What to Expect in a Northwestern Mutual Disability Benefit Denial Lawsuit
You probably feel as if the Appeal review conducted by Northwestern Mutual was a sham and you never had a chance to have your Northwestern Mutual disability benefit denial reversed. Your feeling of being called a liar by Northwestern Mutual and questioning if it is even worth filing a Northwestern Mutual disability lawsuit is exactly Northwestern Mutual’s plan. The sad truth is that the law governing long term disability insurance claims favors disability insurance companies and therefore a high percentage of Northwestern Mutual disability appeal denials are upheld. Northwestern Mutual hopes that you will just go away and that they can strong-arm you to return to work out of financial necessity. The good news is that with a strong legal strategy your Northwestern Mutual disability benefit lawsuit can result in a recovery of your disability benefits.
What Should You Expect In A Northwestern Mutual Disability Lawsuit?
Through our experience of having helped thousands of Northwestern Mutual disability insurance claimants nationwide, we would like the opportunity to help you win your Northwestern Mutual disability benefit lawsuit. In order to help you understand what to expect in a Northwestern Mutual disability lawsuit, Attorneys Gregory Dell and Cesar Gavidia have prepared the Northwestern Mutual disability lawsuit video below. We encourage you to contact any of our disability insurance lawyers for a free immediate review of your Northwestern Mutual disability claim denial.
When Can A Northwestern Mutual Disability Lawsuit Be Filed?
The answer to this question depends on whether you have a claim that is governed by The Employee Retirement Income Security Act, also known as (ERISA). If you have a Northwestern Mutual disability claim that was provided to you as an employee benefit, then your claim is almost always governed by ERISA. An ERISA disability lawsuit cannot be filed against Northwestern Mutual until you have received a denial of the appeal you submitted to Northwestern Mutual.
An ERISA lawsuit usually must be filed within either 3 years of your date of disability or the date of the final disability denial decision. If Northwestern Mutual fails to make a timely decision on your appeal, you can file suit without having to wait for Northwestern Mutual’s appeal decision. The law governing time periods to file lawsuits is known as the Statute of Limitations and it is an area of law that is regularly changing and not consistent from state to state. In a Non-ERISA disability benefit claim denial an appeal is usually not required by Northwestern Mutual and most lawsuits can be filed 90 days after proof of loss is due but no later than 3 years after the date of denial. The period of time in which a lawsuit must be filed can be a complicated analysis determined by a combination of the policy language and the law of the state in which the person was denied. The best thing to do in many cases to avoid a statutory problem is to file a lawsuit as soon as reasonably possible.
Our Clients Have Recovered Lincoln Disability Benefits in 99% of our Northwestern Mutual Disability Lawsuits
As much as we love to beat up Northwestern Mutual for their wrongful disability claim denials, we know how to set our egos aside. Our goal for every client is to try to resolve their Northwestern Mutual claim in the most expedient and efficient manner possible. Upon review of your disability denial letter from Northwestern Mutual we can immediately let you know if you have a claim that we think we can help you with. We look forward to speaking with you to discuss your options against Northwestern Mutual.
What Are the Most Challenging Issues in a Northwestern Mutual Disability Lawsuit?
The most challenging aspect of any disability lawsuit is the fact that your Northwestern Mutual disability benefit denial is likely governed by ERISA, a pro-insurance company federal law that governs almost all employer-provided disability policies. ERISA was designed so that insurance companies could offer affordable benefits to employees and in return have limited lawsuit expenses if a disability claim is denied. If your disability policy was not provided by your employer, then you will not have to worry about the ERISA lawsuit limitations. In our video below, disability attorneys Stephen Jessup and Gregory Dell discuss the reasons why ERISA makes disability lawsuits against a company like Northwestern Mutual challenging.
Five Reasons ERISA Disability Laws Favor Northwestern Mutual
- No jury trials are permitted;
- No punitive damages;
- Very limited discovery;
- The Judge usually must apply a standard of review that defers to the insurance company’s conclusion that you are not disabled;
- The Judge can remand the case back to Northwestern Mutual for any additional chance to review the claim and deny it again;
How Much Does Our Firm Charge to Handle a Northwestern Mutual Disability Lawsuit?
The proper preparation of a lawsuit against Northwestern Mutual takes a lot of legal time and our law firm is selective in the type and quantity of cases we accept. Providing the highest level of legal work and personal attention to your claim is a fundamental mode of operation for every lawyer in our firm. We are not high volume social security lawyers that are trying to handle disability insurance claims against Northwestern Mutual.
