Currently, the ABA offers group policies underwritten by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MetLife”). Most of these policies contain own occupation protection, meaning you are protected in the event you cannot practice your legal specialty in which you were engaged just prior to the date you became disabled.
MetLife’s Disability Insurance Policy
The details in the policies MetLife offers vary, so it is important to pay close attention to the language in your policy.
MetLife’s definition of disability requires you to be disabled from performing the material and substantial duties of your own occupation. That means you must be unable to perform your work as an attorney due to illness or accidental injury. Additionally, you must be under the appropriate care of a treating physician.
The ABA MetLife policy includes options for an elimination period varying from 60 days to 365 days and may pay you up to age 65 depending on the duration of the policy you choose.
The Claim Process with MetLife
Once you and your doctor have come to the decision that you must stop working, it is time to prepare yourself for filing a disability claim. Upon stopping work, you should notify your insurance company as soon as possible. There is no good reason to delay initiating the claim.
Next, your insurance company will request forms be filled out by you and your doctor(s). You should also submit medical records and any other evidence in support of your claim.
We have represented several attorneys with their disability insurance claims. We know that medical records and claim forms are not always enough. Sometimes, outside testing and independent doctor reports are necessary. In other cases, providing details about occupational duties is also important.
Understanding how insurance companies review these types of claims, we will guide you through the process with years of expertise on our side. We will work together to determine what evidence is necessary to make your claim as strong as possible.
Help from a Lawyer with Expertise in Disability Insurance
Disability insurance law is complex. Hiring an experienced disability attorney is important. Because all disability lawyers at this law firm focus on disability insurance claims, we have expertise in disability insurance law.
That means:
- We have experience with every major disability insurance company;
- We have a proven track record of success by winning major disability lawsuits;
- We have recovered millions of dollars in disability benefits for clients;
- We never charge fees or costs unless our clients get paid.
The firm can help at any stage of your disability insurance claim, including:
- Submitting a disability insurance claim,
- Appealing a long-term disability denial,
- Negotiating a lump-sum settlement, and
- Filing a lawsuit against your disability insurance company.
Because federal law applies to most disability insurance claims, our lawyers are able to represent clients across the country.
Call (800) 969-0488 or send us a message online to speak with an experienced disability attorney. Pay no fees or costs unless you get paid.
