Of Counsel Scott Harrigan
When a general dentist developed a serious, persistent nerve condition affecting the right lower leg and foot, continuing to practice became increasingly difficult. The occupation requires prolonged sitting and standing in fixed positions, sustained weight-bearing, precise movements, and little opportunity to reposition or relieve pressure on the lower extremities during patient procedures. For complex dental procedures, those physical demands could continue uninterrupted for 90 minutes, two hours, or even longer.
To secure disability benefits, the dentist had to demonstrate the existence of a severe medical condition and that it prevented the performance of the necessary duties of the profession. But this practitioner’s claim was made more complex by the existence of two separate disability policies and three disability periods.
The Challenge
The dentist had disability coverage under an individual policy and a separate group policy. As the dentist’s medical condition, treatments, and ability to work evolved, the resultant claims changed over time. The dentist was initially totally disabled from September 28, 2024 through November 27, 2025, following right tibial nerve surgery. The dentist returned to work on a partial disability basis from November 28, 2025 through January 26, 2026, while continuing treatment for persistent neuropathic pain. A second procedure on February 24, 2026 again resulted in total disability.
Complications following that procedure added another layer to the claims. The treating physician documented pain, swelling, drainage, decreased range of motion, and concerns about infection. Ultimately, the dentist’s primary care physician supported continued total disability, concluding that the nerve injury, vascular concerns, and resulting functional limitations prevented a safe return to the full occupational duties of a general dentist.
The Solution
The dentist consulted attorney Scott Harrigan, who is Of Counsel at Schwartz, Conroy & Hack, PC. Scott knew that successfully presenting the dentist’s claims would require connecting three distinct components:
Medical evidence documenting the underlying nerve condition, surgeries, complications, persistent pain, and functional limitations.
Occupational evidence demonstrating exactly what a general dentist physically does throughout the workday, including prolonged static positioning, limited ability to move or elevate the lower extremities, and the demands of performing precise procedures while seated or standing chairside.
Financial evidence supporting varying levels of compensation as the dentist moved from total disability to partial disability, and then back to total disability.
The timing, the medical evidence, and the occupational demands all had to align. The financial documentation also had to support the appropriate disability status during each period.
Scott brought a unique combination of insurance, financial, and legal experience to the matter. Before practicing law, he worked as an analyst for a major New York City insurance brokerage company and as a financial consultant with a major national health insurance company. Combined with his MBA and legal experience, Scott’s background gave him a particularly valuable perspective for claims requiring medical, occupational, and financial evidence to work together.
The Result
By carefully presenting and aligning relevant medical, occupational, and financial evidence, Scott successfully demonstrated how the dentist’s condition affected the specific duties of the occupation, how the level of disability changed over time, and how the evidence supported entitlement to benefits under the two separate policies. Schwartz, Conroy & Hack’s comprehensive approach resulted in a successful outcome, with the dentist securing disability benefits under both policies.
If your disability insurance claim has been denied or is being challenged, contact Schwartz, Conroy & Hack, PC. We have the expertise and tenacity to make insurance companies keep the promises they made to policyholders like you.