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Columbia Hospital RN Denied Principal Disability Benefits after 5 Years Wins Appeal

Columbia Hospital RN Denied Principal Disability Benefits after 5 Years Wins Appeal

Presented by Attorney Rachel Alters

Rachel Alters is a Partner at Dell Disability Lawyers. Before focusing on disability law, Rachel spent years in malpractice defense representing physicians, hospitals, and nursing homes, then became a plaintiff's attorney in 2000. Her accomplishments include a $6 million jury verdict for a misdiagnosed cancer patient, a $5 million settlement following surgical complications, and a confidential settlement following a long-term disability insurance class action against Prudential Insurance Company.

Published Sep 25, 2026. Last modified Sep 28, 2026.

Resources to Help You Win Disability Benefits

Disability Benefit Denial Options

Submit a Strong Principal Appeal Package

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

Sue Principal

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

Protect Your Benefits

Get Your Principal Disability Application Approved

We help claimants throughout the entire application process.

Prevent a Principal Disability Benefit Denial

We manage every aspect of your disability claim following claim approval.

Negotiate a Principal Lump-Sum Settlement

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

Principal Reviews

(16)

Policy Holder Rating

1.6 out of 5

Read 16 reviews

5

0%

4

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2

56%

1

43%

Timely Payments

2.3out of 5

Handling Claim

1.8out of 5

Customer Service

1.8out of 5

Dependable

2.0out of 5

Value

2.0out of 5

Showing 4 of 16 Reviews

Principal

Sorry, Principal. My residual and renewal commissions aren't "earned"

Reviewed by Ron on August 24th 2020 Verified Policyholder

(CAPS are added by me for emphasis:) I am a self-employed insurance broker working only on commissions. I was disabled due to surgeries and received some income replacemen...

Reply

Sent on August 24th 2020 by Attorney Rachel Alters

Ron: You certainly can challenge Principal’s interpretation of the various provisions at issue through an appeal, if you have not already.

Principal

Principal will do anything not to pay

Reviewed by George on October 7th 2018 Verified Policyholder

Hello, I’m writing this on behalf of my wife. Her vision has degraded to the point that she no longer is able to see a pc screen without extreme headaches within a few m...

Reply

Sent on October 7th 2018 by Attorney Gregory Dell

George, it sounds like your wife is a victim to the very common 24-month denial. It is unfortunate that Principal will not accept the opinions of the numerous doctors who ...

Principal

Principal is absolutely ridiculous. I'm in financial harship after not receibing my full pay from work and exhausting my long term sick

Reviewed by Michelle P. on December 19th 2017 Verified Policyholder

I was placed on medical leave after suffering from vertigo and later diagnosed with Meniere’s Disease. I was put on medication. During these episodes of vertigo, I was n...

Reply

Sent on December 19th 2017 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

Michelle, will your ENT complete the applicable Attending Physician’s Statement? The APS will allow the doctor to place all restrictions and limitations he/she is imposi...

Principal

Principal owes me 60k

Reviewed by Daniel S. on March 15th 2017 Verified Policyholder

I had a lawyer for my long term disability claim but they wouldn’t sue them for me because the company I worked for sent them a letter saying I didn’t work but 3 hrs a...

Reply

Sent on March 15th 2017 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

Daniel, we would need to see copies off your denial letters and your policy to determine how we may be able to assist you.

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Answered Questions by Our Lawyers

(25)

Showing 4 of 25 Answered Questions

Q: Can Principal deduct my social security payment from my monthly Principal disability benefit payment?

Answered on March 30th 2023 by Attorney Gregory Dell

A: Does you disability policy say social security retirement is deductible? If it does then they are allowed to d...

Q: Is child support arrears considered an income offset for Principal LTD?

Answered on July 29th 2022 by Attorney Rachel Alters

A: Lisa, no I don’t believe it is.

Q: Why did Principal not back me when Social Security did?

Answered on August 21st 2020 by Attorney Alex Palamara

A: Durron, I am sorry to hear that your LTD claim was denied. While there are different standards for approving L...

