Attorney Rachel Alters

Rachel Faye Alters is a Partner in the Disability Income Division of Dell & Schaefer, Chartered. Rachel focuses her legal practice in representing claimants at all stages of a claim for individual or group (ERISA) long-term disability benefits including applications, ERISA appeals, ERISA litigation, ERISA exempt disability claims and lump-sum policy buyouts.

Rachel has assisted thousands of disability insurance claimants throughout the country who are either seeking disability benefits or have had their benefits denied. Rachel is passionate about helping her clients to obtain disability benefits and has committed her legal career to enforcing the rights of the injured and disabled. She has assisted claimants with claims against every major disability insurance company and has earned a reputation as an intelligent and sharp disability lawyer. Unlike most lawyers that claim they handle disability insurance claims, Rachel has the experience and ability to take a disability case from inception through a final appeal or trial.

In 1993, Rachel received her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan, where she received a B.A. in Psychology. She earned her J.D. from the University of Miami School of Law in 1997. In the beginning years of her legal career Rachel represented physicians, hospitals and nursing homes who were sued for alleged malpractice. After a few years of legal training doing defense work, Rachel became a plaintiff’s attorney in 2000 and she has achieved tremendous results for her clients. Some of Rachel’s legal accomplishments include a $6 million jury verdict for a client that was misdiagnosed with cancer, a $5 million dollar settlement for a client who suffered severe damage after undergoing pancreatic surgery, and a confidential settlement following a long term disability insurance class action against Prudential Insurance Company. Rachel has litigated hundreds of cases against insurance companies and she has outstanding legal writing skills.

Rachel is admitted to the Florida Bar and multiple federal districts courts. She is a member of the American Association for Justice (AAJ). Rachel represents clients throughout the USA and is available for a free consultation to discuss your disability claim.

Rachel has been recognized as one of the 100 Outstanding Women of Broward County for several years as a result of her charitable involvement. Since 2008, Rachel has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Hollywood Boys and Girls Club for over five years, dedicating her time to raise funds to help young people improve their lives by building self-esteem and reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. Rachel has helped the organization to raise millions of dollars. In her free time, Rachel enjoys running, biking and snowboarding. Rachel has participated in several half marathons and triathlons. She is the proud mom of two boys and one girl.

Attorney Rachel Alters

Get to Know Attorney Rachel Alters

Rachel's Client Reviews
(80)

Rachel's Resolved Cases
(35)
Showing 8 of 35 Disability Cases

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 >

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 >

Prudential reverses decision to terminate LTD benefits of MRI Tech with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis and degenerative Disc Disease

The claimant is a 58-year-old former MRI Technologist for Fairview Health Services who has long suffered from the debilitating effects of her chronic medical conditions. She has a history of neck pain as well as right arm pain and numbness dating back to 2005 with a reoccurrence of severe symptomatology in 2013. MRI of her cervical spine performed in August of ... Read More >

Engineer With Depression Wins Prudential LTD Appeal

The claimant is a former Senior Technology Services Engineer for Accolade, Inc. who was forced to cease working on May 25, 2021 and to apply for disability insurance benefits under his policy with Prudential because of severe symptomatology related to depression and anxiety. Prudential initially approved his claim for LTD benefits as his symptoms were demonstrat... Read More >

Nurse With Knee and Back Disorder Wins Hartford Disability Appeal

We represent a General Duty Nurse who was denied long term disability benefits as Hartford improperly determined that she was able to work her medium duty job on a full time basis. The medical and occupational documentation submitted with her appeal that we filed on her behalf, as well as the documentation and evidence previously submitted by her physicians, cle... Read More >

FPL Lineman Wins Lincoln Disability Denial Appeal

Lincoln Life Assurance Company of Boston improperly denied our client’s long-term disability benefits.  Prior to filing for disability, our client was employed as a Line Specialist-Early for FPL (Nextera Energy, Inc.). According to the Position Summary, the material and substantial duties of his occupation include but are not limited to:Position Summary:... Read More >

Research Epidemiologist with chronic fatigue / ME wins LTD appeal against Prudential

Our client is a former Mental Health Epidemiologist who unfortunately suffered the progressive onset of pervasive fatigue, malaise, muscle aches, headaches, difficulty with concentration/focus, difficulty with information processing, and depression. Her symptoms were attributed to the medical diagnoses of chronic fatigue syndrome / Myalgic encephalomyelitis by her treating phy... Read More >
Rachel's Answered Questions
(59)
Showing 8 of 59 Answered Questions

Q: Requesting a Copy of my LTD ERISA Policy from UNUM

Answered on August 20th 2024 by Attorney Rachel Alters
A: Whatever policy is in effect at the time of your disability is the one that applies. Read More >

Q: Who is responsible for activating the Waiver of Premium Due to disability? Me? or My employer or the insurance company.

