Disability Insurance Lawyer Helping Claimants in Portland, Oregon

Dabdoub Law Firm is completely committed to doing everything we can to help claimants in Portland get through their long term disability case. We have been focusing our practice solely on disability insurance claims and cases for years, making us very experienced attorneys in this area. We have handle claims with every major insurance company on behalf of our clients. There is nothing an insurer can do that will surprise our team of long term disability insurance attorneys.

Portland Disability Insurance Claims

People living in Portland tend to get their long term disability insurance benefits through an employer-provided plan. Being one of the largest, most recognizable cities on the West Coast, Portland is a popular destination for many major employers. Nike, Precision Castparts, Banfield Pet Hospital, and more all call Portland home for commercial headquarters, creating great employment opportunities for locals.

With Portland’s steady commercial and business sectors, it should come as no surprise to find that many people living there have work-provided disability insurance coverage. Insurers like UNUM, CIGNA or LINA, and Northwestern Mutual have all sold insurance plans. The policies sold by these companies are typically governed by federal ERISA law.

If you are self-employed or work as an independent contractor, then you may still have disability insurance coverage sold through an individual or own occupation policy. Insurance companies that may have offered you such LTD benefits include MetLife, Aetna, Prudential, and many others.

Disability insurance claims are unique from other types of insurance. Many claims are denied not because the person is not disabled from working, but instead because the claim was not handled properly. If you have a disability insurance claim, you should consult with an attorney experienced in this area.

Without questions, consult a disability lawyer if your insurance company:

• Wants to interview you
• Has conducted surveillance on you
• Wants to send you to an independent medical examination (IME)
• Wants to send you to a neurological evaluation
• Wants to send you to a functional capacity evaluation (FCE)
• Is just taking too long to make a decision to approve benefits

Why Was My Claim Denied?

Disability insurance claims can be denied for various reasons, often related to policy terms, the nature of the disability, and the documentation provided. Common reasons for denial include:

• Insufficient Medical Evidence: The claim lacks adequate medical documentation to support the disability. This can include missing doctor's reports, insufficient details about the severity of the condition, or lack of objective medical tests.
• Non-Covered Conditions: The disability is due to a condition that is not covered by the policy. Some policies exclude certain mental health conditions, pre-existing conditions, or specific illnesses.
• Failure to Meet Policy Definitions: The disability does not meet the policy's definition of disability. Policies often have specific criteria, such as the inability to perform certain job functions, which must be met.
• Incomplete or Inaccurate Application: The claim form is incomplete, contains errors, or provides inconsistent information. Any discrepancies can lead to a denial.
• Missed Deadlines: The claim was filed outside of the time frame specified in the policy. Insurance companies typically have strict deadlines for filing claims and submitting required documentation.
• Pre-Existing Conditions: The disability stems from a condition that existed before the policy was in effect, and the policy includes a pre-existing condition exclusion clause.
• Lack of Ongoing Treatment: The claimant is not receiving ongoing, appropriate medical treatment for the condition. Insurance companies expect continuous treatment and follow-up care as part of the recovery process.
• Occupation-Specific Clauses: The policy may include clauses specific to the claimant's occupation, such as requiring the inability to perform the duties of their specific job or any job.
• Surveillance and Investigation: The insurance company may conduct surveillance or investigate the claimant and find evidence that contradicts the claim, such as the claimant engaging in activities they purportedly cannot do due to the disability.
• Non-Compliance with Policy Terms: The claimant fails to comply with other policy terms, such as attending independent medical examinations requested by the insurer.

Hiring an Experienced Disability Insurance Lawyer Is Important

Because Dabdoub Law Firm has always focused only on disability insurance law, we have successfully represented hundreds of clients across the country. We have won several major disability lawsuits and have fought UNUM, Hartford, MetLife, CIGNA, Prudential, and more. Because federal law applies to most disability insurance claims, we can help you even if we are not located in your state.

Disability insurance companies have lawyers. You should too. Call Dabdoub Law Firm to get experienced disability lawyers on your side.

We can help with:

• Submitting a disability insurance claim
• Appealing a long-term disability denial
• Negotiating a lump-sum settlement
• Filing a lawsuit against your disability insurance company

Call (800) 969-0488 for a free consultation with a disability attorney.