My experiences with Hartford have been nothing short of cruel. They started off by claiming that having Glioblastoma, which has an expected life span of about fifteen mont... read more >

Hartford

Sent my Direct Deposit to a Strangers Bank Acct

Reviewed by Brad on May 2nd 2024 Verified Policyholder | February 2024 date of disability

I went on short term disability and The Hartford put my direct deposit into someone else’s bank account. Somehow they messed up a number or two and they are refusing to ... read more >

Hartford

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

Reviewed by Becky H. THOMAS on February 12th 2024 Verified Policyholder | February 2024 date of disability

Dislike how they are constantly interrupting the lives of their disabled EE's whom are entitled to benefit which they paid into out of there pay check every pay period onl... read more >

Reply

Sent on February 12th 2024 by Attorney Gregory Dell

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

Hartford

Bad Faith

Reviewed by Dustin G on October 12th 2023 Verified Policyholder | November 2020 date of disability

They kept asking my doctor for the same information that they did not need to process my claim. He kept sending in the same information, and they kept asking for it. My do... read more >

Hartford

Denied by Hartford after 20 years of Payments

Reviewed by Mary on October 11th 2023 Verified Policyholder

Hello,I am a Multiple Sclerosis patient. I also have Lymph-edema, Asthma, Blood-clot problems, Bi-Polar 1 Depression, and Head & Neck Injuries. And now, due to MS, Spast... read more >

Hartford

This company is a scam!

Reviewed by Hana K. on July 13th 2023 Verified Policyholder | December 2022 date of disability

The Hartford does not pay claims. The Hartford only collects premiums. The Hartford doesn’t care if you are terminally ill. I’ve been employed at my employer since 201... read more >

Hartford

Hartford Stopped Payments

Reviewed by Fed up in PA on April 13th 2023 Verified Policyholder | January 2023 date of disability

Worst company ever. Their analysts will go against your treating provider every single time. Horrible experience, just horrible.

Write a Review See All Reviews

Answered Questions by Our Lawyers

(75)

Showing 8 of 75 Answered Questions

Q: Can ltd offset soc. sec. benefits for a child born after collecting ltd benefits for over two years prior to the child's birth?

Answered on April 23rd 2025 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

A: Employer provided disability policies almost always include language allowing for the offset of a benefit due ... Read More >

Q: Can the Hartford collect short term disability payments that they say were due to their own mistakes?

Answered on March 11th 2025 by Attorney Jay Symonds

A: Technically, Hartford has the right to request repayment even though it was due to their mistake. Often, they ... Read More >

Q: Are insurance companies allowed to deny payment of short term disability benefits because I am collecting social security retirement benefits disability?

Answered on February 3rd 2025 by Attorney Gregory Dell

A: Tom, it is not unusual for a disability insurance policy to have language that deducts social security payment... Read More >

Q: Does Hartford reduce their monthly LTD payments after 30 months?

Answered on December 17th 2024 by Attorney Rachel Alters

A: Usually there's a change in definition after 24 months. The fee reduction would come from any offsets due to s... Read More >

Q: Can The Hartford offset my LTD on my VA disability compensation or back pay?

Answered on November 14th 2024 by Attorney Jay Symonds

A: Tim, the Policy will define what other sources of income can offset or reduce your monthly benefit. Not all Po... Read More >

Q: Can Hartford lower my long term disability check if I take my money out of my Vanguard account?

Answered on November 14th 2024 by Attorney Gregory Dell

A: Thank you for your question. Hartford may be able to reduce your monthly benefits and seek an overpayment if y... Read More >

Q: Relocation

Answered on October 8th 2024 by Attorney Gregory Dell

A: Thanh:Moving within the USA should not impact your claim. You must make sure that you continue with your m... Read More >

Q: Is it possible to write me a strict authorization form for The Hartford?

Answered on September 5th 2024 by Attorney Gregory Dell

A: It would be best for you to tell Hartford to send you a release for any specific items that they want. You can... Read More >

Ask Our Lawyers a Question See All Answered Questions

Helpful Videos

(910)

Showing 12 of 910 Videos

See All Videos

Disability Benefit Tips

(331)

Showing 8 of 331 Benefit Tips

Does Hartford Pay Disability Insurance Claims?

At Dell & Schaefer, we get questions about Hartford long term disability policies on nearly a daily basis. As one of the biggest names in insurance, Hartford is a well-oiled machine when it comes to processing (and, sometimes, denying) disability claims. Learn more about what it's like to appeal Hartford's denial of your claim for long term disabili... Read More >

How Does Hartford Long Term Disability Work?