Answered on August 5th 2024 by Attorney Rachel Alters
A: The insurance company should activate it once your disability claim is approved. Read More >

Q: LTD return to work? What if I require training or want to continue education, will I continue to receive payment during this period?

Answered on August 1st 2024 by Attorney Rachel Alters
A: If you are still unable to perform the material duties of your occupation or any occupation then yes you shoul... Read More >

Q: I am receiving short term disability, the math doesn't add up. My company is basing my pay on 36 hrs per week? How should it be calculated?

Answered on February 29th 2024 by Attorney Rachel Alters
A: Your STD policy will explain how the benefits are calculated. Request your policy from your employer. Read More >

Q: Disability company dropped my monthly benefits

Answered on February 28th 2024 by Attorney Rachel Alters
A: Since you went back to work full time you would not qualify for further benefits. You could file a new claim i... Read More >

Q: The Hartford stopped monthly benefits for repayment due to an overpayment. Once monthly benefits end do I still have to repay remaining overpayment balance?

Answered on February 28th 2024 by Attorney Rachel Alters
A: Yes, you will still be responsible for the overpayment even if your Hartford benefits end. Read More >

Q: Would a diagnosed condition of psoriatic arthritis qualify me for a LTD?

Answered on December 20th 2023 by Attorney Rachel Alters
A: The diagnosis alone doesn’t qualify you. Your doctors would need to document that your condition was so seve... Read More >

Q: Unum stopped my COLA benefits at age 65

Answered on December 19th 2023 by Attorney Rachel Alters
A: Unum policies usually only pay COLA increases until you turn 65 even if the policy pays longer. Read More >
Rachel's Disability Videos
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Showing 12 of 123 Videos
Rachel's Disability Benefit Tips
(23)
Showing 8 of 23 Benefit Tips

How Does Having A Disability Lawyer Help Me Fight For Metlife Disability Benefits?

Metlife is one of the top five largest long term disability insurance companies. They have tons of resources and people that they rely upon to evaluate long term disability claims. Our disability insurance attorney have handled thousands of long term disability insurance claims and have the experience to give a claimant the best opportunity to collect long term ... Read More >

Why Should A Claimant Take Their Time Filing an ERISA Disability Appeal Letter?

As disability insurance lawyers that helped thousands of long term disability insurance claimants, we understand that once disability benefits are denied a claimant can immediately experience financial difficulties. In this video, disability insurance attorneys Rachel Alters and Gregory Dell discuss the importance of submitting a very detailed appeal and why it ... Read More >

What Should I Expect When Suing Prudential for a Disability Insurance Benefit Denial?

Disability benefit lawsuits against Prudential is a daily occurrence for our lawyers.In this video, disability insurance lawyers Gregory Dell and Rachel Alters discuss their experience in handling ERISA lawsuits against Prudential.... Read More >

Can I Volunteer and Still Receive Long Term Disability Insurance Payments?

This is another one of those questions where the answer depends on the specific policy language and the type of volunteer activity.In this video, disability insurance attorneys Rachel Alters and Gregory Dell discuss the issues surrounding volunteering while disabled. Contact any of our lawyers for a free phone consultation.... Read More >

Department of Labor Issues New Disability Claims Regulations Under ERISA Affecting Disability Claims Filed in 2018

In December 2016, the U.S. Department of Labor issued its Final Rule for new regulations applicable to the way in which employers administer their employees’ claims for disability under the Employment Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). The changes went into effect on January 1, 2017, but in order to give employers time to make the required adjustments to their claims processing procedures, the new rules... Read More >

Disability Insurance Companies Deny Claims Based on Non-Compliance

Nationwide disability insurance attorneys Rachel alters and Cesar Gavidia discuss the importance of getting treatment from a specialist for your disability. Disability insurance claimants receiving benefits know the importance of regular doctor’s visits. However, did you know that disability insurance companies will discontinue benefits if you are not being se... Read More >

How Much Time Does Prudential Have to Make A Determination On an ERISA Disability Appeal?

The amount of time that an insurance company is allotted to provide a decision for an ERISA disability appeal is often confusing to claimants and can be for attorneys as well. Insurance companies frequently drag out the ERISA appeals process beyond the allotted 90 days by requesting additional documentation, providing unwanted extensions and sending the claimant for independent medical testing. The question st... Read More >

Does a disability insurance company need to consider the side effects of my medications?

Disability insurance companies are notorious for ignoring the cognitive side effects that most disability claimants experience from their medications. Disability companies are aware of the side effects of narcotics; yet they often fail to consider how working under the influence of these prescribed drugs limits a person's ability to work. Disability benefit comp... Read More >
Rachel's Disability Lawsuit Stories
(147)
Showing 8 of 147 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 District of Texas, Dallas Division. It began in September 2016 when Standard first began paying long-term disability benefits to Chavez. He had several operations on his wrist and was no longer able to perform the duties of his own occupation.Standard terminated his ben... Read More >

Was Eaton’s Denial of LTD Benefits for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Arbitrary and Capricious?

