Negotiate A Disability Buyout Settlement

Disability Insurance companies sell long term disability policies with the hope that they will never need to pay monthly benefits to an insured. Once an insurance company becomes obligated to pay an insured monthly disability benefits, the insurance company is losing money. In an effort to cut their losses, most disability insurance companies are always interested in the opportunity to buy-out an insured’s disability policy for a one-time lump sum amount.

Our disability lawyers have established relationships with the people at each disability company that make the decisions on disability buyouts. Since 1979 we have helped our clients to recover hundreds of millions of dollars in disability benefits. We always offer a free immediate phone consultation to discuss how we could help you. We work closely with actuaries, financial consultants and treating physicians in order to maximize a buy-out offer.

Watch to learn if you are eligible for a disability buyout settlement

How Are Lump-Sum Buyouts Calculated?

Every disability company has their own methodology and formulas for determining the value of an insured’s disability income policy. As a result of handling buy-outs with almost every disability insurance company, we are well aware of each company’s valuation methods. There are multiple factors involved in determining the value of an insured’s disability income policy. Some of the factors that insurance companies will consider are:

  • the life expectancy and mortality of the insured;
  • the current corporate bond rate;
  • the likelihood that the insured will remain totally or residually disabled;
  • the amount of insurance company reserves for the specific policy;
  • the present value of future monthly disability benefits;
  • the age of the claimant and years remaining on the policy

In every lump-sum policy buyout, the insurance companies will make an offer that is discounted to present value dollars. This means that if the future value of an insured’s disability payments in 10 years would be $960,000 ($8,000 a month multiplied by 120 months), then the present value is the amount of money an insured needs today at a stated interest rate in order to equal $960,000. Assuming an $8,000 monthly benefit, 120 months of remaining payments, and an interest rate of 4%, then the present value of $960,000 would be approximately $790,000. This means that if you deposited $790,000 in the bank today and received an interest rate of 4%, then you would have $960,000 ten years from today if you never touched the money.

The present value amount is always less than future value. Insurance companies only offer settlements based upon the present value and they will never pay 100% of the present value as there is no financial benefit for them to do so. They will however, use the previously stated factors in arriving at a buy back amount.

Companies Offering Disability Buyouts

Disability insurance companies are not required to offer a lump-sum buyout of a disability, yet of the 40 different companies there are some that do so more than others. The ten most common disability companies that will consider a disability buyout are:

  • Cigna (Life Insurance Company of North America)
  • Unum
  • Prudential
  • Lincoln Financial (Acquired Liberty Mutual in 2018)
  • Hartford (Acquired Aetna Disability in 2017)
  • Sun Life Financial
  • Disability Management Services (“DMS”)
  • The Standard
  • Met Life
  • Trustmark

When Does a Disability Buyout Make Sense?

Lump sum buy backs are not advisable for everyone. However, they often make sense for an insured for the following reasons:

  • cash received is often tax free to be invested as you desire;
  • no risk of future denials or uncertainty of upcoming benefits;
  • monthly benefits end at the death of the insured;
  • cash received now can be used for estate planning or new venture;
  • no longer subject to insurance company solvency;
  • option to try a return to work without insurance company scrutiny.

If you are interested in pursuing a lump-sum disability buyout contact Attorneys Dell & Schaefer to make sure you are receiving the maximum buy-out possible.

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
(641)
Showing 8 of 641 Reviews
New York Life

Keeps claiming they will not approve claim for pre existing conditions but my illness is not preexisting

Reviewed by M.T. on February 15th 2024   Verified Policyholder | May 2023 date of disability
I have been appealing a claim for LTD for 8 months! New York Life keeps claiming they will not approve claim for pre existing conditions but my illness is not preexisting ... read more >
Reliance Standard

Staff Lie

Reviewed by Tanya on February 12th 2024   Verified Policyholder | August 2021 date of disability
I had my disability cut off the day I was scheduled to find out whether I should have surgery. The claims examiner was aware that I had an appointment on that date and sai... read more >
Reply
Sent on February 12th 2024 by Attorney Gregory Dell

I am sorry to hear about your experience. It’s crazy that Reliance Standard would deny your disability benefits when you are suffering so badly that you need surgery.... read more >

Hartford

Former Hartford employee has had life insurance and accidental death policy's revoked for one late premium payment

Reviewed by Becky H. THOMAS on February 12th 2024   Verified Policyholder | February 2024 date of disability
Dislike how they are constantly interrupting the lives of their disabled EE's whom are entitled to benefit which they paid into out of there pay check every pay period onl... read more >
Reply
Sent on February 12th 2024 by Attorney Gregory Dell

Thank you for your review of Hartford and we appreciate you sharing.  It’s sad they don’t take care of their own employees.

