As a surgeon, your income, reputation, and purpose are tied to your ability to perform complex procedures with precision and focus. Any impairment—whether to your physical strength, dexterity, or cognitive function—can be career-ending.
You purchased individual disability insurance (IDI) to protect yourself in exactly this situation. But now, the insurance company is denying your claim, arguing you can still work, or that your condition doesn’t qualify as disabling under their policy.
At Dabdoub Law Firm, we represent surgeons across the country in IDI denials and appeals. When insurers refuse to pay, we know how to make them.
Why Surgeons Are Uniquely Vulnerable to IDI Denials
Surgeons face some of the highest IDI denial rates among physicians—not because they aren’t disabled, but because insurers know how much is at stake.
Your occupation requires:
- Full use of your hands and upper extremities
- Physical stamina and long hours standing
- Perfect visual acuity and coordination
- Quick reflexes, memory, and mental clarity under pressure
Even small deficits can end your surgical career, but insurers often argue you can still:
- Consult or supervise
- Work in a non-operative specialty
- Perform “administrative” duties in medicine
This directly contradicts most own-occupation policies, which are meant to protect your ability to perform your specific role as a surgeon.
Common Conditions That End a Surgeon’s Career
At Dabdoub Law Firm, we’ve helped surgeons whose careers were disrupted by:
- Hand or wrist injuries (e.g., nerve damage, carpal tunnel, tremors)
- Cervical or lumbar spine disorders that prevent standing or focus
- Neurological conditions (e.g., MS, Parkinson’s, post-stroke symptoms)
- Visual impairments
- Long COVID or autoimmune fatigue syndromes
- Psychiatric or stress-related conditions (especially after trauma or burnout)
Even with medical documentation, insurers will often question, minimize, or outright reject the severity of your impairment.
Don’t Let Them Redefine Your Occupation
Private disability insurers often try to redefine your occupation to avoid paying:
- They may argue your specialty is “general medicine” instead of “orthopedic surgery”
- They may suggest your policy only covers “any occupation”, not your own
- They may rely on internal doctors who never examine you
- They may ignore how your impairment affects surgical precision, timing, or safety
We don’t let them get away with it.
How Dabdoub Law Firm Helps Surgeons Win IDI Claims
We focus exclusively on disability insurance claims — and we know the difference between an unfair denial and a truly valid one. For surgeons, the difference is often a matter of safety, judgment, and the demands of a specialty that cannot be replaced.
When we take on a surgeon’s case, we:
- Review your IDI policy’s language (especially own-occupation clauses)
- Collect and present detailed medical evidence
- Work with vocational and medical experts who understand your role
- Build a case for appeal or litigation
- Hold insurers accountable in federal court if needed
Why Surgeons Trust Dabdoub Law Firm
Our firm is built for high-stakes cases like yours.
- Nationwide Representation – We handle disability claims in all 50 states
- We’ve Taken On Every Major Insurance Company – Including Principal, The Standard, Guardian, Unum, MassMutual, and others
- Proven Success in Federal Court – We’ve won major rulings in complex IDI and ERISA cases
- Litigation Powerhouse for Physician Claims – Especially for surgeons and procedural specialists
- No Legal Fees Unless You Get Paid – You owe us nothing unless we win your case
If You Can’t Operate, You Can’t Work as a Surgeon. Period.
The reality is simple: if you can’t safely perform surgery, you are disabled under most IDI policies. When insurance companies ignore this, we step in.
Whether your claim was denied, benefits were cut off, or your condition is being unfairly reviewed, Dabdoub Law Firm can help you take the right next step.
Talk to a Surgeon Disability Lawyer Today
You’ve spent years training to save lives in the operating room. Don’t let an insurance company try to rewrite the definition of your job—or deny you the protection you paid for.
Contact Dabdoub Law Firm today to speak with a lawyer who understands the reality of surgical practice and the complexity of IDI denials.