In Teresa Outward v. Eaton Corp. Disability Plan for U.S. Employees (Eaton), Plaintiff, who had a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering, began her employment with the Eaton Corporation in 2001 as a medium voltage switch program manager. Through the years, she received promotions and by 2012, her position was that of a corporate marketing manager.In late 2011, Plaintiff suffered a m... Read More >

Court Orders Western & Southern Financial Group to Pay Short Term Disability Benefits

In Devono Watson vs. Western & Southern Financial Group Flexible Benefits Plan (Plan), Plaintiff had been employed for more than 28 years as a Senior Case Analyst at Western & Southern Life Insurance Company when she became unable to work. She applied for short term disability (STD) benefits in August 2017 under her employee benefit plan provided by her employer. According to the terms of the... Read More >

Cigna's Termination of Disability Benefits was Arbitrary and Capricious

The case of Lani Kyle Moar v. Cigna Corporation, et al., demonstrates the lengths insurance companies will go to avoid paying long term disability benefits. This Plaintiff’s perseverance resulted in the Court ordering Cigna to pay past due benefits, but also gave Cigna a new chance to deny benefits in a way that will not be arbitrary and capricious.It began in 2000 when Plaintiff, a flight attendant with... Read More >

Court Remands to Sedgwick for Reevaluation of Its Denial of Claim for Disability Benefits

In Daniel T. Derichs v. AT&T Services, Inc., plaintiff, an employee of AT&T who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), applied for short-term disability benefits. The plan administrator, Sedgwick Claims Management Services, Inc. (Sedgwick), denied Derichs’ claim. After exhausting his administrative appeals, Derichs filed this ERISA lawsuit.At issue was the correct definition of tota... Read More >

California Court Reverses Sunlife Disability Denial for Woman with Fibromyalgia

In this video, disability insurance attorneys Rachel Alters and Gregory Dell discuss a California Federal Court decision in which a Sunlife disability insurance denial was reversed. Rachel Alters discusses the court’s frustration with Sunlife and finding that Sunlife abused their discretion by denying long term disability benefits after paying for multiple yea... Read More >

Court Rules Against United of Omaha's Determination of Disability Date

The case of Greggory B. Owens v. United of Omaha Life Insurance Company demonstrates what a difference a day makes. All parties agreed that claimant Owens was entitled to long term disability benefits. The sole question in controversy was the date upon which he became disabled.On July 1, 2013, Owens suffered a debilitating back injury while moving furniture at work. At the time, his annual salary was $83,1... Read More >

Unum Tells a Pharmacist On Narcotics That She Is Not Disabled and Denies Benefits

This case is just another example of a Unum claim rep reviewing restriction and limitations provided by their own in-house doctors, with complete disregard for the opinions of a claimant's treating doctor. An Oklahoma Judge opined that Unum ignored the restrictions and limitations provided by the claimant's treating doctors. The claimant, a pharmacist was unable... Read More >
Fun Facts About Rachel

We are not your typical law firm. We are always thinking outside of the box so that we can keep our clients a step ahead of the insurance companies. Customer service with our clients is an essential element as we want every case handled as if it was our own. Since the lawyer that you work with at our firm will need to know a lot about your life, we think it is important that you have the opportunity to learn more about the lawyer(s) working on your case. Here are some interesting and fun facts about Rachel Alters:

  • Describe yourself in three words: Loyal, caring and independent
  • Best to do in your free time: Hang out with my kids
  • Favorite places to travel: Colorado, California and Utah
  • Favorite food: Chocolate
  • Favorite TV Show: Homeland
  • Favorite Movie: Scarface
  • Favorite Book: Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay
  • Favorite musician: Luther Vandross
  • Favorite quote: “Every man’s life ends the same way. It is only the details of how he lived and how he died that distinguish one man from another.”Ernest Hemingway
  • What do you like about your job: I love my job because I am surrounded by amazing people who I consider to be my family as well as friends.

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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 insurance 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 disability insurance 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 disability insurance 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 attorneys 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 insurance attorneys 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 disability insurance 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 disability insurance 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 attorneys 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 attorneys have been able to either get our clients paid monthly disability benefits or obtain a one-time lump-sum settlement. Our disability insurance 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 offer disability insurance attorney representation nationwide and we welcome you to contact any of our lawyers 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 850 videos and regularly provide tips to help protect your disability benefits.

Who do you help?

Our disability insurance attorneys 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 insurance 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, or video conferencing sessions. 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 insurance 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.

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