Individual Disability Insurance Attorney
Experienced Individual Disability Insurance Claim Attorneys Serving Clients In The United States
When a disability disrupts your ability to work, an individual disability insurance policy should be your financial lifeline. However, securing the benefits you’ve paid for is often a formidable challenge. Insurance companies are businesses, and they frequently deny or delay rightful claims, leaving policyholders financially vulnerable. This is where a specialized legal partner becomes indispensable. At Eric Buchanan & Associates, we are dedicated to helping policyholders like you fight back. We are national individual disability insurance lawyers who specialize in the complexities of individual disability law. Our experienced legal team provides the expertise, empathy, and authority required to challenge powerful insurers and secure the critical financial support you deserve.
What is Individual Disability Insurance?
Individual Disability Insurance (IDI) is a private policy purchased by an individual to replace a portion of their income if they become unable to work due to illness or injury.
- Tailored Coverage: Unlike group plans, IDI policies are customized, often offering more comprehensive and robust protection.
- Essential for Professionals: These policies are vital for high-income earners and professionals—such as doctors, lawyers, business owners, and specialized tradespeople—whose financial stability is tied directly to their ability to perform their specific occupation.
Even with a strong policy in place, the claims process can be a battleground. Insurers may dispute the severity of your condition, question medical evidence, or interpret complex policy language to limit or deny coverage. When your financial security is on the line, the expertise of a specialized attorney is non-negotiable.
Why You Need an Individual Disability Insurance Attorney
An insurance policy is a complex legal contract. When a claim is denied, delayed, or underpaid, you are in an uphill battle against a well-resourced corporation. Our role is to level the playing field with unparalleled legal knowledge and aggressive advocacy, such as:
- Deep Legal Specialization: We are experts in the nuances of IDI law, including specific policy definitions like “own occupation,” “total disability,” and “residual benefits.” We meticulously review your contract to build an ironclad case.
- Strategic Claim Denial & Appeals: We aggressively counter common insurer tactics, such as claims of “insufficient medical evidence” or “pre-existing conditions.” We work with medical experts, gather compelling documentation, and meet all critical deadlines.
- Proven Litigation Experience: If negotiation and appeals fail, we are prepared to take your case to court. Our attorneys have a strong track record in federal and state courts, fighting tirelessly to secure your benefits through trial.
- Client-Centered Advocacy: Every case is unique. We listen to your story, understand your specific professional challenges (e.g., a surgeon’s loss of fine motor skills or an executive’s mental health struggle), and tailor a legal strategy focused on your financial and personal security.
Meet Attorney Eric L. Buchanan
Eric L. Buchanan is the President and Partner of Eric Buchanan & Associates, a nationally recognized authority specializing in complex individual disability insurance (IDI) and ERISA law. His profound expertise is rooted in a unique background. He is a decorated U.S. Navy officer and naval aviator, an experience that instilled the discipline and strategic focus he now applies to high-stakes legal challenges. This background is coupled with stellar academic success, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Washington and Lee University School of Law.
Mr. Buchanan’s dedication to the field is clear through his actions:
- Authoritative Legal Leadership: He holds the highest peer ratings for ethical standards and legal ability and is frequently invited to teach other attorneys nationwide on effective disability insurance litigation and strategy.
- Shaping the Law: He has achieved landmark legal decisions that have resulted in improved disability laws, demonstrating his commitment to policyholders beyond just individual case victories.
- Strategic Client Focus: The firm provides national representation and operates on a contingency fee structure, ensuring clients across the country receive specialized, results-driven legal counsel. For IDI claims, his focus is on strategically developing the comprehensive medical and vocational record needed for maximum success in state or federal court litigation.
Common Challenges We Overcome
Insurance companies often use specific tactics to minimize payouts. We know how to counter them:
- Disputes Over Total Disability: Clarifying and proving your inability to perform your specific occupation as defined by your policy.
- Misapplication of Exclusions: Challenging incorrect denial arguments based on alleged “pre-existing conditions” or other policy exclusions.
- Surveillance & Misrepresentation: Countering insurer surveillance or selective reading of medical records with robust, comprehensive medical documentation and expert testimony.
- Premature Termination of Benefits: Protecting your ongoing claim against insurer’s attempts to reduce or terminate payments before you have recovered.
