Long Term Disability Attorneys
Serving Fargo, Grand Forks, And Minnesota
You worked hard to build your career and your life. When a serious illness or injury threatens your ability to work, long term disability insurance is supposed to protect the financial future you earned. Unfortunately, insurance companies do not always honor that promise.
If your long term disability benefits were denied, delayed, or terminated, you do not have to accept the decision. Schneider Law Firm represents individuals across Fargo, Grand Forks, North Dakota, and northwest Minnesota who need strong legal advocacy to secure the benefits they deserve.
Protecting Your Income and Lifestyle
Long term disability insurance exists to replace income when health problems make working impossible. These benefits can be critical to paying your mortgage, covering medical expenses, and maintaining stability for you and your family.
When insurers place profits ahead of people, the consequences can be devastating. Our role is to hold insurance companies accountable and push back when they fail to meet their obligations.
At Schneider Law Firm, we focus on results and personalized representation, not volume claims.
Why Long Term Disability Claims Are Denied
Many valid long term disability claims are denied or cut off for reasons that have little to do with your actual ability to work. Insurance companies often rely on technicalities, selective evidence, and shifting standards.
Common reasons insurers give for denying or terminating benefits include:
- Claiming you do not meet their definition of disability
- Arguing your condition is excluded from coverage
- Misinterpreting or ignoring medical records
- Relying on hired medical reviewers who never examine you
- Alleging you are not following the proper treatment plan
- Changing the disability standard after paying benefits for a period of time
- Conducting surveillance in an attempt to undermine your claim
Schneider Law Firm understands these tactics and knows how to challenge them effectively.
Employer Provided LTD vs Individual Disability Policies
Long term disability insurance generally falls into two categories: employer provided plans and individual policies.
EMPLOYER PR0VIDED LTD AND ERISA
Most workplace long term disability plans are governed by a federal law called ERISA, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. These claims are often more restrictive and procedural.
ERISA plans typically involve:
- Lower monthly premiums
- Lower benefit payouts
- Stricter disability definitions over time
- Limited rights to challenge denials
ERISA cases require careful handling from the beginning, as appeals are often your only opportunity to submit evidence.
INDIVIDUAL DISABILITY POLICIES
Individual disability insurance policies are purchased privately and are usually governed by state law.
These policies often:
- Cost more in premiums
- Pay higher benefits
- Use a more favorable definition of disability
- Provide stronger legal remedies if benefits are denied
In some cases, insurers incorrectly claim a policy falls under ERISA when it does not. If state law applies, you may also have a claim for insurance bad faith.
Coordinating Long Term Disability and Social Security Disability
Many individuals with long term disability claims may also qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. These programs often overlap and impact one another.
At Schneider Law Firm, we evaluate all potential sources of financial support and pursue every available option to maximize your benefits. Our team can help you navigate both private disability insurance claims and Social Security Disability applications or appeals.
Get a Free Long Term Disability Case Evaluation
If your long term disability benefits were denied or terminated, do not assume the insurance company’s decision is final. You may have options, but timing matters.
Contact Schneider Law Firm today to schedule your free case consultation. Let us help you protect your income, your future, and your peace of mind.
