You Have the Right to Your Benefits
Being denied disability benefits can be confusing, frustrating and scary. It might seem like the insurance companies are doubting your credibility. It might seem like the odds are stacked against you. It might seem like you’re out of options.
You aren’t.
You have the right to the benefits promised you were promised. We’ll fight for you.
We know it is frustrating when you cannot work due to injury or illness. We know that it is hard to have your claim and your doctor’s opinions called into doubt. We’re ready to help you get what you’ve earned to start the next stage of your life. We’re here to work for you.
Anticipating the Next Side’s Move at Any Point
Seeking legal counsel and representation by a top-quality, proven disability insurance law attorney can shift the balance in your favor. At DeBofsky Sherman Casciari Reynolds P.C., we are familiar with all state and federal laws and legal precedents impacting your disability insurance claim. We will help you understand why your benefits were denied, and we will zealously take all appropriate steps to get you the benefits that you deserve.
Our attorneys have experience handling claims and prosecuting lawsuits against almost every disability insurance company, and have achieved favorable resolutions for clients from all walks of life and industries.
No Guesswork. We’re Your Guide
We’ve handled thousands of cases. We will fight to get your benefits paid as soon as possible. Let’s get your claim approved so you can move forward.
Know Your Rights
You are potentially eligible for many different kinds of disability compensation, including:
- Retroactive (past-due) benefits
- Future benefits
- Interest paid on past-due benefits
- Attorney’s fees
Work with attorneys who know how to get you everything you deserve.
Does This Apply to You?
Contact DeBofsky Sherman Casciari Reynolds P.C. for an attorney consultation. We will work with you to figure out your problem, and how we can help.
Our Recent Victories
We know the tricks insurers and plan administrators use to deny claims. We’re here to fight on your behalf. See How We’ve Won Your Rights.
Disabilities Policies ERISA Ruling
Hennen v. Metro Life Insurance
DeBofsky Sherman Casciari Reynolds P.C., recently won a remand from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit in Hennen v. Metro. Life Ins. Co. Susan Hennen suffered from chronic low back pain radiating into her legs, despite having undergone three back surgeries…
Fibromyalgia ERISA Ruling
Cathleen Kennedy v. Eli Lilly & Co.
DeBofsky Sherman Casciari Reynolds P.C., along with Bridget O’Ryan and O’Ryan Law Offices won a victory in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit on May 18, 2017 in the case of Cathleen Kennedy v. Eli Lilly & Co. The case involved a disability benefit claim…
Accidental Death Insurance Benefits
Prather v. Sun Life
On December 13, 2016, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit issued a ruling in the case of Prather v. Sun Life. The case, which involved a claim for accidental death insurance benefits, overturned a lower court ruling denying Lee Ann Prather’s claim and ordered Sun Life to pay the full amount…
Long-Term Disability Law
There are many medical impairments that can be the basis for payment of long-term disability benefits. If you suffer from one of these medical conditions and, as a result, can no longer practice in your profession, you might qualify for benefits:
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Special senses and speech disorders
- Respiratory system impairments
- Cardiovascular system impairments
- Digestive system impairments
- Genitourinary system impairments
- Hematological system impairments
- Auto-immune disorders such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, myasthenia gravis, Addison’s disease, Graves disease
- Hepatitis C
- Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome (also known as myalgic encephalitis or chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome)
- Skin disorders
- Endocrine system impairments such as diabetes
- Congenital disorders that affect multiple body systems
- Neurological and neuromuscular impairments such as multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Parkinson’s disease, migraine headaches, or seizure disorders
- Mental and cognitive impairments
- Malignant neoplastic diseases
- Immune system disorders
- Congenital disorders
Short-Term Disability Law
Receiving short-term disability benefits is not necessarily a requirement to obtaining long-term disability benefits. Nevertheless, it’s important to appeal the denial of your long-term disability benefits, since failure to do so in the case of an ERISA-governed plan could later bar you from pursuing those benefits in court.
The attorneys at DeBofsky can counsel you as to the nature of your short-term disability coverage (whether it is subject to ERISA or state law) and the implications for your disability claim. We will work together with you on a strategy to get both your short-term and long-term disability benefits approved, and we will bundle our services to maximize efficiency and keep costs down.
Don’t Let Them Deny Your Benefits
Short-term disability benefits are often discontinued just before they are scheduled to expire. If that happens, your disability insurance company may be able to avoid paying long-term disability benefits.
If your employer, union or disability insurance provider discontinues your payments, you should consult an experienced disability benefits lawyer immediately. If you are approaching the expiration date of short-term coverage but your disabling condition persists, you should consult one of our short-term disability benefits attorneys to discuss your legal options as soon as possible.
Getting Your Disability Benefits Without a Denial
You don’t have to wait until a claim is denied to talk to a disability benefits expert. Even before you submit your claim, come talk to us. We can help you:
- Document our case
- Present your claim in a clear and compelling manner
- Anticipate and address potential objections and obstacles
- Lay the groundwork for a successful appeal in case of denial
We’ll help you navigate the complications of disability benefits. We can work to get you your benefits without litigation. Talk to us about our hourly consulting rates.
“I could not have made it through without you.”
“Thank you so much for helping me. I apologize for being a complete, frantic, panicked client. I know my cognitive issues were not helpful in trying to work through this scary and often unfair process. And with no one around me understanding the process; that was no help either. I appreciate your compassion, understanding + help. I could not have made it through without you. I think I would have quit + given up many times.”
Jen H | Client
Learn More About Disability Law to Protect Your Rights
How Long Does it Take to Get Approved for Long-Term Disability Benefits?
The timeline from application to a decision on a long-term disability claim is generally set by the terms of the plan itself. But disability policies that are governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) must adhere to the Department of Labor’s ERISA claims regulations, which include timelines for issuing a decision […]
Top ten things to look for in a disability benefit/ERISA lawyer
The following guide to hiring a lawyer is based on positive feedback we have received from our clients. These suggestions are based on our primary practice area but are mostly applicable any time you need to hire a disability lawyer. 1. Knowledgeable In hiring an ERISA lawyer, a potential client should know the lawyer they […]
How long does disability retirement last?
If you suffer a disabling injury or illness and are a government employee or participate in a defined benefit pension plan, such as through a union, you may be eligible for a disability retirement pension, as distinct from or in conjunction with disability insurance. Disability pensions provide monthly payments to workers who are not yet […]
Chicago Lawyers with a Nationwide Practice
DeBofsky is proud to be the largest plaintiff-side employee benefits practice in Chicago and the Midwest. Although our firm is based in the Windy City, we operate on a national level and have served clients from coast to coast and even internationally. Utilizing the latest video and other technology, we make sure our clients receive face time, no matter their location. We have also cultivated relationships with local counsel throughout the country so that we can see your case through, from start to finish.