Lincoln Financial

Never received benefits my entire leave - or help with them

Reviewed by Anna on December 19th 2023   Verified Policyholder | November 2023 date of disability
I used my short term disability insurance for maternity leave and started the process beforehand knowing when I would be out (scheduled induction.) It took a little over a... read more >
Sun Life

Unscrupulous Tactics

Reviewed by Misseekayy on December 19th 2023   Verified Policyholder | May 2023 date of disability
Sunlife uses unscrupulous tactics in order to prevent payment of claims. They wait until it is close to the 30 day mark and then they ask for another form of information o... read more >
Sedgwick

Lame

Reviewed by Dennis T. on December 11th 2023   Verified Policyholder | March 2022 date of disability
My experience with Sedgwick and personell is as follows: Unhelpful, unprofessional and an overall unpleasant experience.
Unum

Low payments

Reviewed by Dorothy on November 30th 2023   Verified Policyholder | November 2023 date of disability
I was injured at work. I did house keeping in a hospital. I tore just about everything imaginable in my knee. I was let go from my job, because I was no longer able to do ... read more >
Lincoln Financial

Well Documented correspondence

Reviewed by Joshua on November 23rd 2023   Verified Policyholder | May 2023 date of disability
I read other situations and it’s all very similar to my case. I have received STD from May 2023 and when my FMLA run out LF would not respond or answer my calls. My last... read more >
Answered Questions by Our Lawyers
(33)
Showing 8 of 33 Answered Questions

Q: Should I accept the buyout from Lincoln Financial? I have 7 days to decide.

Answered on January 16th 2024 by Attorney Alex Palamara
A: Kendra, it was a pleasure speaking with you today. Thank you for reaching out for the free consultation. We ar... Read More >

Q: Do you help with negotiating lump sum settlements of policies?

Answered on August 11th 2020 by Attorney Stephen Jessup
A: Marcella, yes, we do assist in negotiating lump sum settlements of policies. Northwestern Mutual is very selec... Read More >

Q: Will Principal harass me if I don't accept their buyout? And, is it standard for a buyout to be lower than the full benefit paid over time?

Answered on July 17th 2018 by Attorney Stephen Jessup
A: Jan, I have not experienced retaliatory actions form Principal for refusing a buyout offer. As to your second ... Read More >

Q: Would it be better to continue to receive benefits from Lincoln Financial or should I seek a buyout?

Answered on February 22nd 2019 by Attorney Alex Palamara
A: AJ, I am sorry to hear of all the medical issues though I am happy to hear that Liberty Mutual has approved be... Read More >

Q: Does Lincoln Financial offer lump sum settlements?

Answered on August 25th 2018 by Attorney Cesar Gavidia
A: Jenn, yes, Lincoln offers buyout. Please contact our office and ask to speak with a disability insurance attor... Read More >

Q: Would MetLife consider a buy out if my condition is idopathic and I have several years left on the disability I received through work?

Answered on June 20th 2017 by Attorney Stephen Jessup
A: Maria, your claim could very well be ripe for a lump sum buyout. Please feel free to contact our office to dis... Read More >

Q: Can I get a lump sum check from MOO?

Answered on May 10th 2017 by Attorney Stephen Jessup
A: Pam, Mutual of Omaha may be willing to negotiate a lump sum buyout of the remaining time on your policy, but t... Read More >
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Showing 10 of 873 Videos
Disability Benefit Tips
(330)
Showing 8 of 330 Benefit Tips

Prudential Lump Sum Disability Policy Buyout Options

If you're a Prudential long term disability insurance claimant who has been on claim for a mo... Read More >

MetLife Disability Buyout and Lump Sum Settlements are Back

MetLife is one of the top five largest group and private disability insurance companies nationwide. As of January 2016 it appears that Met Lif... Read More >

Is my disability insurance company required to offer me a lump sum buyout of my disability policy?

