid

Get Your Disability Application Approved

Our goal is to get your application for disability income benefits approved. Applying for disability benefits can be a difficult process and the information you provide is critical. Most disability insurance companies look at your application in hopes of finding a reason to deny your claim. Your disability company will ask you to complete numerous forms, interview you, request lots of information, speak with your doctors and possibly request to have you examined by their "hired gun" doctor.

Through our experience of having helped thousands of disability insurance claimants, our lawyers will guide you through the entire application process and give you the best chance to get your disability claim approved the first time.

Submit A Strong Appeal Package

If your disability insurance benefits have been wrongfully denied, then our lawyers know exactly what it takes to get your disability claim approved. You only get once chance to submit an Appeal, therefore every piece of evidence that will support your disability claim must be included. The goal is to win your disability benefits at the Appeal level, but while preparing your Appeal you must consider how a federal judge will review your disability claim if your benefit denial is upheld.

Preparing a strong disability appeal package is an art that requires you to understand how the courts interpret your disability policy language, ERISA regulations / laws, and how to strategically present evidence in support of your definition of "disability". We encourage you to contact any of our lawyers for a free immediate review of your disability denial.

Sue Your Disability Company

98% of the disability insurance lawsuits filed by our law firm have resulted in either the payment of benefits or a lump-sum settlement agreement. Our disability lawyers have filed ERISA governed and private policy long term disability insurance lawsuits against every major disability insurance company in state and federal courts nationwide and we love fighting for the "little guy" against the multi-billion dollar insurance company giants.

We have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients and we would like the opportunity to provide you with a free review of your disability benefit denial. There are many complex factors in a disability benefit lawsuit and the legal battle to win long term disability benefits can be fierce.

Prevent A Disability Benefit Denial

Approval of long-term disability is a continuous process as every disability insurance company will evaluate your eligibility for benefits on a monthly basis. You can never let your guard down and assume that your disability company will continue to pay your benefits for as long as you think you need them.

Our law firm offers a reasonable flat fee monthly claim handling service in which we handle every aspect of your long-term disability claim and do whatever it takes to make sure you are paid every month.

Negotiate a Lump-Sum Settlement

Let's discuss if a lump-sum settlement or buyout of your disability insurance claim is both available and makes financial sense for you. Our lawyers have negotiated more than five-hundred million dollars in disability insurance buyouts and we know how to get you a maximum settlement. A disability insurance company is not required to offer a buyout and not every disability company offers them.

Questions About Hiring Us

Who are Dell Disability Lawyers?

We are disability insurance lawyers that know how to get your short or long term disability benefits paid. As a nationwide law firm we have helped thousands of disability insurance claimants throughout the United States to collect hundreds of millions of dollars of disability insurance benefits from every major disability insurance company.

In more than 98% of our cases, our lawyers have been able to either get our clients paid monthly disability benefits or obtain a one-time lump-sum settlement. Our lawyers have seen it all when it comes to disability insurance claims and we know exactly what it takes for your disability claim to be approved.

We welcome you to contact any of our attorneys for a free immediate review of your disability claim. We also invite you to visit and subscribe to our YouTube channel where we have more than 700 videos and regularly provide tips to help protect your disability benefits.

Who do you help?

Our lawyers help individuals that have either purchased a long term disability insurance policy from an insurance company or obtained short or long term disability insurance coverage as a benefit from their employer. We have helped individuals in almost every type of occupation with monthly disability benefit payments ranging from $1,500 to $50,000.

Our clients include all types of employees ranging from retail associates, sales representatives, government employees, police officers, teachers, janitors, nurses, pilots, truck drivers, financial advisors, doctors, dentists, veterinarians, lawyers, consultants, IT professionals, engineers, professional athletes, business owners, and high level executives.

A strong understanding and presentation of the duties of your occupation is essential for securing disability insurance benefits.

Do you work in my state?

Yes. We are a national disability insurance law firm that is available to represent you regardless of where you live in the United States. We have partner 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. There is nothing that our lawyers have not seen in the disability insurance world.

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 claimant to make our attorney fees as affordable as possible.

The three available fee options are a contingency fee agreement (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. For purposes of efficiency and to reduce expenses for our clients we have found that 99% of our clients prefer to communicate via phone, email, fax, GoToMeeting sessions, or Skype. 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.

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. Lawyers and staff must return all client calls 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.