Question

Why is NWM reviewing my claim when my condition hasn't changed? Is it strange that they requested an in-person review?

Asked on October 25th 2017 by Jim T
I have paid NWM disability premiums for over 24 years. April 2016 while at work I experienced a cardiac event requiring CPR, resulting in fractured ribs. Earlier I had been diagnosed with NASH developing into moderate to severe Cirrhosis with portal hypertension and severe esophageal varacies. It is thought at the time of my event I was severely anemic and had a coagulopathy due to platelet thrombocytopenia resulting in a variceal rupture, or a gastric ulcer bleed. I developed chronic fatigue, moderate to severe abdominal pain, diminished mentation and at times momory loss due to evevated ammonia in my blood causing hepatic encephalopathy. I also have had a worsening tremor that prevent me from venous access, especially on newborns and todlers as will as arterial and central line access. Also I cannot administer central and prepheral nerve blocks safely. I was granted full disability Benefits from NWM, Soscial Securty, As well as a statement of total, disability from Sunlife Ins.Coro. A second plan the hospital provided but could not receive benefits due to circumstanses as to the date the policy went into effect. So NWM has been sending monthly payments for over a year, however now they want to review my claim and have hired a Privare Investigator to conduct a Field Interview. What is this about my condition has nor changed perhaps worse. Is this a common practice with NWM? What are they trying to accompolish? All physian statements are filled out in a timley manner. Because of my failing Liver I cannot take tylenol or NSAI for pain so I have been prescribed a narcotic pain pill for everyday use. What is NWM agenda, why am I being harassed daily? Now sent a log in wich im required to report my daily activities every two hours… Highly stressful… any insight?

Answer

Answered on October 25th 2017 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

Jim, first and foremost, NWM is one of the most reputable insurance carriers in the industry. Although your condition may not have changed an insurance carrier will always continue to evaluate a claim for disability. The typical minimum reporting requirement is once a year, so it would not be unheard of for NWM to request an in-person review. Please feel free to contact our office to discuss your claim in greater detail.

Did you find this helpful?
Unhelpful (0)

Resources to Help You Win Disability Benefits

Disability Benefit Denial Options
Submit a Strong Northwestern Mutual Appeal Package

We work with you, your doctors, and other experts to submit a very strong Northwestern Mutual appeal.

Learn more

Sue Northwestern Mutual

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

Learn more

Protect Your Benefits
Get Your Northwestern Mutual Disability Application Approved
We help claimants throughout the entire application process.

Learn more

Prevent a Northwestern Mutual Disability Benefit Denial
We manage every aspect of your disability claim following claim approval.

Learn more

Negotiate a Northwestern Mutual Lump-Sum Settlement

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

Learn more

Northwestern Mutual Reviews
(7)

Policy Holder Rating

1.7 out of 5
Read 7 reviews
0%would recommend
5
0%
4
0%
3
0%
2
71%
1
28%
Timely Payments
2.3out of 5
Handling Claim
2.6out of 5
Customer Service
2.0out of 5
Dependable
1.6out of 5
Value
1.9out of 5
Showing 7 of 7 Reviews
Northwestern Mutual

Northwestern thinks I can walk even though my left leg is paralyzed

Reviewed by Dave B on July 7th 2019   Verified Policyholder
My Northwestern Disability policy has a presumptive total clause which pays lifetime benefits for loss of use of one hand and one foot. They Have claimed I do not fulfill ... read more >
Northwestern Mutual

Northwestern is the Quiet Company that silently screws its policy holders but is too big to fail

Reviewed by Magda S. on August 8th 2018   Verified Policyholder
I am a board certified cardiologist with severe diabetic comorbidities. I have had occupation specific DI policies with NML since 1980. I am now legally blind, have no fee... read more >
Northwestern Mutual

My claim was handled so unprofessionally – almost no written communication from NW Mutual

Reviewed by B.J. Robinson on April 19th 2015   Verified Policyholder
While waiting for NW Mutual’s decision on my claim for LTD benefits, I was terminated. The following week, NW Mutual sent me a letter denying my claim. Denial was seemin... read more >
Reply
Sent on April 19th 2015 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

BJ, you will have rights to appeal this denial. If you have not already done so please feel free to contact our office to discuss how we can assist you.

