When you’re filing a disability insurance claim, it may feel like you’re going up against a faceless, powerful system. That’s because you are. Insurance companies whether they offer Short Term disability, Long Term disability, or private coverage—are large corporations designed to protect their bottom line, not yours.
At Osterhout Berger Daley, we’ve helped thousands of clients who faced unnecessary denials or delays from their disability insurers. In this article, we’ll explain why legal representation can make all the difference—and how a disability law attorney can help level the playing field.
The System Isn’t Built for Fairness—It’s Built for Protection
Disability insurance policies are often packed with legal jargon and hidden clauses that favor the insurance company. Even when a policyholder has faithfully paid premiums for years, filing a claim and getting benefits approved can be an uphill battle.
Companies like The Hartford, MetLife, and Mutual of Omaha are not only large and well-funded—they also have teams of legal professionals reviewing every claim. This creates a significant power imbalance.
Without legal support, many claimants find themselves:
- Confused by policy language
- Unaware of their rights and responsibilities
- Facing delays, denials, or repeated requests for documentation
This is where a qualified disability attorney becomes essential.
How Insurance Companies Defend Claims (and Delay or Deny Them)
Insurance providers use a variety of tactics to minimize or reject claims. These tactics may include:
1. Strict Policy Interpretation
Policies often define “disability” in narrow terms. For example, you may only qualify if you’re unable to perform any occupation—not just your own. Even then, the burden of proof is entirely on you.
2. Medical Review Without Examination
It’s common for insurers to use in-house medical reviewers who never meet or examine the claimant. These reviewers may cherry-pick statements from your medical records to justify a denial.
3. Surveillance and Social Media Monitoring
If an insurer believes your lifestyle contradicts your claim, they may use video surveillance or social media posts to argue that you’re not truly disabled—even if your activities were brief or done on a “good day.”
4. Paperwork Traps and Short Deadlines
Insurance companies often require quick turnarounds for documentation, especially in Short Term disability cases. Missing these deadlines can jeopardize your claim.
Why Claimants Are Often Outmatched
It’s no surprise that policyholders feel overwhelmed. Claim forms are lengthy. Communication is often delayed. And the process lacks transparency. Without legal guidance, it’s easy to make small errors that have major consequences.
Claimants dealing with The Hartford disability claims or seeking a MetLife disability appeal are often shocked to learn that their policy gives the insurer broad discretion to deny or reduce benefits.
This is especially true for:
- Short Term disability claims, where fast documentation is critical
- Long Term disability insurance cases, where denials are often based on vague reasoning
- Policies from Mutual of Omaha, which are known for complex contract language
The Role of a Disability Attorney: Leveling the Playing Field
A disability law attorney can guide you through every stage of your claim—whether you’re filing for the first time or appealing a denial. Their goal is to shift the power back to you by ensuring your claim is thorough, supported, and strategically presented.
Here’s how:
1. Policy Review
Your attorney will dissect your policy’s language to understand the exact definitions and terms. This is critical in determining what kind of evidence is needed.
2. Medical Documentation Support
Many claims are denied due to lack of “objective” evidence. A lawyer can help communicate with your providers to ensure they document not just diagnoses—but functional limitations that meet your policy’s definition of disability.
3. Communication with the Insurer
Your lawyer can manage all correspondence with the insurer to prevent you from saying anything that might be misinterpreted or used against you.
4. Filing and Appealing Strategically
If you’re dealing with a MetLife disability appeal, your attorney will help build a comprehensive appeal that addresses the insurer’s reasoning line by line.
5. Litigation Support
If the insurer refuses to pay even after an appeal, your attorney may help take the matter to court, depending on the circumstances.
What Legal Support Looks Like in Practice
A Short Term disability attorney is particularly helpful when dealing with:
- Short deadlines
- Emergency situations (e.g., sudden illness or injury)
- Partial disability or intermittent leave
A Short Term disability claim lawyer will ensure all paperwork is submitted correctly, deadlines are met, and your provider is accurately representing your condition.
In Long Term disability cases, your attorney can help you:
- Gather statements from your physicians
- Track compliance with medical treatment
- Submit additional testing results
- Challenge surveillance footage or internal reviews
These strategies can help secure your rightful benefits under your Long Term disability insurance policy.
Protecting Yourself From the Start
You don’t have to wait until you’re denied to get legal help. In fact, consulting a disability law attorney before filing your claim can dramatically increase your chances of approval.
Here are some proactive tips:
- Read your policy carefully and highlight key definitions and exclusions
- Track your symptoms daily and share this with your doctor
- Follow through on treatment—gaps in care are a red flag to insurers
- Don’t post anything on social media that might contradict your claim
- Speak to a lawyer early to catch any weak points before the insurer does
Why Choose OBD to Represent You
At Osterhout Berger Daley, we’ve helped clients recover more than $500 million in disability benefits. Our attorneys have extensive experience fighting back against unfair tactics used by:
We understand how these companies operate—and how to counter their most common strategies.
We support claims related to:
- Long Term disability insurance
- Short Term disability benefits
- SSDI and VA disability cases
- Private and individual disability policies
Get Guidance Before It’s Too Late
Don’t face a multi-billion-dollar insurer alone. The earlier you get legal help, the better your chances of receiving the full benefits you’re entitled to.
Whether you’re just starting a claim or preparing to appeal, the attorneys at OBD are here to help.
Call 412-794-8003 or 1-866-438-8773, or fill out our secure intake form for a free consultation.
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Deadlines and legal requirements vary based on jurisdiction and policy. Always consult a qualified attorney about your specific situation.