Long-Term Disability Lawyer
Seattle, Washington
When filing a long-term disability claim or appeal, choosing the right disability lawyer to represent you is probably the most important decision you can make.
Insurance companies deny legitimate disability claims every day – that’s how they make money. A Seattle lawyer specializing in long-term disability and ERISA law is the best way to take on these large insurers and beat them at their own game.
What to look for in a Seattle disability lawyer:
- Expert in both federal ERISA and Washington State disability laws
- Seasoned with experience in both the federal and state court system
- Knowledge of the local legal customs and practices
The right combination of expertise and experience in these areas will allow a lawyer to take on these big insurance companies – and win. Our team at Roy Law Group knows long-term disability, ERISA, and Washington State disability laws inside and out.
I had a fantastic experience with Roy Law Group in filing my disability claim. They answered all of my questions and guided me along on what can be a stressful process. I also had my disability claim approved on the first try!- Carl C.
A long-term disability specialist is a necessity
Many lawyers dabble in long-term disability and ERISA law. However, few lawyers make this highly complex area of the law the sole focus of their practice.
Roy Law Group was established to focus exclusively on disability insurance law and help claimants secure the disability insurance benefits they deserve. Our team has helped hundreds of disabled people in Seattle and throughout the state of Washington to overturn their denied disability claims.
Because disability law has been our sole focus for over a decade, Roy Law Group knows how to beat disability insurers at their own game.
Federal ERISA vs. Washington State Law
When you appeal a denied long-term disability claim, how your case will be handled will depend on whether it is governed by ERISA. Approximately 75% of Roy Law Group’s cases are based on ERISA long-term disability insurance disputes.
Divisions of the Western District of WA
How ERISA may impact your case
ERISA (or the Employee Retirement Income Security Act) is a federal law that governs employee benefit plans.
If your employer provides your disability insurance policy as an employee benefit, then it is likely governed by ERISA. All of the major employers based in Seattle — including Amazon, Boeing, and Microsoft — provide employee benefit packages that are governed by ERISA.
The law works in favor of insurance companies
When ERISA was enacted, it was meant to protect employees and ensure their rights to benefits. In reality, ERISA is incredibly complicated and continually changing, and it requires all denied claims to be appealed directly to the insurer who has denied the claim. For these reasons, the law largely favors insurance companies.
All of the lawyers at Roy Law Group are experts in ERISA. We closely follow the continual changes to the law, and we know what to expect and how to overturn denied ERISA disability claims.
ERISA disability claims in the Seattle area
ERISA disability cases in the Greater Seattle Area and Western Washington are heard in either the Seattle or Tacoma Divisions of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. Washington State disability cases outside of these two Divisions are heard in the Eastern District of Washington.
Seattle Division
If you live in any of these counties, then your case will be heard in the Seattle Division:
- Island
- King
- San Juan
- Skagit
- Snohomish
- Whatcom
Tacoma Division
If you live in any of these counties, then your case will be heard in the Tacoma Division:
- Clallam
- Clark
- Cowlitz
- Grays Harbor
- Jefferson
- Kitsap
- Lewis
- Mason
- Pacific
- Pierce
- Skamania
- Thurston
- Wahkiakum
Seattle Success Story
Find out how Roy Law Group helped this Washington State resident when Principal Life Insurance denied his long-term disability claim.
Washington State disability laws
If you purchased an individual insurance disability policy (meaning it was not provided through your employer or union), then ERISA does not apply. In this case, the entire appeal process is covered by Washington State insurance statutes and regulations.
What claims do you have under Washington State insurance law?
Contractual damages
Contractual damages is the basic claim available in a disability denial case in Washington State, which refers to the benefits you should receive from your insurance policy. These damages may also include costs like attorney fees plus interest.
Bad faith claim
If your insurance company wrongfully denies your claim, fails to investigate, or grossly undervalues it, you might have a bad faith claim. This may entitle you to additional compensation for emotional pain and suffering, as well as attorney fees.
Insurance Fair Conduct Act
Washington State’s Insurance Fair Conduct Act (IFCA) is a unique statute that may allow residents to claim three times the damages for a denied claim and recover attorney fees. To qualify, you must show unreasonable denial of your long-term disability benefits by your insurance company.
Washington State disability insurance law is complicated, and you shouldn’t have to become an expert if your claim is denied. That’s why you need an experienced legal team on your side. Roy Law Group can handle everything for you, so you can focus on taking care of yourself.
Disability resources for Washington residents
Get a free consultation today
With Roy Law Group, you get a dedicated team of experts in long-term disability, ERISA, and Washington State disability laws — and we know what it takes to win. Contact us today for your free consultation.
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