(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... read more >

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... read more >

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 w... read more >

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... read more >

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 imp... read more >

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... read more >

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.

Principal

I lost everything when Principal terminated my benefits without calling or emailing me

Reviewed by Ray T. on September 22nd 2016 Verified Policyholder

I went on short term disability August 1st of 2013 I had to get my left thumb total reconstructed. After 6 months of short-term I went on long-term. My company told me I h... read more >

Reply

Sent on September 22nd 2016 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

Ray, have you received a formal denial letter denying the benefit? If the initial denial occurred in October 2015, there are concerns as to time expiring to file an adm... read more >

Principal

I cant but feel I am being starved out and given the runaround.

Reviewed by Christopher on June 7th 2016 Verified Policyholder

I went off of work may 29, 2015, with a blood clot in my leg. I have had vein surgeries in the past to alleviate pain and discomfort, all of which I took vacation on a Fri... read more >

Reply

Sent on June 7th 2016 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

Christopher, I am not sure the reason for the proof of good health- was this from a different department? If the claim is already in appeal review then there would be l... read more >

Principal

Principal owes me 4k

Reviewed by Louann W. on April 28th 2016 Verified Policyholder

Purchased short term disability through my employer with this group. I’ve been out of work since 2/29/16. Haven’t received the first pay. Contract is I’m supposed to... read more >

Reply

Sent on April 28th 2016 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

Louann, if they uphold the denial of your claim on appeal please feel free to contact our office to discuss what your rights/next steps are. Hopefully they will not nee... read more >

Principal

I've never worked with people that are so obviously stalling before. Bunch of crooks

Reviewed by Mike on March 2nd 2016 Verified Policyholder

I have been disabled for over 10 weeks and Principle kept saying the forms incomplete so they needed all the medical records from my doctor, including office notes. After ... read more >

Reply

Sent on March 2nd 2016 by Attorney Rachel Alters

Mike, is this a policy you purchased on your own? From what you’re saying it seems that they are investigating to determine whether or not there are grounds to rescin... read more >

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Answered Questions by Our Lawyers

(25)

Showing 8 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... Read More >

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. Read More >

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... Read More >

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... 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: Can Principal's independent physician determine what I can and cannot do?

Answered on April 30th 2019 by Attorney Cesar Gavidia

A: APC, it is difficult to know what they courts would do or how they would weigh the opinion of Principal’s co... Read More >

Q: Do I have to pay Principal back once I receive back pay from SSA?

Answered on October 5th 2017 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

A: Toni, if your policy was an employer provided policy then almost certainly the policy would contain language t... Read More >

Q: Can Principal take away my deceased husband's 3 month survivor benefit? They justified it saying he was eligible for SSDI when he didn't even apply.

Answered on June 1st 2017 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

A: Michele, I am sorry to hear of your loss. We would need to see a copy of the disability policy to determine an... Read More >

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Helpful Videos

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Disability Benefit Tips

(331)

Showing 8 of 331 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 about to be denied, you may be wondering about your next steps. Here at Dell & Schaefer, we've helped thousands of disability claimants overcome an initial denial to eventually secure the long term disability insurance benefits they deserve. Learn mo... Read More >

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 policies. Our disability insurance lawyers have helped hundreds of Principal Financial policy holders at all stages of their short or long term disability claims.In this video, nationwide disability i... Read More >

Why Must Your Disability Insurance Lawyer Understand Your Disabling Condition?

When it comes to securing your disability insurance benefits, it's vitally important that your disability insurance lawyer thoroughly understands the symptoms and impact of your disabling condition. Doctors can help you create strong medical records, but they're not accustomed to dealing with the rigorous documentation disability insurance companies require. Lea... Read More >

Disability Benefit Denial Reason #5 – Your Medical Evidence is Weak

If you're seeking long term disability benefits from an insurance company, you may be concerned that you're facing an uphill battle. Fortunately, the stronger your medical evidence, the greater the odds that your claim will be approved. On the other side of the coin, one of the most common reasons for denial of long term disability benefits involves too-weak med... Read More >

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

When you're seeking disability insurance benefits, your medical records and treating physician's statement are two of the most important components of your claim. But because the insurance company has a vested interest in denying your disability insurance claim, it often will rely on tactics like ambushing your doctor with a phone call in an attempt to get them ... Read More >

Disability Benefit Denial Reason #3 - Video & Social Media Surveillance

One thing many disability insurance claimants don't know about (or expect) from the claims review process involves video and social media surveillance. Disability insurance carriers often hire people to follow claimants around with a telephoto lens - or even send social media friend requests from fake accounts - to glean whatever information they can about the c... Read More >

How Do You Fight a Long-Term Disability Denial?