Q: What is the difference between time period of the claim while approved and the time period of the claim while denied?

Answered on August 14th 2020 by Attorney Alex Palamara

A: Mark, please gather all the correspondence concerning your claim and please contact us for a free consultation...

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Helpful Videos

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Disability Benefit Tips

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Showing 4 of 333 Benefit Tips

Principal Disability Benefit Denial Options

If you've recently received a disability insurance denial letter from Principal Disability or are worried that your claim for long term disability benefits is...

Principal Disability Benefit Claim, Denial, Appeal and Lawsuit Information from Disability Lawyers

Stephen Jessup and Gregory Dell discuss their experience in handling claims with Principal Financial

Principal Financial is one of the more interesting disability insurance companies to deal with. They sell both individual disability and ERISA group disability...

Your Doctor Should NEVER Talk to a Disability Company Without Permission

Your Doctor Should NEVER Talk to a Disability Company Without Permission

Disability insurers often cold-call your treating doctor and use quick, out-of-context answers to deny your claim. Learn why you should never let your doctor speak to the insurance company without your permission.

Waiver of Life Insurance Premium Denials Can Lead to LTD Denial

Waiver of Life Insurance Premium Denials Can Lead to LTD Denial

A waiver of premium denial on your group life insurance is often a warning sign that a long-term disability denial is next. Learn why these denials matter and how to respond.

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Our Resolved Claims

(414)

Showing 4 of 414 Resolved Claims

Paralegal Wins Principal Financial Disability Appeal

Paralegal Wins Principal Financial Disability Appeal

Learn how our attorneys helped a Paralegal suffering from Dysautonomia win a Principal LTD insurance appeal & get a free legal review of your case.

After Principal Denies Continued Disability Benefits, Attorney Alexander Palamara Gets Claim Reinstated for a Vienna Beef Employee

Our attorneys helped a Customer Rep with Fibromyalgia win a Principal LTD insurance Appeal. See how we won & get a free legal case review

Principal reinstates benefits of Orthopedic Surgeon unable to work full-time after Attorney Rachel Alters submits Appeal

Our attorneys helped a Surgeon with Cervical Disorders win a Principal LTD insurance Appeal. See how we won & get a free legal case review

Dell Disability Lawyers Successfully Appeals Denial Of Benefits To Claimant With Trigeminal Neuralgia

Our attorneys helped a Support Assistant with Chronic Pain win a Principal LTD insurance Appeal. See how we won & get a free legal case review

See All Our Resolved Claims

Disability Lawsuit Stories

(766)

Showing 4 of 766 Lawsuit Stories

Court Orders Principal Life to Pay Long-Term Disability Benefits to Plaintiff

California Court Holds Principal Life erred in defining plaintiffs job as sedentary and orders it to pay long-term disability benefits.

Court Orders Principal Life to Reinstate Long Term Disability Benefits

Washington Court ordered Principal Life Insurance to reinstate long term disability benefits for claimant when Principal used the wrong definition for “gainful occupation” when terminating benefits.

Principal Life Wrongfully Denys LTD Benefits to Truck Driver After Change of Definition

Principal Life Disability Denial of Truck Driver Reversed by Washington Federal Judge

Principal Life Insurance long term disability benefit denial is ruled unreasonable by a Washington Federal Judge.

Court Upholds Principal Life's Denial of Extended Disability Benefits

Colorado court agrees with Principal Life that plaintiff's spinal fusion and back pain are no longer disabling based on medical evidence and video surveillance.

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Reviews from Our Clients

Keith G.

They were very professional with their responds and on time with keeping you inform about everything with your case. I would recommend My lawyer Stephen Jessup, he was on point with everything, thank you. You guys are awesome people to work with. God bless you guys.

Keith L.

