After playing in the NFL for four seasons as an offensive lineman and tackler, our client was denied T&P disability benefits by the NFL Benefits Plan. We got right to work on our appeal and successfully protected his rights to benefits. Visit our blog to learn more.
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Dabdoub Law Firm recently had the opportunity to once again represent a National Football League (NFL) player who was in contests with the NFL Player Disability & Neurocognitive Benefit Plan, also called the Plan. Despite there being ample reason to believe he had suffered total and permanent disabilities related to his four seasons with the NFL, the Plan still denied his initial T&P benefits claim. Since ERISA law applies to most long term disability claims, we were able to represent him in his hometown of East Hartland, Connecticut. With the help of our law firm, though, he was able to successfully appeal the denial and receive the much needed benefits to which he is entitled.
Details of the NFL T&P Disability Case
Our client played a total of four seasons with the NFL as an offensive lineman and tackler. Every single time he was on the field, he had one goal: tackle defensive players head-on. As is all-too-common among NFL players in this position, he developed a number of disabilities that now prevent him from finding gainful employment, no less comfort.
To name only a few of our client’s diagnosed medical conditions:
- Chronic pain
- Back pain and lumbago
- Osteoarthritis of the hip
- Polyneuropathy
In the initial disability claimed filed, our client included extensive medical records that showed proof of these disabilities and their extent. Some of the most compelling evidence provided came from a board certified neurosurgeon, who determined our client was “totally disabled” due to the injuries he suffered while playing for the NFL.
Instead of relying on the provided medical records and statements from trusted physicians, the Plan relied on its own Dr. Sherman to conduct a review of our client’s overall health. The serious issue with relying on Dr. Sherman is that he specializes in ligament and joint conditions, not the numerous back problems afflicting our client. Relying on his opinion was similar to asking a dentist to evaluate him — with no offense to Dr. Sherman intended.
Recognizing the error in judgement and review processes, Dabdoub Law Firm challenged the denial outright. We reaffirmed the validity of our own argument against the inefficient evaluation of Dr. Sherman. We are pleased to report the Plan conceded its mistakes and approved our client’s LTD benefits.
Our Disability Attorneys Can Help You
Dabdoub Law Firm was built to be a disability insurance law firm. Because all our disability lawyers focus on disability insurance claims, our firm has significant experience with every major disability insurance company and has won important disability lawsuits.
We can help at any stage of your long term disability claim, including:
- Submitting a disability insurance claim;
- Appealing a long-term disability denial; or
- Filing a lawsuit against your disability insurance company.
Hiring an experienced disability attorney is important. Because federal law applies to most disability insurance claims, our lawyers do not have to be located in your state.