The most common questions for a disability attorney involve understanding how disability coverage actually works. When it comes to The Hartford long-term disability insurance policies in particular, there are a lot of searches for that type of information. It’s a broad question, but one that we’re well-equipped to answer at disability insurance law firm Dell... Read More >

What Happens If My Hartford Short Term Disability Claim is Denied?

Understand your rights once your Hartford short term disability income claim has been denied. In this featured article and video gain insights into:Hartford DeadlinesAdministrative Appeal - What Is It?Administrative Appeal ProcessBenefits of Hiring A Disability Insurance AttorneyGREGORY DELL: Hi. I'm attorney Greg Dell, here with Stephen. A... Read More >

How Long Does a Hartford Short Term or Long Term Disability Claim Last?

Hartford disability income policy holders expect Hartford to pay their Short Term & Long-Term disability insurance benefits, if continuously disabled, until the policy holder’s social security retirement age. That isn’t always the case. In this video and article learn about:What is the length of your elimination period and the length of your be... Read More >

If I Convert my Former Employee Disability Policy to a Private Policy Does ERISA Govern?

Many employer welfare benefit plans offer employees who quit their employment the option of converting their disability insurance plan to a private plan. When a claim for disability benefits is filed, there may be a dispute over whether the conversion plan is governed by ERISA. If so, then ERISA preempts any state law claims a plaintiff may have. If not, the conversion policy is a private&n... Read More >

Is the Hartford Disability Purchase of Aetna Bad for Aetna LTD Policy Holders?

In October 2017 Hartford Insurance company agreed to purchase the disability and life insurance division of Aetna insurance company for 1.45 billion dollars.In this video nationwide long term disability insurance attorneys Gregory Dell and Stephen Jessup discuss what impact they believe this sale will have on Aetna long term disability policy holders.Con... Read More >

Hartford Disability Claim Problems

Hartford is requesting long term disability claimants to provide additional documentation from their attending physicians and additional claimant statements more often than usual. Additional documentation is typically requested as a claimant nears 24 months of payments and there is a change in the definition from the own occupation to the any occupation.In t... Read More >

How Can I Protect Myself At A Hartford IME Exam?

In this video, disability insurance attorneys Rachel Alters and Cesar Gavidia discuss what you can expect at an IME exam requested by The Hartford disability insurance company. The information they discuss is applicable to an IME exam requested by most disability insurance companies.You need to take extreme precautions if your have been requested to attend o... Read More >

See All Benefit Tips

Dell Disability Cases

(375)

Showing 8 of 375 Dell Disability Cases

Nurse With Knee and Back Disorder Wins Hartford Disability Appeal

We represent a General Duty Nurse who was denied long term disability benefits as Hartford improperly determined that she was able to work her medium duty job on a full time basis. The medical and occupational documentation submitted with her appeal that we filed on her behalf, as well as the documentation and evidence previously submitted by her physicians, cle... Read More >

Executive Director with Meniere's Denied Long Term Disability Insurance Benefits By Hartford

Our client, came to us when he was unjustly denied his claim for LTD benefits by Aetna, now Hartford, asserting that his medical records did not demonstrate “a consistent inability to perform [his] sedentary occupation”. Aetna abused its discretion in reaching this determination as its decision was not only wrong but arbitrary and capricious and was not based on a fu... Read More >

A Hartford Disability Benefit Lawsuit Victory for Truist Banker with Lupus

Our client found us after she was denied continued disability insurance benefits by the Hartford. Unfortunately, by the time she found us, she had already filed an appeal, which was unfortunately denied. This left her with a final avenue of filing an ERISA lawsuit in Federal Court, a task we never shy away from.Her story was an interesting one. In fact, h... Read More >

Hartford Denies Disability Benefits To Home Depot Employee 3 Weeks Before Change of Disability Definition

Our client was a former in-store merchandising associate responsible for the movement of merchandise, display set up, signage installation, inventory and merchandising strategies who went out on disability due to mental health conditions as well as physical medical conditions related to chronic back pain, SI joint pain and hip pain that potentially required repl... Read More >

Hartford Denies Long Term Disability Benefits After Paying for 22 Years

It is crazy that Hartford denied long term disability benefits to our client after paying for 22 years. Client initially went out on disability on April 15, 1999, due to a diagnosis of HIV/Aids, chronic hepatitis B, lipodystrophy, wasting syndrome, neuropathy/pain and fatigue. His claim was with Aetna, but after Hartford purchased Aetna, Hartford began an u... Read More >