Northwestern Mutual

NWM refused to have a hematologist review my claim since my "numbers are currently normal." They ignored my primary concern of relapsing

Reviewed by JP on March 27th 2015   Verified Policyholder
Hi there. I have a chronic autoimmune disease that has temporarily placed me on LTD 5 times over the last 18 years. I currently am in remission although I remain on severa... read more >
Reply
Sent on March 27th 2015 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

JP, I think your claim could be in a grey area if the issue is not a current flare up causing disability as defined under the policy, but merely the risk of relapse. Ne... read more >

Northwestern Mutual

NW said my relatives' claim was "not justified" and double the premium for no reason

Reviewed by Lyn N. on May 28th 2013   Verified Policyholder
Northwestern claims examiner automatically ruled against my relatives’ claim “not justified.” We had one doctor who told us all he could do for my relatives pain was... read more >
Northwestern Mutual

BAD FAITH

Reviewed by Pamela Cherry on September 25th 2011   Verified Policyholder
I have two words for each of you: “BAD FAITH”. Sue Northwestern Mutual, ask for a jury trial and let justice prevail. There is no reason why your legitimate claims hav... read more >
Reply
Sent on September 25th 2011 by Attorney Gregory Dell

Pam, Thanks for your comment. Bad Faith can be a very powerful tool, however ERISA governed disability insurance policy holders have no right to a jury trial and no rig... read more >

Northwestern Mutual

NML says I have no limitarion and is refusing my benefits

Reviewed by Cynthia on May 15th 2011   Verified Policyholder
I am a litigation attorney with a paralyzed right vocal cord. My treating physician has placed me on vocal rest and said after the 7 years since my condition I can no long... read more >
Reply
Sent on May 15th 2011 by Attorney Gregory Dell

Cynthia, I am sorry to hear about your situation. In order to determine if we can assist you, we need to review your denial letter and a copy of your policy. Please con... read more >

Answered Questions by Our Lawyers
(11)
Showing 8 of 11 Answered Questions

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: Are there successful arguments to appeal Northwestern Mutual’s offset of claimant’s LTB by the amount of SSD benefits awarded?

Answered on April 23rd 2020 by Attorney Stephen Jessup
A: Carol, in almost all cases, no. If the policy explicitly allows for the offset, the offset is enforceable. Read More >

Q: Why does Northwestern ask the questions they do in the "Request for Continuation of Disability Benefits" form?

Answered on August 5th 2019 by Attorney Cesar Gavidia
A: Daniel, disability insurers ask these questions in order to obtain information relating to your level of activ... Read More >

Q: What exactly does Northwestern mean by “not gainfully employed in any occupation”? 

Answered on April 5th 2018 by Attorney Gregory Dell
A: Carol, Gainful work would imply you are performing steady work for payment and getting paid $20 for baby sitti... Read More >

Q: Why is NWM reviewing my claim when my condition hasn't changed? Is it strange that they requested an in-person review?

Answered on October 25th 2017 by Attorney Stephen Jessup
A: Jim, first and foremost, NWM is one of the most reputable insurance carriers in the industry. Although your co... Read More >

Q: Can I refuse to sign NWM's authoritization form?

Answered on March 31st 2016 by Attorney Stephen Jessup
A: David, you do have the ability to limit the authority granted, or to refuse it- but you will be responsible fo... Read More >

Q: Can NWM rescind my policy because I forgot to disclose an illness I had 20 years ago (that I no longer have)? Do I have to sign their release to access everything about me?

Answered on January 6th 2015 by Attorney Alex Palamara
A: Christine, If you failed to disclose a medical condition on an application to purchase a disability insurance ... Read More >

Q: Can you explain why NWM is still paying me while my claim is being reviewed? They said if they don't approve it, their accomodation payment is not owed back to them.

Answered on May 21st 2014 by Attorney Stephen Jessup
A: Frustrated, Northwestern Mutual is providing benefits under what is commonly known as a “Reservation of Righ... Read More >
Helpful Videos
(908)
Showing 12 of 908 Videos
Disability Benefit Tips
(331)
Showing 8 of 331 Benefit Tips

Application Tips: Northwestern Mutual Disability Benefits - Top Denial Reasons

Every disability insurance policy is different, and whether your disability insurance claim is approved depends on many factors: the definition of disability in your policy, your medical condition, the thoroughness of your treating physicians in documenting your claims, and more. Our disability insurance attorneys at Dell & Schaefer have helped hundreds of p... Read More >

Tips to Protect Your Northwestern Mutual Long Term Disability Benefits

Whether you're considering filing a long term disability insurance claim with Northwestern Mutual, have recently received a denial letter, or are just hoping to keep your current monthly disability benefits, it's a good idea to do your homework before you contact Northwestern. This disability insurance carrier has a reputation for being fair - especially when compared to some of the other biggest names in disa... Read More >

What Can I Expect When Seeking Long Term Disability Benefits from Northwestern Mutual?