I was not able to work as a physician for about 14 months due to neck/back issues. Even though I had 3 medical doctors explicitly state that I was not to work AT ALL as a physician at that time, New York Life (NYL) Disability Insurance denied my long term disability claim (which apparently they deny a high percentage of people similar to me- only they know why they do this to so many- I have my own suspicions). I was in pain from my medical issues and so frustrated with NYL considering I had many bills coming due. I then decided to call Dell Disability Lawyers. One of their attorneys, Alex Palamara, spoke to me on the phone right then to hear and understand my story and then offer ways he could help. Long story short, within a few months of me returning back to work, he was able to persuade NYL to pay me my long term disability claim. He (and his kind assistant, Tabitha) were always very helpful, informative, and available to me. I feel quite certain that NYL would NEVER have paid me what was appropriate based on my insurance agreement/ contract with them without the help of Alex. I highly recommend him/Dell Disability Lawyers. If you find yourself in a similar situation of disability insurance denial of your own personal/group policy, especially if you are a medical provider/physician like me, then consider contacting them for advice/direction PRIOR to appealing your claim on your own.

Kyle D.

Jay Symonds and his assistant, Sonia helped me tremendously. The insurance company that worked for my former employer did everything they could to make my life literally miserable. That all changed when I hired Jay. He and Sonia fought for my rights and forced the insurance company to pay what they should have.

If you have a disability claim hire Jay as if you go it alone the insurance company will screw you. Jay and Sonia will fight for everything you are entitled for. I couldn’t recommend them more highly.

Frank R.

I cannot say enough positive things about my experience with Dell Disability Lawyers. Attorney Stephen Jessup and Amanda offered an opportunity to provide clarity on a complex issue regarding my disability claim. Mr. Jessup offered advice on an offset to my claim after my insurance company asked for additional information from Social Security. With counsel from Mr. Jessup, I was able to address the outstanding issue with the Social Security office and provide my insurance company with the required documentation to address their concerns. Mr. Jessup always responded in a timely manner with expert advice and offered the opportunity for follow up. I strongly recommend Dell Disability Lawyers to those seeking legal counsel for disability matters.

Wesley D.

I have been able to help others as a soldier, a police officer, and a pharmacist. I needed help forcing the insurance company to keep their commitment to take care of me and my family. I called Dell. Alex, Tabitha, and their entire team were very compassionate, extremely patient, and extraordinarily knowledgeable. Many thanks Dell!

Samar A.

My husband had applied for Long Term Disability and was denied. We sought out Rachel Alters at Dell Disability Lawyers to help us with our appeal. Rachel and her team were so diligent and meticulous in every aspect of the process. The process was seamless, and we never had any doubts that she would get it done and that she did! We are forever grateful to Rachel and Catherine for all of their determination and tenacity to get us the outcome we needed and deserved.

We could not recommend better representation and are indebted to them for making us whole again. Thank you so much Rachel and team!

Jam

Alex Palamara is one of The Best lawyers in the world and Dell Disability Lawyers are the Best by Far. Alex and his Assistant Tabitha helped me get the compensation I needed for a Horrific Disabling heath condition I’ve been dealing with for over a year. Alex and his team were so professional and caring. They treated me like I was there own family. Alex Knowledge, Expertise and skills as a Lawyer is among the Best of the Best in his field and I would HIGHLY recommend that if you ever have any issues with any Insurance Company over your Disability issues, please don’t hesitate to seek out Dell Disability and Alex Palamara. They truly are Amazing and caring. Thank God for them. Outstanding Job Alex and Tabitha

G.T.

9 years ago when I had to apply for disability benefits from my private disability policy the insurance company ignored my inquiries until Dell and Schaefer represented me and I have received the benefits without interruption til my policy expired at age 65. I have appreciated not having to deal directly with the insurance company and having attorney Greg Dell and assistant Danielle Lauria handle all communications which included monthly progress reports. I thank them for their efforts on my behalf and highly recommend them to all those in need of disability benefits.

Misty A.

I’m so thankful I chose to reach out to the attorneys at Dell. They have always been quick to respond to any and all questions I have had. The anxiety I had while dealing with Lincoln Financial on my own has decreased immensely since Alex and Danielle took my case. They were able to get my LTD denial reversed and I am so very grateful!

View All Reviews (503)

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Five Ways We Help Get Your Disability Benefit Paid

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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