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Physicians and IDI Denials: What to Do When Your Private Disability Insurance Claim Is Denied

Physicians and IDI Denials: What to Do When Your Private Disability Insurance Claim Is Denied

As a physician, you’ve spent years building your career, investing in education, and relying on your health and skill to serve patients. That’s why you took the extra step to purchase Individual Disability Insurance (IDI) — to protect your income if a serious illness or injury ever took you out of practice.

But now, despite a legitimate medical condition, your IDI claim has been denied. The insurance company is minimizing your diagnosis, disputing your limitations, or wrongfully asserting that you can still perform your job.

This is exactly where Dabdoub Law Firm can help.

We Focus on Doctors with Denied Disability Insurance Claims

We’ve represented physicians across the country — from surgeons and anesthesiologists to OB/GYNs and radiologists — in high-stakes disability disputes. Unlike group LTD policies, IDI policies are privately purchased, highly specific, and often include true own-occupation protection.

But that doesn’t stop insurance companies from denying claims or trying to rewrite the policy language.

Common reasons physicians are denied IDI benefits:

  • The insurer claims you can still work in your occupation despite your condition
     

  • Surveillance used to misrepresent your physical capabilities
     

  • Paper reviews by doctors who never examined you
     

  • The company claims you can work in a "modified" or “consultative” role
     

  • Mental health limitations are capped or disputed
     

  • The insurer misapplies the own-occupation definition
     

  • Insurers argue your practice income wasn’t affected enough

We’ve seen every tactic, and we know how to counter them.

The Risks Are Higher for Physicians

A physician’s career isn’t just a job — it’s a vocation that requires precision, stamina, cognitive sharpness, and the ability to manage high-risk scenarios under pressure. Even a mild impairment can prevent you from safely performing in your specialty.

This is particularly true for:

  • Surgeons who develop tremors or orthopedic injuries
     

  • Anesthesiologists managing complex medication delivery and monitoring
     

  • Emergency physicians with cognitive or neurologic impairments
     

  • OB/GYNs facing stamina and procedural limitations
     

  • Radiologists or internists who cannot maintain focus or visual accuracy

Yet, many insurers try to generalize your job — or argue you can do a watered-down version of it — in order to avoid paying benefits.

You Paid for This Protection. We’ll Make Sure You Get It.

Individual disability policies are often designed with strong own-occupation definitions — meaning the insurer must prove you can perform the material duties of your specific medical specialty, not just “some” job in healthcare.

But they don’t always play fair. That’s why physicians turn to Dabdoub Law Firm.

Why Physicians Nationwide Choose Dabdoub Law Firm

Dabdoub Law Firm is one of the few firms in the country that focuses exclusively on disability insurance claims and litigation — including IDI policy denials for doctors.

We understand:

  • The complex language in private policies
     

  • How own-occupation definitions should protect your ability to do your specific job
     

  • How to leverage medical, vocational, and legal evidence to reverse a denial
     

  • What it takes to win in federal court — and we’ve done it, again and again

Our key differentiators:

  • Nationwide Representation – We help physicians in all 50 states
     

  • We’ve Taken On Every Major Insurance Company – Including Guardian, Unum, Principal, Northwestern Mutual, MassMutual, The Standard, and more
     

  • Proven Track Record in Federal Court – We win where others back down
     

  • Litigation Powerhouse for Complex Claims – Especially for physicians and surgeons
     

  • No Fees Unless You Get Paid – We only get paid if we win benefits for you
     

What to Do If Your Physician Disability Claim Was Denied

If your IDI claim has been denied or your benefits have been wrongfully terminated, do not wait to take action. Every day without benefits is lost income — and insurers know delay is in their favor.

Dabdoub Law Firm is ready to:

  • Review your denial letter
     

  • Analyze your IDI policy
     

  • Identify errors or bad-faith tactics
     

  • Build a strategic appeal or lawsuit to win what you’re owed

Talk to a Disability Lawyer for Physicians Today

Your disability insurance policy was designed to protect your livelihood. If your insurance company is standing in the way, we’re prepared to hold them accountable — and fight until you get the full benefits you deserve.

Call Dabdoub Law Firm today to speak with a disability attorney who has helped physicians nationwide win complex IDI claims.