Disability Attorneys for Boston Claimants

Let Our Help You Obtain Your Entitled Benefits in Boston, MA

Dabdoub Law Firm was created to handle long term disability claims and cases for clients. We are a law firm that helps people from coast-to-coast, including in the beautiful city of Boston. Since we only focus on LTD cases, we can help you, no matter the complexity of your case or the medical conditions involved. Is the insurance company not cooperating? Know also that we have them all on, calling upon our decades of combined legal experience.

Contact us today at (800) 969-0488 to schedule a free consultation.

Boston Disability Insurance Claims

Long term disability insurance coverage is most often provided through employment. As such, most people in Boston with this type of coverage get it through their work. General Electric, The TJX Companies, Showcase Cinemas, Staples, and Liberty Mutual Insurance are some of the biggest employers in the greater Boston metropolitan area. If you work for any of these companies, then you probably have disability insurance coverage from an insurer like UNUM, Prudential, MassMutual, and, of course, Liberty Mutual. Since federal ERISA law applies to disability insurance policies provided by these major insurance companies, our attorneys do not have to be located in Boston, or even Massachusetts, to help you with your claim.

Are you self-employed, or working independently in the city? You can still buy your own disability insurance policy from companies like UNUM, MetLife, Principal Financial, and so on.

Disability insurance claims are heavily scrutinized by insurance companies. While it is true that some claims are fraudulent, most are not. Yet, insurance companies take a very aggressive approach to investigating disability claims and have used various tactics to delay payments or deny valid claims.

This law firm’s focus on disability insurance claims has given us a distinct advantage in being able to spot and defeat these tactics. One of the more common ways a disability claim is denied is by sending the claimant to an independent medical examination or IME. The examining doctor is chosen and paid by the insurance company, which creates a conflict of interest. Always consult a disability lawyer if you are being sent to an IME or FCE.

Insurance companies are also known to do surveillance. Even if the claim for disability benefits is not suspicious, surveillance might be done as a way to claim activities observed are inconsistent with claimed restrictions and limitations. CIGNA, UNUM, and Hartford are known to utilized surveillance very often.

Your doctor may also be contacted by the insurance company’s doctors. This might be done without notice and therefore catches your doctor off guard and possibly causing him or her to not be prepared for the phone call.

If you are experiencing any difficult with your disability insurance company, call us to speak with a disability attorney. Our experienced can help make the difference in getting your long term disability claim approved.

Let Dabdoub Law Firm and our Boston long term disability insurance attorneys help you form your case so you know it is ready for anything.

Our Disability Attorneys Can Help You

Disability insurance law is complex. Hiring an experienced disability attorney is important. Because all our disability lawyers at Dabdoub Law Firm focus on disability insurance claims, we have significant experience with every major disability insurance company.

We 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
• 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, including in Boston, Massachusetts.

Call (800) 969-0488 to speak with an experienced disability attorney. Consultations are always free.

FAQs About Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims in Boston, MA

What is the difference between long-term disability and short-term disability?

Long-term disability (LTD) and short-term disability (STD) are both types of insurance benefits designed to replace a portion of your income if you are unable to work due to a medical condition. The key difference lies in the duration of coverage and the qualifying conditions.

• Short-term disability (STD) generally covers the first few weeks to several months of disability, typically providing benefits for up to 3 to 6 months, depending on the policy. It is often used for temporary disabilities, such as recovery from surgery or short-term illnesses. In many situations, it is the stepping stone to long-term disability claims. 
• Long-term disability (LTD) kicks in after STD benefits are exhausted and can continue for several years or until retirement age. LTD covers more severe or ongoing medical conditions that prevent you from working for an extended period, like chronic illnesses or serious injuries.

Can I file a long-term disability claim if I’m still working part-time?

Yes, in many cases, you may be eligible for long-term disability (LTD) benefits even if you are working part-time, provided you meet the criteria for "partial disability" or "residual disability" as outlined in your policy. Some LTD policies offer benefits based on your reduced ability to earn income, which means you can receive partial benefits if you're working part-time but still unable to perform your regular duties or earn your full pre-disability income.

It’s important to check your specific LTD policy, as each insurer has different rules regarding part-time work and how it affects eligibility. Be sure to report any changes in employment to your insurer to avoid complications in your claim.

What does ERISA stand for and how does it affect my disability insurance claim?

ERISA stands for the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. It is a federal law that governs most employer-sponsored disability insurance plans. If your employer provides a group disability plan (whether short-term or long-term), it is likely governed by ERISA.

Under ERISA, employers are required to provide certain protections to employees, such as clear information about benefits, claims procedures, and appeal rights. However, ERISA also limits the ability of employees to sue for wrongful denial of benefits until they have exhausted the administrative appeals process. This means that following a long-term disability claim denial,  you must go through the appeals process before taking legal action. ERISA's framework can make it more challenging to navigate the claims and appeals process, so having experienced legal representation is often recommended.

What should I do if my long-term disability insurance claim is denied?

If you are facing a denied long-term disability claim, you have the right to appeal the decision through your insurer's internal appeals process. In ERISA-governed cases, it is a requirement if you wish to pursue the claim further.  It's crucial to act promptly, as there are often specific time frames within which you must submit an appeal. Gather all relevant documentation, including medical records and any correspondence with your insurer, to support your case. If you believe the insurance company has violated any laws or regulations during the claim process, you may be able to file a complaint with the Massachusetts Division of Insurance. Additionally, consulting with a long-term disability insurance attorney experienced in Massachusetts law can provide guidance and improve your chances of a successful appeal.

How long can I receive Long-Term Disability (LTD) benefits?

The duration of Long-Term Disability (LTD) benefits depends on the specific terms outlined in your insurance policy. Many LTD plans provide benefits until you reach the age of 65 or your normal Social Security retirement age, provided you continue to meet the policy's definition of disability. It's important to understand your policy's specific provisions, as some may have different durations or conditions for benefit payments. Regularly reviewing your policy and staying in communication with your insurer can help ensure you remain compliant with all requirements.

Are long-term disability benefits taxable in Massachusetts?

The taxability of your disability benefits depends on how the insurance premiums were paid. If your employer paid the premiums for your disability insurance policy, the benefits you receive are generally considered taxable income. Conversely, if you paid the premiums with after-tax dollars, the benefits are typically tax-free. It's advisable to consult with a tax professional familiar with Massachusetts state and federal tax laws to understand your specific situation and ensure compliance with all tax obligations.

Can I work part-time and still receive disability benefits?

Many disability insurance policies allow for part-time work while still receiving benefits, but this depends on the terms of your specific policy. Some policies include provisions for partial disability or residual disability benefits, which provide support if you're able to work in a limited capacity and experience a reduction in income due to your disability. It's essential to review your policy's terms and communicate with your insurer to understand how part-time work may affect your long-term disability insurance benefits.

How can I find a list of companies offering disability insurance in Massachusetts?

The Massachusetts Division of Insurance provides resources to help consumers identify companies that offer disability insurance policies within the state. You can contact the Division directly or visit their official website for more information. Additionally, consulting with a licensed insurance broker familiar with the Massachusetts market can provide personalized assistance in finding a policy that meets your needs.