Mass Mutual attempts to deny disability benefits to OBGYN after ten years on claim
Our Client, an OBGYN from New York, suffered significant spinal injuries following a fall from his horse. Total Disability benefits were paid for approximately 10 years without question. As part of his physical therapy and to prevent further degeneration of his spinal cord, back muscles and leg muscles, his doctor advised him to lift weights. During one of the insurer’s regular disability surveillance observations, our client was videotaped while in the gym lifting weights. This doctor was subsequently contacted by the insurer and advised that there were some questions related to his claim and his disability.
After paying benefits for 10 years, the insurer advised my client that they believed he could return to work in some capacity, however, they never clearly established his pre-disability duties. As such, they wanted documents and information to verify the pre-disability duties, as they were not sure that he practiced as a full time OB/GYN 10 years ago. My client advised the carrier that he sold the practice 10 years ago and that any and all documents that could specifically show the procedures he performed at that time were no longer in his possession, and most likely not in the possession of the doctor to whom he sold the practice. Apparently this response was not sufficient and the insurer continued to harass my client as well as one of his former employees. At that point he hired our law firm.
We immediately advised the carrier that there actions were not only unreasonable, but the claims handling actions illustrated bad faith. Additionally, we met with the claims adjuster and one of the company’s vice presidents to further discuss the carrier’s mishandling of this claim. After agreeing to keep our client on claim, we negotiated a very lucrative, confidential lump sum buyout for him, allowing him to end the scrutiny and unforeseeable acts of his disability insurance carrier.
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Mass Mutual Reviews
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Showing 8 of 659 Reviews
Unum
Unum is evil
On 11/3/2021 I got shot by my boyfriend and my spinalcord got hit, paralyzing me from the neck down and accepting Unum benefits was the worst decision I ever made. I sued ... read more >
Lincoln Financial
Every month I get paid on a different date
I will start by saying that my experience is not as horrible as others, like the folks who have valid claims but get nothing from Lincoln. I feel for you and hope to god y... read more >
MetLife
They will do anything to not approve your claim
MetLife’s handling of my short-term disability claim has been incredibly frustrating and stressful. I followed all the necessary steps prior to my surgery, providing the... read more >
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Sedgwick
Don't trust them, they like to play games
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
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
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!
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 >
Mass Mutual
I would not trust MassMutual in any service they offer
I would not recommend MassMutual for any of your insurance needs. I purchased a Disability Income Insurance policy offered by my employer through MassMutual many years ago... read more >
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Answered Questions by Our Lawyers
(6)
Showing 6 of 6 Answered Questions
Q: Will Mass Mutual pay my disability claim if I become disabled while on unemployment?
A: LisaYour husband has a complicated fact pattern and you should call us to discuss the claim. You may still... Read More >
Q: Mass Mutual Disability Insurance - Own Occupation Rider, for Dentist vs Other insurance Carrier
A: Jim, Guardian / Berkshire prior to 2021 was one of the best disability companies. They had some management cha... Read More >
Q: I have submitted my application for long term disability to Mass Mutual and I want to know how long it should take them to make a decision?
A: Dr. Stein. This is a great question and it depends on multiple factors. In most cases Mass Mutual and all of t... Read More >
Q: Can MassMutual deny my claim based on a pre-existing condition?
A: Monique, it will depend on the language in the policy as it relates pre-existing conditions. When a claim is f... Read More >
Q: Can MassMutual deny my claim due to an issue not included in my physician's formal diagnosis?
A: Jimmy, Unfortunately, Mass Mutual is within their rights to decline to provide insurance coverage as they see ... Read More >
Q: Can I get a lump sum buyout? Should I hire an attorney?
A: Skip, Please feel free to contact our office to discuss how we may be able to assist you in securing a lump su... Read More >
Helpful Videos
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Showing 12 of 908 Videos
Disability Benefit Tips
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Showing 8 of 331 Benefit Tips
Mass Mutual Financial Disability Insurance Claims
In this episode disability insurance attorneys Gregory Dell and Cesar Gavidia of Attorneys Dell & Schaefer discuss Mass Mutual Disability Insurance Company and their handling of long term disability insurance claims.Unlike many other long term disability insurance companies, Mass Mutual usually handles their long-term disability claims in a reasonable ma... Read More >
Why does Mass Mutual want to hide its disability insurance claim forms?
Mass Mutual, an insurance company that sells long term disability insurance products, recently hired the international law firm of Shutts & Bowen in an effort to prohibit Disability Insurance Attorneys Dell & Schaefer from displaying blank Mass Mutual long term disability insurance claim forms on their website. More specifically, Mass Mutual hired attorney Jeffrey Landau, one of the leading insurance d... Read More >
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 >
Dell Disability Cases
(375)
Showing 8 of 375 Dell Disability Cases
Anesthesiologist Approved for Long Term Disability Benfits Plus an Extra 9 Months of Benefits
Our client, an Anesthesiologist, suffered a fall at his home which resulted in rupturing his left quadriceps tendon requiring him to undergo surgery the following day. For the next month and a half, he underwent extensive recovery and rehab in his attempt to return to work. Believing he had sufficiently recovered; he made a return to work on a reduced schedule b... Read More >
Mass Mutual Approves Long Term Disability Benefits For an Oncologist That Suffered Stroke
Our client was a well respected, dedicated Oncologist who had managed his own medical practice for many years. In an area of medicine where there is more heartbreak than not, where the steady guidance of a doctor helps navigate patient and family alike through the battle with life threatening cancer, our client stood out. It was his life's passion to wage a battle against cancer, and he never envisioned the da... Read More >
Mass Mutual approves long-term disability benefits of $12,000 a month for a financial advisor suffering from musclar dystrohpy (FSHD)
Our client, a financial advisor, was first diagnosed with fascioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) in 2002. FSHD is a neuromuscular disease which causes progressive skeletal muscle loss and weakness, defects in the biochemical, physical and structural components of muscle and the death of muscle cells and tissue. FSHD is a severely disabling condition and is the second most prevalent muscular dystrophy a... Read More >
Mass Mutual attempts to deny disability benefits to OBGYN after ten years on claim
Our Client, an OBGYN from New York, suffered significant spinal injuries following a fall from his horse. Total Disability benefits were paid for approximately 10 years without question. As part of his physical therapy and to prevent further degeneration of his spinal cord, back muscles and leg muscles, his doctor advised him to lift weights. During one of the insurer's regular disability surveillance observat... 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 >
Disability Lawsuit Stories
(765)
Reviews from Our Clients
5 Ways We Help Get Your Benefits Paid
Get Your Disability Application Approved
Our goal is to get your application for disability insurance 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 long-term disability 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.
Our attorneys have been able to either get our clients paid monthly disability benefits or obtain a one-time lump-sum settlement in more than 98% of our cases. 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 LTD 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 900 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.