Why Choose Us—Individual Disability Insurance Representation You Can Count On
Specialized IDI Expertise: We are a boutique law firm that focuses exclusively on individual disability insurance. We have successfully handled thousands of disability cases against major national insurance companies, giving us a level of insight that few firms can match. Our specialized focus means we know the specific strategies insurers use to deny IDI claims and how to effectively counter them.
Nationally Recognized Attorneys Who Educate Our Peers: Our attorneys are seen as leaders in this field. We are frequently invited to teach other lawyers about disability insurance law at national conferences. When you hire us, you are retaining attorneys who are acknowledged masters of the subject matter, ensuring your case is handled with the highest level of legal knowledge.
Proven Success in Changing Disability Law: Our success is measurable. We haven’t just won individual cases; we have secured landmark legal decisions that have resulted in improved disability insurance laws for claimants across the country. We don’t just practice the law; we help shape it to benefit our clients and future policyholders.
Strategically Building Your Case for State and Federal Court: The critical stages of an individual disability insurance claim involve a meticulous review of the policy and the denial. Unlike group (ERISA) claims, IDI cases are often pure contract disputes. We urge you to hire us immediately upon denial because the way your administrative appeal or “proof of claim” is prepared is critical to success in court. Our expertise lies in knowing exactly how to properly develop and build the medical and vocational record to give you the best chance of success in litigation.
Maintain High Ethical and Client Trust: Trust is everything. Our firm holds a Superb (10/10) rating on Avvo and is recognized by esteemed attorney peer-review organizations like Martindale-Hubbell. These high ethical and legal ability ratings from both our clients and our peers demonstrate our professional standing and commitment to integrity.
We Align Our Interests with Yours Through a Contingency Fee Structure: We believe in the strength of your case and are willing to invest our resources into it. We work on a contingency basis, meaning in most cases, you pay us no attorney fees unless we successfully recover benefits for you. We don’t get paid unless you do.
National Representation: While many firms are limited to practicing in a single state or district, we represent individual disability clients all across the country. We are experienced in navigating the various state laws and federal court jurisdictions involved in IDI litigation.
Steps to Take If Your Claim Is Denied
Time is a critical factor in disability claims. Most policies have strict, non-negotiable deadlines for appeals and legal action. Delaying can jeopardize your entire claim.
If your claim is denied, follow these steps immediately:
- Do Not Delay: Contact our office as soon as you receive a denial letter.
- Preserve Everything: Keep all correspondence, denial letters, medical records, and policy documents organized.
- Continue Medical Care: Maintain consistent documentation of your disability with your healthcare providers.
- Contact Eric Buchanan & Associates for a Free Consultation.
Our mission is to empower you to secure the benefits you’ve paid for. With Eric Buchanan & Associates by your side, you gain a trusted, authoritative ally committed to your financial future.
Don’t navigate this complex legal landscape alone. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation and take the first step toward reclaiming your peace of mind.
Individual Disability FAQ’s
Why Was My Disability Insurance Claim Denied?
Denials often occur due to insufficient medical evidence, disputes over the definition of "disability," misrepresentation of occupational duties, or allegations of pre-existing conditions. An attorney can review the denial letter, assess the insurance company's reasoning, and determine whether the denial was wrongful or unfair.
Should I Hire an Attorney Before Filing a Claim or After a Denial?
Many people are unsure about the best time to involve a lawyer. Attorneys often recommend consulting before filing to ensure the claim is properly documented and meets policy requirements, which can enhance approval chances. However, if a claim has already been denied, an attorney can assist with the appeal process, which is critical to overturning a denial, especially under ERISA-governed plans where appeals must be thorough to preserve legal rights.
How Can I Prove My Disability Meets the Policy’s Requirements?
Proving disability is a major hurdle, as insurance companies often argue that a diagnosis alone doesn’t equal disability. Clients ask how to gather sufficient medical evidence or vocational assessments to demonstrate they cannot perform their job duties. Our attorneys work with medical experts and treating physicians to compile robust documentation, addressing both qualitative and quantitative disabilities as defined in policies (e.g., inability to perform specific job tasks or reduced productivity).
How Much Will Hiring a Disability Insurance Attorney Cost?
Most disability insurance attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if the client wins benefits, typically taking a percentage of the recovered amount. This structure alleviates financial burdens for disabled individuals.