Whether you have an individual disability insurance policy or an ERISA governed group disability policy, the disability insurance company's on... Read More >

Why consider a lump-sum buyout of your disability insurance policy?

If you already are on long term disability, and you're looking for a lump sum buyout, there are multiple reasons to consider a lump sum buyout... Read More >

How do disability insurance companies calculate lump-sum buyouts?

There are multiple factors that a long term disability insurance company will consider when doing a buyout.The No.1 factor is whether or n... Read More >

What is a lump sum buyout?

If you are already collecting benefits, we often negotiate lump sum buyouts on behalf of our clients. And a lump sum buyout is essentially a l... 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 concern... Read More >

Disability Benefit Denial Reason #4 - Your Doctor Is Misled By the Disability Company

When you're seeking disability benefits under a long term disability policy, your medical rec... Read More >
Dell Disability Cases
(372)
Showing 8 of 372 Dell Disability Cases

Prudential denies and settles long-term disability claim with CPA after CPA becomes totally disabled from chronic cervical neck pain and radiculopathy

Our client, Richard, was employed as a senior accountant with a communications company. While performing work at his home one day, he fell fro... Read More >

Unum Settles Lawsuit with Florida Chiropractor After Initially Denying Long-term Disability Claim

Dr. G' s individual long-term disability insurance policy with National Life of Vermont (National Life), now owned and administered by Unum, w... Read More >

Hartford Buys Out Disability Policy Following Appeal

When our client first contacted our Office he was unsure if he even had a case worth pursuing. After being on long term disability for a year,... Read More >

Dell Disability Lawyers obtains settlement award for OB/GYN with Unum individual disability policy

Disability insurance attorney Cesar Gavidia shares details regarding a recent settlement awar... Read More >

Chiropractor Obtains Lump-Sum Disability Insurance Settlement Despite Wrong Date of Disability

Caution, the timing of a disability claim can mean the difference between having your claim approved or denied. Far too many times I have seen... Read More >

Federal Insurance Company and former postal worker reach confidential settlement regarding lump-sum disability policy

Our client was a former United States postal worker who became disabled due to a back injury he sustained in an automobile accident in 2003. S... Read More >

CIGNA lump sum settlement buyout offer obtained for former salesman

Disability Insurance Attorney Gregory Dell was retained to help an industrial salesman negotiate a lump-sum buyout offer with Life Insurance C... Read More >
Disability Lawsuit Stories
(765)
Showing 8 of 765 Lawsuit Stories

Reliance Standard Disability Denial Upheld Due to Claimant's Lack of Strong Medical Record Support

In the case of Amy Wright v. Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company (Reliance), Plaintiff was the vice-president of... Read More >

Unum Wrongfully Terminated Disabled Lawyer’s Disability Claim of Depression and Anxiety Despite Improvement in His Condition

This Unum lawsuit and appeal in federal court is a great victory for all Unum disability claimants. This ca... Read More >

Federal Court Overturns Aetna Denial Of Disability Benefits

In the recent case of Ferrin v. Aetna Life Ins. Co. a federal judge from the Northern District of Illinois determined that Aetna improperly te... Read More >

Court Finds Irregularities in Procter & Gamble Long Term Disability Benefit Denial

In ERISA cases filed in a district court asking for judicial review of a plan administrator's denial of benefits, the court is generally limit... Read More >

Federal Judge Makes Companion Life Insurance Pay Long Term Disability Benefits

Companion Life tried to play games and deny long term disability benefits, but thankfully a New Mexico Federal Judge made them pay disability ... Read More >

NFL Disability Review Board Ignores Evidence of Disability and Appeal Court Reverses Lower Court Decision

In Darren Mickell v. Bert Bell/Pete Rozelle NFL Players Retirement Plan (Plan), Mickell spent nine years in the NFL as a defensive e... Read More >

Judge Agrees that MetLife's Denial of Long Term Disability Benefits was Reasonable

In Anne Ehlert v. Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (MetLife), Ehlert was a consulting pension actuary for pension plans at Towers... Read More >

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 >

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.