Hartford Overturns Denial of Disability Benefits on Appeal

Our client, a former clerk at a coal mine with severe lumbar back problems first, contacted our office and spoke with Attorney Stephen Jessup in 2015 after Hartford denied his claim for long term disability benefits following short term disability. Similar to the vast majority of people with employer provided disability insurance with Hartford, our client’s short term disability policy was ultimately payable... Read More >

Hartford Approves Disability Claim After Appeal Deadline

Prior to filing for disability our client worked as a registered nurse in a hospital setting, suffering from multiple chronic medical conditions that resulted in ever worsening pain throughout her back, neck and extremities. When her conditions began to limit her ability to safely and effectively perform her occupational duties she, on her own, filed a claim for disability benefits under her employer’s group... Read More >

Hartford overturned its previous denial of LTD benefits for Illinois Account Representative

Our client, Mr. K, formerly worked as an Account Representative for an international brokerage firm. In May 2017 a number of medical issues, including the debilitating effects of chronic congestive heart failure, arteriosclerotic heart disease of native coronary artery, chest pain forced Mr. K to stop working and submit his claim for disability benefits first under his employer’s short-term disability (STD) ... Read More >

See All Dell Disability Cases

Disability Lawsuit Stories

(765)

Showing 8 of 765 Lawsuit Stories

Federal Court Overturns Aetna Denial Of Disability Benefits

In the recent case of Ferrin v. Aetna Life Ins. Co. a federal judge from the Northern District of Illinois determined that Aetna improperly terminated Ferrin’s claim for long term disability benefits and ordered Aetna to reinstate Ferrin’s claim and pay all past due benefits with interest. Prior to filing for long term disability Ferrin was an employee of Southwest Airlines. In 2008, while at work, she suf... Read More >

Hartford Admits to Improper Offset, Agrees to Reimburse 10 Years of Wrongfully Withheld Money

In August of 2019, the next of kin for a man currently incarcerated in Florida State Prison reached out to our firm as his relative had been denied receipt of continued long term disability benefits. As it turns out, the imprisoned individual had been receiving Long Term Disability (LTD) Insurance Benefits since October 7, 1994 from Aetna and later Hartford (as Hartford purchased Aetna’s Group Life and Disab... Read More >

Court Finds Video Surveillance Renders Claimant’s Self-Reporting Unreliable and Upholds Hartford’s Termination of LTD Benefits

In Cummings v. Hartford Life & Accident Ins. Co. (Hartford), Plaintiff was employed by the Free-Port McMoran Corporation (Plan) when he became disabled due to diagnoses of degenerative disc disease which caused him chronic debilitating pain and myofascial pain syndrome.Plaintiff was covered under his employer’s Group Long Term Disability Plan through Hartf... Read More >

Can Medical Records Created After the Eligibility Period Support a Claim for Disability Benefits?

In James s. Louis v. The Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company (Hartford), Plaintiff was a Senior Principal Product Strategist with Oracle America Inc. (Oracle) when he was fired from his job effective October 13, 2017. Between May 2017 and the date of termination, Plaintiff worked only intermittently.Oracle provided its employees with a long term disability (LTD) benef... Read More >

Appeals Court Upholds Hartford's Termination of Disability Benefits

In Scott Griffin v. Hartford Life & Accident Insurance Company, Plaintiff was a medical transcriptionist who was initially awarded long term disability benefits in 2010 due to arm and wrist pain and a herniated cervical disc. He ultimately underwent surgery for the bad disc.Plaintiff’s initial benefits were awarded based on his inability to perform the regular duties of his own occupation. After 24 m... Read More >

Hartford Disability Company Field Interview Request and Video Surveillance

Hartford Disability Company, and other disability insurers, use video surveillance and field interviews as a technique to deny claims. A recent federal court case found that Hartford correctly terminated long term disability benefits for a claimant who was caught on video surveillance engaging in activities which she had claimed she could not do.In this case, after Hartford conducted its surveillance, whic... Read More >

Hartford Long Term Disability Benefit Denial Reversed by Minnesota Federal Judge

A long term disability insurance claimant had his benefits denied when a doctor made a mistake in completing an Attending Physician Statement. Following submission of an ERISA appeal Hartford ignored the additional information submitted and once again denied the claim following an Appeal. Following the submission of a Federal lawsuit, the Minnesota Federal Judge... Read More >

Federal District Court Overturns Hartford's Denial of Long Term Disability Benefits

In the recent decision of Tobin v Hartford Life & Acc. Ins. Co. a Michigan Federal District Court overturned Hartford’s denial of long term disability benefits to a former Disney employee suffering from Fibromyalgia. The Court noted in its opinion that Hartford’s requirement of objective evidence of the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia was arbitrary under applicable case law in Michigan and that in denying he... Read More >

See All Lawsuit Stories

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)