Getting a denial letter from your disability insurance company is one of the ultimate insults. You are sick and not able to work, yet your disability insurance company is telling you to return to work. The disability insurance company has denied your disability benefit claim and is basically calling you a liar. When receiving a disability denial letter or a ph... Read More >

Disability Denial Reason #2 - Change of Disability Definition & Vocational Review

One of the top reasons for terminating a claimant's long term disability benefits involves the change in the disability insurance policy's definition of "disability." This definition change often happens in conjunction with a vocational review, or an analysis of a claimant's medical records that tells the insurance company which jobs the claimant should be able ... Read More >

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Dell Disability Cases

(375)

Showing 8 of 375 Dell Disability Cases

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

Our new client was a dedicate employee of Vienna Beef who worked as a Customer Service Representative (a sedentary occupation) since August 2013. He was a dedicated employee as she enjoyed the job and loved her employer. Unfortunately for our now client, medical issues seemed to be piling up and they began to affect her ability to perform the duties of her own occupation.The Former Customer Service Re... Read More >

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

Dr. S is 47-year-old left hand dominant Orthopedic Surgeon who was forced to stop working full-time effective May 2, 2016, due to progressively worsening left arm pain which significantly impacted his ability to perform the material and substantial duties of his occupation on a sustained basis. He has a well-documented history of degenerative disc disease, spondylosis with C5-6 neuroforaminal stenosis, and C6 ... Read More >

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

Ms. R contacted our firm after her claim for Long Term Disability (“LTD”) benefits was denied by Principal Life Insurance Company.Before becoming disabled, Ms. R worked as a Litigation Support Assistant for a large, busy law firm. Ms. R had been experiencing head pain for several years with the symptoms first appearing in August 2012 and gradually worsening over time. In July 2015 her symptoms became s... Read More >

Administrative Appeal by Dell Disability Lawyers forces Principal to Reinstate ERISA Long Term Disability Claim of Former Healthways, Inc. Employee

After being forced to stop working in 2007 due to various disabling conditions, an employee of Healthways, Inc., who was employed as a Member Care Manager, filed for Long Term Disability Benefits under a policy provided by her employer that was through the Principal Life Insurance Company.Shortly after applying for LTD benefits, by way of an approval letter dated October 23, 2007, Principal agreed that the... Read More >

Principal Approves Long Term Disability Benefits for Surgeon

Our client was a highly successful Podiatric Surgeon who was suffering from severe neck pain due to two crushed cervical facet joints with resultant nerve impingement. Despite his best efforts to continue to work in his capacity as a surgeon the pain and associated numbness and weakness was making it increasingly difficult to effectively examine and treat his patients. The pain became so severe and his concern... 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 >

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Disability Lawsuit Stories

(765)

Showing 8 of 765 Lawsuit Stories

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

In Craig Robertson v. Principal Life Insurance Company, Plaintiff, a National Account Sales Manager with XPO Logistics in Phoenix, Arizona, became disabled in July 2016 after severely injuring his left foot. His request for short-term disability benefits was granted. In October 2016 he filed a claim for long-term disability (LTD) benefits, but in November 2017, that claim was denied.Plaintiff arg... Read More >

Court Orders Principal Life to Reinstate Long Term Disability Benefits

Flaaen v. Principal Life Insurance Company, is a win for the claimant who suffered a severe back injury in August 2005 in his job as a truck driver. In January 2006, Principal granted his application for long term disability benefits since he could no longer perform the regular and substantial duties of his own occupation.On December 14, 2014, Principal terminated Flaaen’s disability benefits on the grou... Read More >

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

This is an interesting long term disability benefit case that was litigated in the Washington Federal Court against Principal Life insurance. As we see with a lot of ERISA disability lawsuits, the insurance company denies a claimant’s long term disability claim when the definition of disability changes from OWN OCCUPATION to ANY OCCUPATION. In this case, Princ... Read More >

Court Upholds Principal Life's Denial of Extended Disability Benefits

In Peterson v. Principal Financial Group, plaintiff injured her back in a car accident and subsequently underwent a spinal fusion. She was awarded 24 months of disability when she was unable to return to her own occupation as a Target employee. After 24 months, the definition of disability changed to requiring her to be disabled from any job "that provides 128% or more of the disability benefit." Principal ref... Read More >

Court Agrees: Principal Life Correctly Terminated Disability Benefits

In Winkler v. Principal Life Insurance Company, Thomas Winkler, a financial planner, collected 24 months of disability benefits when he was unable to work in his own occupation due to his neuromyelitis optica, also known as Devic's Syndrome. At the time he became disabled, he was covered by a policy that was later amended to provide a wider, more encompassing, definition of disability. Winkler argued that, in ... Read More >

