Michael Hack, Partner and Christopher P. Foley, Of Counsel
Our client became a successful oral muscular facial surgeon after spending years learning to graft bone, perform biopsies, and repair traumatic mouth injuries. Over time, he built a successful practice that provided a nice living for him and his family. However, the successful surgeon eventually developed bulging discs in his back, which prevented him from performing the essential duties of his profession.
The Challenge
Our client had a long-term disability policy to protect him and his family from such a happenstance. He knew that his and his family’s future were riding on the insurance company approving his disability claim and paying his benefits in accordance with the terms of his policy. However, our client also knew that long-term disability insurance companies routinely look for loopholes and force policyholders to jump through hoops to prove their disability in order to protect their own bottom line. Our client was not interested in having to fight his insurance company in court—he wanted to make sure he submitted a thorough claim the right way, the first time, so that litigation would not be necessary.
The Solution
Thankfully, he came to the right place. Schwartz, Conroy & Hack attorneys Michail Hack and Christopher P. Foley had extensive conversations with the surgeon, explaining the entire claims process to him. Specifically, our attorneys explained that there are only two basic elements to a long-term disability claim:
- What were the duties of your occupation at the time you became disabled?
- Are you unable to perform those duties due to an illness or injury?
We strategized with our client on how to support both elements of his claim and how to best present them to the insurance company. We rapidly gathered all his medical records and other evidence of the impacts of his disability, assisted him in developing an occupational description, and helped expedite his proofs of loss.
The insurer requested an interview with our client. We met with the client to give him a sense of what was likely to occur during the interview and what subjects would likely be inquired about. We instructed him to listen carefully to the questions, to ensure he understood them, and to answer them completely.
The Result
Thanks to our efforts, the insurance company acknowledged liability without delay. Our client was approved for full benefits, and his disability payments began to flow. We made sure the insurance company kept its promises to our client.
If you have any questions regarding your current or potential long-term disability claim, please do not hesitate to contact Schwartz, Conroy and Hack, PC. We have the expertise and tenacity to make insurance companies keep the promises they make to policyholders like you.