In this video, disability insurance attorneys Stephen Jessup and Gregory Dell discuss multiple things that a Northwestern Mutual disability claimant should be aware of when seeking long term disability benefits. Northwestern is one of the better disability insurance companies and as a result a long term disability claimant needs to always be prepared to prove th... 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 >
Dell Disability Cases
(375)
Showing 8 of 375 Dell Disability Cases

Northwestern Mutual Approves Claim For Disability Benefits

Prior to contacting our office, our client was having little success in securing his disability insurance benefits under his privately purchased individual disability policy with Northwestern Mutual. Our client, the sole owner and employee of a small lawn care business, suffered an eye injury that required surgery and left his vision severly compromised. Left with only one properly functioning eye his doctor a... Read More >

After appeal filed by Attorney Jay Symonds, NWM overturned its previous denial of long term disability benefits for California Customer Relations Supervisor

Our client, Ms. D, formerly worked as a Customer relations Supervisor in at an Institutional Investments firm. In February 2014 a number of medical issues, including chronic pain, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, Behcet’s syndrome, neuropathic pain, chronic migraine, diffuse connective tissue disease forced Ms. D to stop working and submit her claim for disability benefits under her employer’s l... Read More >

Northwestern Mutual Reinstates Disability Benefits to Attorney Suffering From Gastrointestinal Problems

Prior to filing for long term disability benefits under her private individual disability policy with Northwestern Mutual due to severe gastrointestinal medical conditions, our client was a courtroom attorney in civil practice. Due to the multiple complications associated with her conditions she began to experience ever increasing difficulty being able to maintain the demands of being in Court and began decrea... Read More >

Northwestern Mutual Approves Long Term Disability Insurance Benefits for Veterinarian

Our client was a long time Emergency Room Veterinarian whose job was far from what most envision when thinking of a Veterinarian. Unlike your local veterinarian, his job required that he be able to drive long distances, encompassing several states to provide ER services at various facilities. Long hours with no pre-set idea of how a work day would unravel were the norm. Granted some nights could be relatively ... 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)
Showing 8 of 765 Lawsuit Stories

9th Circuit Clarifies The Definition Of "Sedentary Work"

In Armani v. Northwest Mutual, plaintiff Avery Armani, a Controller for an insurance agency, injured his back while lifting a heavy back-up power supply at work. As an employee of the insurance agency, he was covered by a Group Long-Term Disability Insurance policy issued by Northwest Mutual (NWM).Benefit ProvisionsUnder the terms of the LTD Policy, the definition of disability changed after benef... Read More >

Northwestern Mutual Disability Claim Denial Reversed By Court

A Colorado court recently brought down a very harsh ruling against Northwestern for blatantly abusing its discretion in denying long-term disability benefits to a Colorado Family Law Attorney (Mr. M) who suffered congestive heart failure and underwent aortic valve replacement surgery and thoracic aortic aneurysm repair.Two interesting issues were addressed by the Court in its ruling. The first is the appli... Read More >

California Consultant sues Northwestern Life Insurance Company for unpaid disability benefits

Northwestern Insurance beneficiary Todd W. and his California disability attorney's complaint against the insurer accuses Northwestern of breach of the Duty of Good Faith and Fair Dealing and Breach of Contract in response to its denial of Todd W.'s disability benefits.Citing an advertisement of Northwestern Insurance Mutual Life Insurance Company as the reason why Todd W. first purchased a Northwestern be... Read More >

Northwestern Mutual sued by shareholder attorney for underpaying and denying long-term disability benefits

A Washington disability attorney filed a federal lawsuit in the District Court serving the Western District Court of Washington at Seattle against Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (Northwestern). The Plaintiff, Scott D., worked as a shareholder attorney at a law firm in the state of Washington. Plaintiff was covered under a long-term disability policy purchased from Northwestern, who was contracted b... Read More >

Northwestern Mutual denies partial disability benefits to trial attorney resulting in lawsuit for violations of Washington Insurance Fair Conduct Act

The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (Northwestern Life) was recently sued by a disability lawyer for the violations of the Washington Insurance Fair Conduct Act and Washington Consumer Protection laws. In Kurt D. Bennett v The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, the plaintiff alleged that Northwestern Life in denying the plaintiff's claims for disability benefits was in violation of the abov... Read More >

Podiatrist sues Northwestern Mutual seeking disability insurance benefits and bad faith damages

This case began in the United States District Court of the Southern District of Florida on April 8, 2011 when Northwestern Mutual refused to pay the plaintiff's disability benefits as specified in a Northwestern Mutual Life (NML) disability insurance policy.Plaintiff's Two Northwestern Mutual PoliciesThe plaintiff was issued a NML disability income insurance policy in November 3, 2006, with an expirati... Read More >

Northwestern Mutual rescinds disability policy after claimant paid premiums for 15 years

When you apply for a disability policy, it is very important to answer all questions as truthfully as you can. The courts generally will not render a summary judgment in favor of the disability insurance company if the company can't prove that you answered a question with the intent to defraud. If you don't have a solid explanation for why you answered a question falsely, you may find yourself losing your cove... Read More >

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 health information services at Integrity Health Care when she stopped working on August 7, 2017. She brought claims for benefits under an LTD insurance policy and a waiver of premiums under a life insurance policy.In order to be approved for LTD benefits, Plaintiff ... Read More >

Reviews from Our Clients

Request a Free Consultation

Our Lawyers Respond Same Day

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.

Helpful Resources