A emergency physician recently came to Dabdoub Law Firm for help securing total disability insurance policy benefits from the Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian). He was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis and palmar/plantar dyshidrotic eczema, which seemed to be exacerbated whenever he had to wear protective gloves and footwear in the course of his employment. When his workplace was unable to accommodate him, he had to stop working. That’s when he turned to our law firm, and when we were able to get him the benefits he required.
What to Know About This Case:
- An emergency physician developed psoriatic arthritis and severe eczema that made practicing emergency medicine impossible.
- Guardian Life Insurance approved his individual disability insurance claim after Dabdoub Law Firm became involved.
- His employer was unable to accommodate his requests, such as being excused from wearing gloves and footwear throughout the workday.
- He needed to retire because he could not be accommodated, nor could he continue working with such painful health conditions.
- Dabdoub Law Firm helps physicians nationwide file and appeal disability insurance claims.
When a Medical Condition Ends a Medical Career
Emergency physicians spend long shifts on their feet while wearing gloves and protective footwear for nearly every patient interaction. For our client, those basic job requirements became impossible after he developed psoriatic arthritis and palmar and plantar dyshidrotic eczema.
His autoimmune condition caused painful inflammation in his joints along with severe blistering and irritation on his hands and feet. Wearing latex gloves and enclosed shoes aggravated his symptoms, making routine patient care increasingly painful.
Like many physicians, he tried to continue practicing medicine. He explored workplace accommodations that would reduce the need for gloves and prolonged standing, but none were available. Without a reasonable accommodation, he had no choice but to leave the career he had spent decades building.
Filing a Guardian Disability Insurance Claim
Fortunately, our client had purchased an individual disability insurance policy through Guardian Life Insurance Company.
He turned toDabdoub Law Firm for help navigating the disability claim process.
After reviewing his medical records, occupation, and policy language, our team submitted a comprehensive disability claim demonstrating that his conditions prevented him from performing the substantial duties of an emergency physician.
For physicians, disability is not simply about having a diagnosis. The question is whether they can safely perform the important duties of their medical specialty. In this case, the answer was clear.
Guardian Approves Disability Benefits
Guardian approved our client's total disability insurance claim.
The company issued an initial disability payment covering benefits owed under the policy and also approved the policy's Wavier of Premium benefit, allowing his coverage to remain in force while he received monthly disability insurance benefits.
Most importantly, we were able to get the claim approved without litigation, allowing our client to focus on managing his health rather than fighting with the insurance company in court.
Why Physicians Often Face Disability Insurance Challenges
Disability insurance claims for physicians are rarely simple.
Many doctors have own occupation disability insurance because their specialty requires unique physical and cognitive abilities. A physician may still be capable of practicing medicine in some capacity while remaining totally disabled from performing the duties of their specialty.
Conditions such as:
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Chronic eczema
- Autoimmune disorders
- Chronic pain
can all prevent physicians from safely practicing medicine, even when they appear healthy to others.
How Dabdoub Law Firm Helps Physicians Nationwide
Dabdoub Law Firm focuses exclusively on disability insurance and life insurance claims.
We represent physicians and other high-income professionals across the country, handling:
- Individual disability insurance claims
- Long-term disability claims
- Disability insurance denials
- Disability insurance appeals
- Disability insurance litigation
Our firm has taken on every major disability insurance company and has a proven track record of helping professionals secure the benefits they deserve.
Need Help with a Guardian Disability Insurance Claim?
If your disability insurance claim has been denied, delayed, or you need help filing a claim, Dabdoub Law Firm can help.
We represent clients nationwide and charge no attorney's fees unless we recover benefits for you.
Call (800) 969-0488 or contact us online to speak with an experienced disability insurance attorney. Pay no fees or costs until we win.