Northwestern Mutual Life Disability Attorney

Has Northwestern Mutual Delayed or Denied Your Disability Insurance Claim?

With more than $802 million in profits during 2013, Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co. ranks 110 on the Fortune 500 list. Despite Northwestern Mutual’s financial health, people with legitimate short- or long-term disability claims often receive a denial letter when they attempt to collect on their insurance policy. It seems that Northwestern claims examiners simply have too high a standard for determining what counts as a disability under its own policies. If you feel you are being taken advantage of, contact our Northwestern Mutual Life Disability Attorney.

At DarrasLaw, our team of nationally-rated disability attorneys reviews thousands of disability policies each month. We know what a disability carrier is looking for to deny your claim and we know what they need to see to approve your claim. If you are having trouble securing disability benefits from Northwestern Mutual, contact our law firm today for assistance. We can be reached online or by phone at 800-898-7299 for a free consultation.

Getting Northwestern The Information Needed To Approve Your Claim For Benefits

Northwestern Mutual provides both group and individual disability benefits. Their claims examiners will review your medical records often with the assistance of a doctor or nurse paid by Northwestern to determine your eligibility for benefits.

Unfortunately, your doctor’s notes from your visits may not include enough information for these examinations to reveal that you are totally or partially disabled or they may include one or two phrases that Northwestern will hold onto to deny your valid claim for benefits. A top disability insurance attorney can help you prepare your initial claim for benefits as well as fight a denial of benefits by ensuring that your records accurately reflect your disability.

In addition, a Northwestern Mutual Life Disability Attorney can help you if Northwestern:

• Evaluated whether you are disabled under an “own occupation” policy or “any occupation” policy based on an incorrect job description
• Interpreted your “own occupation” policy as an “any occupation” policy instead
• Failed to consider the specific requirements of your occupation in determining whether you are disabled, rather than the general duties of someone in your profession
• Refused to fully evaluate all available medical evidence to determine your eligibility for benefits
• Unreasonably denied or delayed your individual or group disability benefits
• Underpaid your valid claim for disability benefits
• Violated your rights and applicable insurance regulations under ERISA

If you are required to attend an Independent Medical Exam (IME) or Functional Capacity Exam (FCE) as part of the process of approving your valid claim for disability benefits, you should talk to a disability attorney first. The doctor chosen by Northwestern may not be an appropriate specialist for your disability and the actions taken during your exam may also result in further injury. Let us help you.

How Northwestern Mutual Reviews Claims

Northwestern Mutual typically evaluates claims using a combination of:

• Internal claims examiners
• Medical consultants hired by the insurer
• Vocational experts reviewing job classifications
• Policy interpretation teams

They often compare your treating physician’s records against internal medical opinions, which can result in conflicting conclusions.

What Happens After a Denial Is Upheld

If the appeal is denied, the next step may be litigation in federal court.

During litigation:

• The case is reviewed based on the administrative record
• Both sides present legal arguments
• Discovery may be limited in ERISA cases
• Many cases resolve through settlement before trial

Courts have overturned Northwestern Mutual denials where vocational or medical interpretations were found unreasonable.

Meet Our Disability Attorneys

Frank N. Darras, Founding Partner
Experience: For more than 30 years, Frank N. Darras has focused exclusively on long-term disability and insurance litigation, including high-stakes disputes against Unum.
Track Record: He and his firm have recovered nearly $1 billion in wrongfully delayed and denied insurance benefits for policyholders nationwide.
Recognition: Named to Lawdragon’s Top 500 Lawyers in America for 18 consecutive years and listed in Best Lawyers in America since 2006, Mr. Darras is widely regarded as a leading authority on ERISA and disability insurance law.

Susan B. Grabarsky, Senior Trial Attorney
Experience: Ms. Grabarsky represents both individual policyholders and employee groups in complex disability disputes. Her prior experience as an insurance cost-containment analyst provides unique insight into how carriers like Unum evaluate and deny claims.
Approach: She leverages her understanding of insurer review tactics to strategically challenge denials and push for full payment of valid benefits.
Reputation: Known for meticulous preparation and assertive advocacy, she has built a strong record confronting unfair disability practices.

Heather Gardner, Senior Associate
Experience: Heather Gardner concentrates on ERISA-governed and individual disability appeals involving Unum and other national carriers.
Role in Litigation: Working closely with Frank Darras, she helps develop comprehensive administrative records and appellate strategies designed to withstand federal court scrutiny.
Professional Strength: She is respected for her precision in analyzing policy language and dismantling complex denial rationales.

Phillip S. Bather, Associate Attorney
Experience: Phillip S. Bather focuses on ERISA litigation and insurance bad-faith disputes, assisting clients through intake, claim development, and administrative appeals.
Case Strategy: He works to assemble compelling evidentiary records aimed at reversing unjust denials and positioning cases for successful litigation when necessary.
Client Commitment: Recognized for his responsiveness and detail-oriented advocacy, he supports claimants facing aggressive insurer resistance.

Trusted Legal Credentials

• AV Preeminent® Rating – Martindale-Hubbell
• Best Lawyers in America – Disability Law
• Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Lawyers

These distinctions reflect decades of focused experience, ethical representation, and consistent results in complex disability insurance litigation.

Call A Northwestern Mutual Life Disability Attorney Today

If you are experiencing unreasonable delays or have had your claim for benefits denied by Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, contact DarrasLaw today. We understand that a disability affects your income from the day it happens; if you run your own business or your own practice as an attorney or doctor, a delay in receiving disability insurance benefits may mean no income at all.

Call 800-898-7299 today for immediate assistance with your Northwestern disability benefits claim or contact our law office online. We also offer free policy analysis.

Disclaimer: Case results, outcomes, and testimonials are not guarantees of future success. Every claim is unique. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your circumstances, contact one of our attorneys directly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)