Lawyer Disability Insurance Claim Attorney

Lawyers and Disability Insurance Claims

When insurance companies market disability insurance to lawyers and law firms, they often emphasize the devastating financial impact of an uninsured disability. They highlight how it can halt income, increase expenses, and derail retirement savings. Statistics show that disabilities contribute to nearly half of all mortgage foreclosures. Insurers often advise lawyers to “prepare for the worst” by purchasing disability coverage.

But what happens when it’s time to file a disability claim after years of paying steep premiums? Should lawyers brace themselves for challenges during this process? Absolutely.

If an illness or injury disrupts your ability to practice law—the profession you’re passionate about—the dedicated attorneys at Pillsbury & Coleman, LLP are here to support you. We specialize in guiding clients through the complex claims process, helping you understand your policy, assert your rights, and secure the benefits you deserve.

With decades of experience representing lawyers, we’ve successfully taken on all the major disability insurance companies in the U.S., including Unum, Paul Revere Life Insurance, Provident Life, and others. Our track record extends to companies like Standard Insurance, Guardian Life, and MONY Life. We also have extensive knowledge of the medical conditions that frequently lead to claims.

At Pillsbury & Coleman, LLP, our mission is to help you protect your financial future and navigate the challenges of filing a claim with confidence.

How We Help Attorneys

At Pillsbury & Coleman, our attorneys are committed to helping fellow professionals secure the disability insurance benefits they deserve, guiding you every step of the way.

Before You File a Claim:
We work with you to understand the coverage you’ve purchased and how it applies to your situation. By reviewing your medical records and discussing your circumstances, we help you anticipate how your insurance company might respond to a future claim. Our guidance ensures you can present your claim in a way that improves the likelihood of acceptance.

During the Claims Process:
If issues arise while your claim is being processed, we’re here to help. Whether your insurer is requesting excessive financial or billing records without clear justification, dragging their feet, or acting adversarially, we step in to prevent a denial. Sometimes, we provide behind-the-scenes support; other times, we directly advocate on your behalf. Insurance companies are legally obligated to conduct fair reviews and act in good faith—we make sure they uphold these responsibilities and follow the terms of your policy.

After a Claim Denial:
If your benefits are denied, we thoroughly analyze your policy, medical records, and the insurer’s reasoning. In some cases, we can overturn denials without resorting to litigation. When a lawsuit becomes necessary, our attorneys—recognized among the top trial lawyers in the country—bring their proven track record of success to fight for you.

No matter where you are in the process, we’re here to protect your rights and ensure you receive the benefits you’re entitled to.

Our Decades of Success Representing Lawyers on Disability

At Pillsbury & Coleman, we have a strong history of successfully representing lawyers and legal professionals whose disability insurance claims were denied or terminated. Here are some of our notable cases:

McCormick v. Security Mutual Ins. Co.

Our client, a former in-house defense attorney, became disabled due to severe anxiety and related psychiatric conditions. While stepping away from work initially improved his mental health, his doctors warned that returning to trial work would be psychologically devastating. Despite this, the insurer terminated his benefits, claiming he had simply “chosen” not to return to work. We filed a lawsuit, arguing the termination was not only incorrect but also made in bad faith. During the case, we uncovered evidence of the insurer’s questionable practices, which led to the denial of their motion for summary judgment. The case was successfully settled confidentially just before trial.

Doe v. Unum Group.

Our client was a former managing partner of the San Francisco office of a large national law firm who became disabled due to hepatic encephalopathy. His firm’s insurer was Unum, the largest disability insurer in the U.S. Unum has a known track record of denying known legitimate claims, and it denied his claim in spite of the fact that he had been hospitalized five times before submitting his claim. We secured his benefits by facilitating the cognitive testing needed to substantiate the legitimacy of his claim.

Doe v. Unum Group.

Our client was a former partner in a large national law firm specializing in commerce transportation who became disabled initially due to lung cancer and subsequently due to lasting cognitive side effects from chemotherapy, often called “chemo brain.” Unum terminated benefits, claiming that she had recovered sufficiently to permit a return to work, ignoring the lasting effects of her chemotherapy regimen. We filed suit on her behalf and successfully settled her claim on a confidential basis before trial.

Contact a Lawyer Disability Insurance Claim Attorney Today

If you’re a lawyer or legal professional dealing with a disability insurance claim, having experienced legal support is essential. At Pillsbury & Coleman, LLP, we understand the unique challenges lawyers face when illness or injury threatens their ability to practice law. With a strong track record of securing benefits for our clients, we’re here to guide you through the complexities of your claim and ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.

Don’t let insurance companies stand in the way of your rightful benefits. Contact us today for a consultation and take the first step toward safeguarding your future.