As a neurologist, you have dedicated your life to diagnosing and treating some of the most complex and debilitating conditions affecting the human body. It is a profound irony, then, when your health fails and the disability insurance company you paid to protect you denies your claim, questioning the very reality of your condition.
This means you’re not just in a financial crisis; you’re also up against an opponent who doesn’t grasp your job’s complexities. Insurance companies often oversimplify the role of a neurologist to “physician,” ignoring the intense cognitive focus, fine motor skills, and mental stamina required.
At Robinson & Warncke, we understand this distinction. We are not just disability attorneys; we are advocates for medical professionals who have been wrongfully denied the benefits they deserve.
The Unique Challenges Neurologists Face with Disability Claims
Insurance companies deny claims from physicians for many reasons, but neurologists face a unique set of obstacles. The success of your appeal hinges on proving not just that you are disabled, but that you are disabled from performing the highly specialized duties of your occupation.
Beyond Physical: Proving Cognitive and Mental Demands
An insurer might argue that because you can sit or stand, you can still work. They willfully ignore that a neurologist’s most critical tools are their intellect and focus. Just because you can sit or stand doesn’t mean you can do your job, as essential skills like understanding complex EEGs, doing detailed nerve tests, or staying focused during long patient meetings can’t be judged by just looking We know how to document and prove the disabling impact of cognitive fatigue, chronic pain, or medication side effects on your ability to perform at the high level your profession demands.
The “Own Occupation” Definition is Key
For a highly specialized professional, the “own occupation” definition in your policy is paramount. The insurance company’s goal is often to prove you can perform some kind of work, even if it’s not as a clinical neurologist. They may argue that you could teach or do administrative work. We fight to hold them to the specific terms of your policy, building a robust case that proves your disability prevents you from performing the material and substantial duties of your particular career as a neurologist.
How Robinson & Warncke Fight for Neurologists
Overcoming a denied claim requires more than just submitting a letter from your doctor. It requires a deep understanding of federal ERISA law and a strategic approach to building a case that leaves the insurance company no room to argue.
We Speak Both Medical and Legal Languages
Our attorneys are fluent in the language of both medicine and insurance law. We work directly with your treating physicians to gather the objective medical evidence needed, such as MRIs, nerve studies, and neuropsychological testing. More importantly, we help translate your doctors’ findings into a compelling legal argument that connects your diagnosis directly to the specific duties you can no longer perform.
Mastering the Complexities of ERISA Law
If your employer provides your disability policy, a complex federal law known as ERISA likely governs your claim. Under ERISA, the appeal you submit is your last and only chance to get evidence into your file. If you have to sue the insurance company later, the federal judge can typically only review the evidence you submitted in that appeal. Hiring an experienced ERISA attorney from Robinson & Warncke ensures this “administrative record” is built correctly from the start, protecting your rights and setting you up for success in court if necessary.
Developing Overwhelming Vocational Evidence
We leave nothing to chance. Our team collaborates with vocational experts to create a detailed analysis of your professional life. We document the fine motor skills required for procedures, the intense visual and analytical focus needed for diagnostics, and the emotional and mental stamina essential for patient care. This evidence paints a clear picture of why your condition is truly disabling and makes it difficult for the insurer to justify their denial.
Don’t Face the Insurance Company Alone
The insurance company has a team of lawyers, doctors, and adjusters working against you. You deserve to have an equally powerful team on your side. A wrongful denial is not the end of the road; it is the beginning of the fight.
You have a limited time to file an appeal after the denial of your long-term disability claim. Contact the experienced neurologist disability attorneys at Robinson & Warncke for a free, confidential consultation. Let us handle the legal battle so you can focus on your health.