Federal Court Orders Principal Life Insurance Company to Pay Disability Benefits

In Zorn v. Principal Life Insurance Company, the plaintiff, a member of the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents, obtained insurance provided to the association by Principal Life Insurance Company (PLIC). The policy provided for five years of benefits for those disabled from their own occupation. After that time, the definition of disability changed and insureds were then considered disabled o... Read More >

Objective versus Subjective: Evidence Requirements in ERISA Disability Lawsuits

It is common when dealing with claims for short and long term disability benefits to have the disability insurance company request "objective evidence" to support your claim that you are disabled due to a certain impairment. If your impairment, for example, involves a neck or back condition, then a MRI or a CT scan revealing herniated discs or some similar pathology, would easily be considered "objective evide... Read More >

Principal Life denies disability benefits to a physician and then seeks attorney fees after physician's disability denial is affirmed by Texas Judge

Dr. Bruce Leipzig had been denied long-term disability benefits by Principal Life Insurance Company, and brought his ERISA case before the District Court covering the northern part of Texas. After hearing the case, the Court issued summary judgment in favor of the disability insurance company.The District Court, however, refused to consider Principal Life's request for attorney's fees, even though the phys... Read More >

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Reviews from Our Clients

Ted F.

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 Jay Symonds, Sonia and Jason Glick took my case. They were able to get my LTD denial reversed and I am so very grateful!, The firm always answer emails, calls to all questions or concerns. Now I can concentrate on my health rather than Lincolns harassment, Thank you Jay, Sonia, and Jason.

Kathy W.

Jay & Sonia were very easy to work with, very prompt to respond to any of my questions, and quick to get my case resolved. Highly recommend.

Antonica C.

Jason and Danielle at Dell Disability has been great from day 1. Guiding me through the whole process of my case. Also a quick turn around to my appeal. I am forever grateful to this firm!! Thank you for your dedication!!

Dr. M.

Not only are they potentially the finest plaintiff disability law firm in the United States. They actually get to know you. They care about you. I have gotten emails answered on a Sunday. That is excellent service.

Kevin

I have been with Dell Disability for four years. One of the best decisions I have ever made was to work with Stephen Dell. He is the Michael Jordan of disability law. His administrator, Merlin, is phenomenal. There is a very unfortunate fact about these insurance companies that they do not want to pay you and couldn’t care less about you. Mr. Dell and Merlin care about you and will fight for you to keep your benefits.

10 Rock

Mr. Jessup and his team did a great job and made a very stressful situation easier to cope with. They were able to deal with my long term disability insurance company directly, who ended up complying and providing the benefits that I was entitled to under my policy without have to litigate. I have absolutely NO doubt that the insurance company would not have complied had I continued to handle the appeals on my own, and having Mr. Jessup’s office represent me for my final appeal made all the difference. I can’t recommend them enough.

Khadijah A.

I would like to thank Lisa, who kept me informed of my case without me having to call. I want to thank Attorney Jessup for going above and beyond to settle my disability claim and help my friend. Attorney Jessup treated me like I was an old friend. I don’t do many reviews, but this one is well-deserved. We don’t know when God put people in your life for the greater good. Attorney Jessup and his team walked me to the settlement table with no worries.
Much
Love

Kendall S.

We cannot say enough about the exceptional experience we’ve had working with Mr. Steven Dell and his team at Dell Disability Lawyers. I am writing this review on behalf of my spouse and myself—one a physician, the other a dentist—who have been navigating the complexities of filing a long-term disability (LTD) claim. From the very beginning of considering whether to file, Mr. Dell has been an invaluable guide, and his expertise has made all the difference.

Hiring Mr. Dell and his firm early in the process was the best decision we could have made. The initial phases of an LTD claim are critical, and having their professional counsel ensured we avoided any potentially fatal missteps. They were always one step ahead, helping us present our case clearly and effectively from the outset.

The professionalism of this firm is unmatched. Every email, every question—no matter how small—was answered promptly and thoroughly. The level of care and attention they provide to their clients is extraordinary, and it is clear that this is not just a job for them but a calling. This is without a doubt one of the most premier law firms we have ever worked with.

We firmly believe that without Mr. Dell’s and Kathy’s guidance, our claim would not have been successful. Their expertise, dedication, and unwavering support have been a lifeline during what could have been an incredibly stressful and uncertain time. If you are even considering filing an LTD claim, enlist their help immediately—it is worth every penny to have them on your side from the start.

Thank you, Mr. Dell, Kathy, and the entire team, for your outstanding work. We are forever grateful!

Kraig D.

Fantastic people to work with! Mr. Dell is super patient with me and very knowledgeable and helpful. Kathy is wonderful as well and they make a great team. I would be really anxious and worried if I didn’t have them in my corner!!!
Kraig

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