Disability Claims Attorneys Who Fight Unfair Denials

Disability benefits are a lifeline — not a luxury. When injury or illness makes work impossible, short-term and long-term disability insurance is supposed to provide stability. But too often, legitimate claims are rejected, delayed, or cut off prematurely by insurance carriers focused more on minimizing payouts than honoring obligations.

At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we represent professionals, workers, and executives across New Jersey and Pennsylvania in private disability insurance disputes, employer-sponsored benefit appeals, and government-related claims. If your benefits were unfairly denied or terminated, we help you fight back with strategy, clarity, and litigation readiness.

What Type of Disability Claim Do You Have?

Disability claims are not one-size-fits-all. The laws, standards of proof, and processes vary depending on the source of your coverage. We handle:

• Private Disability Insurance Policies (individual long-term or supplemental coverage)
• Group LTD Plans through Employers (governed by ERISA)
• Short-Term Disability Claims
• Denied SSDI Claims (Social Security Disability Insurance)
• Occupational-Specific Policies (e.g., “own occupation” for surgeons, executives)

Whether your policy was purchased independently or provided by your employer, we know the playbook insurers use — and how to beat it.

Why Are Legitimate Disability Claims Denied?

Disability insurers often deny claims using vague language, outdated definitions, or biased medical consultants. Common reasons we challenge include:

• “Lack of objective medical evidence” despite documented diagnoses
• Claimant is “not totally disabled” under restrictive policy terms
• Surveillance or social media misinterpretations
• Claims adjusters ignoring treating physician records
• Improper reliance on in-house doctors or nurse reviewers
• Premature termination of benefits without change in condition

We know how to break down these justifications and demonstrate the full scope of your disability — both medically and functionally.

ERISA Disability Claims Require Precision

If your disability insurance is provided by your employer, your claim is likely governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) — a complex federal law that favors insurers unless carefully navigated.

Key points about ERISA claims:

• You must complete all internal appeals before suing
• Lawsuits are usually limited to the administrative record
• Courts often defer to the insurer unless you prove procedural unfairness
• Remedies are limited to owed benefits, interest, and attorney’s fees — not pain and suffering

We prepare ERISA appeals like we’re preparing for federal court — because that’s what it takes to succeed.

We Represent Policyholders — Not Insurance Companies

Ratliff Jackson LLP exclusively represents claimants. We are not a volume operation — we are a focused litigation firm that builds strong, individualized cases for every client.

We take on claims involving:

• Physical disabilities from injury, illness, or surgery
• Mental health-based disabilities (depression, anxiety, PTSD)
• Chronic illness (fibromyalgia, autoimmune conditions, cancer)
• Neurological disorders and cognitive impairment
• Professional disability (physicians, lawyers, business owners)

Whether your claim is in its early stages or already denied, we intervene with urgency and purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions: Disability Insurance Claims

What’s the difference between private disability and group (ERISA) coverage?

Private policies are purchased individually and governed by state contract law. Group policies are provided through employment and governed by ERISA, which limits damages and imposes strict rules on how claims and appeals are handled.

Can I appeal a disability denial on my own?

You can — but you shouldn’t. The appeal is often your only chance to submit evidence that a court will later review. It’s critical to work with an attorney experienced in building airtight administrative records.

What if my insurer says I’m “not totally disabled”?

Many policies define disability narrowly and deny benefits if you can do “any occupation” — even if unrealistic. We challenge these denials by documenting the real-world impact of your condition and applying case law to dispute insurer logic.

How long do I have to appeal?

Typically, ERISA claims require an appeal within 180 days of a denial. For private policies, timelines vary. Contact an attorney immediately to avoid waiving your rights.

What can I recover in a disability insurance lawsuit?

You may be entitled to unpaid benefits, interest, reinstatement, and legal fees. In private policy claims, additional contract remedies may apply.

Your Health May Be Compromised — Your Rights Shouldn’t Be

If an insurance company is questioning your credibility, ignoring your doctors, or cutting off benefits you earned, it’s time to push back. At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we bring legal strength and medical insight to every disability case we take on — and we don’t back down when the stakes are high.

Call 856-209-3111 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll evaluate your claim, review your denial, and take decisive action to enforce your rights.