We have been handling claims against Northwestern Mutual for over 30 years. We only handle Northwestern Mutual disability lawsuits on a contingency fee basis. This means that we charge you a percentage of the disability benefits that we recover on your behalf. If we are not successful at recovering any disability benefits for you, then you do not owe us any attorney fees or cost for the work that we have done on your behalf.
More than 90% of the disability lawsuits that we have handled against Northwestern Mutual have resolved in a one-time lump sum settlement. We encourage you to review some of our Northwestern Mutual resolved case summaries to learn more about our experience. Most of our Northwestern Mutual disability lawsuit settlements have confidentiality provisions which limit our ability to discuss specific details about the cases.
Collecting Northwestern Mutual Disability Benefits Is A Reality
Through our 30+ years of experience suing Northwestern Mutual and our daily work on behalf of Northwestern Mutual disability claimants nationwide, we have seen and we are constantly aware of every claims handling technique used by Northwestern Mutual. We are one of the few law firms in the entire country that has the experience of going through a jury trial and receiving a favorable verdict against Northwestern Mutual. As a result of our years of battling Northwestern Mutual we have established a strong reputation and a unique litigation technique that allows us to cut through the traditional 18 to 24 month delay in resolving a Northwestern Mutual disability lawsuit.
We encourage you to contact any of our disability insurance lawyers to discuss some strategies for a possible resolution of your Northwestern Mutual disability denial. It is incredible and sad how many people we see give up the fight following a claim denial as they don’t want to deal with Northwestern Mutual. Our lawyers make the lawsuit process as simple as possible for claimants by requiring almost no time or effort by the claimant to pursue a Northwestern Mutual lawsuit. Any of our disability lawyers are available for an immediate free phone consultation to discuss your Northwestern Mutual claim denial.
What are the Top 10 Reasons for Northwestern Mutual Disability Denials?
- Northwestern Mutual denied the claim based on objective medical evidence
- Northwestern Mutual’s in-house doctor denied the disability claim
- With no exam a third party medical company denied a Northwestern Mutual claim
- With functional limitations Northwestern Mutual denied a disability claim because claimant has the ability to perform sedentary occupation
- After a compulsory medical exam a doctor hired by Northwestern Mutual denied the disability claim
- Northwestern Mutual denied the claim based on a vocational consultant evaluation of employability in another occupation
- Northwestern Mutual ignored claimant’s treating doctor’s opinion of limited work restrictions and denied claim
- Based on video surveillance Northwestern Mutual denied disability claim
- My definition of disability changed from own occupation to any occupation and Northwestern Mutual denied my disability claim
- Northwestern Mutual based your denial on a mental disability and not a physical disability and therefore limited your benefits to 24 months
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.
Sue Northwestern Mutual
We have filed thousands of disability denial lawsuits in federal Courts nationwide against Northwestern Mutual.
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Get Your Northwestern Mutual Disability Application Approved
We help claimants throughout the entire application process.
Prevent a Northwestern Mutual Disability Benefit Denial
We manage every aspect of your disability claim following claim approval.
Negotiate a Northwestern Mutual Lump-Sum Settlement
Our goal is to negotiate the highest possible buyout of your long-term disability policy.
Northwestern Mutual Reviews
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Policy Holder Rating
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71%
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Timely Payments
2.3out of 5
Handling Claim
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1.6out of 5
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Showing 7 of 7 Reviews
Northwestern Mutual
Northwestern thinks I can walk even though my left leg is paralyzed
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
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
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
Northwestern Mutual
NWM refused to have a hematologist review my claim since my "numbers are currently normal." They ignored my primary concern of relapsing
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
Northwestern Mutual
NW said my relatives' claim was "not justified" and double the premium for no reason
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
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 >
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Northwestern Mutual
NML says I have no limitarion and is refusing my benefits
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 >
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Answered Questions by Our Lawyers
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Showing 8 of 11 Answered Questions
Q: Do you help with negotiating lump sum settlements of policies?
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?
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?
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”?
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?
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?
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?
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.
A: Frustrated, Northwestern Mutual is providing benefits under what is commonly known as a “Reservation of Righ... Read More >
Helpful Videos
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Showing 12 of 902 Videos
Disability Benefit Tips
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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
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Reviews from Our Clients
