Professional Principal Financial Group Disability Lawyer Serving Claimants Across the US
Principal Denial
Principal Appeals
Principal Lawsuit
By Frank N. Darras > Founding Partner, DarrasLaw | Nationally Recognized Disability Advocate > Last Updated: May 2026
With over 30 years of experience and nearly $1 billion recovered for the disabled, Frank Darras leads the nation’s top litigation firm in holding companies like Principal Financial Group accountable. This guide is based on decades of direct experience fighting Principal’s specific denial tactics.
Securing your disability benefits should be simple if you have a disabling condition. That’s regrettably not always the case. The process for filing a disability claim with the Principal Financial Group can be difficult and confusing, as it is with many other insurers. In response, we are here. Our hardworking group of disability attorneys has a wealth of knowledge navigating the complex world of disability claims, particularly with the Principal Financial Group. Our Principal Financial Group Disability Lawyer is here to help you at every stage of the process, from comprehending your policy to defending your entitlement to just compensation.
Understanding Principal Financial Group Disability Insurance
With millions of people across the country, The Principal Financial Group is one of the top providers of disability insurance. If a disability prevents you from working, they provide both short-term and long-term disability insurance plans that are intended to replace a portion of your income. Although these policies can offer essential financial assistance in trying times, it can be challenging to comprehend their intricate details and the claims procedure.
Our lawyers are well-versed in the policies offered by the Principal Financial Group. We can help you understand the specific terms, conditions, and exclusions in your policy, and guide you through the process of filing a claim. Knowing what to expect and what’s expected of you can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.
Common Issues with Principal Financial Group Disability Claims
When submitting a disability claim with the Principal Financial Group, there may still be obstacles, even with a thorough understanding of your policy. Claimants frequently run into difficulties like unexpected claim denials, arbitrary processing delays, or disagreements over the policy’s definition of disability.
A typical problem for claimants, for instance, is having their claim rejected because their disability does not fit the policy’s definition of disability. Alternatively, the insurer might contend that the claimant is not entitled to benefits because they can still perform their current job or any other job. Other claimants might discover that their claims are delayed as a result of numerous requests for medical documentation or reviews of their cases.
Navigating these common issues can be stressful and confusing, but you don’t have to face them alone. Our experienced disability lawyers are familiar with these tactics and know how to respond effectively to protect your rights and secure your benefits.
How Principal Financial Group Evaluates Your Claim
Principal is a massive insurer, and they use a specific set of tools to minimize their financial exposure. If you are filing a claim or facing a denial, you are likely up against these common tactics:
- The “Paper-Only” Review: Principal often hires third-party doctors who never meet you. They simply review your medical records and claim there is “insufficient objective evidence” to support your disability.
- Vocational Misclassification: We frequently see Principal claim that a policyholder can perform their job by “simplifying” their actual duties, ignoring the high-stress or physical requirements that truly exist.
- The 24-Month Pivot: Many Principal policies change the definition of disability after two years—from being unable to perform “your own occupation” to “any occupation.” They often use this transition as an excuse to terminate benefits, even if your health hasn’t improved.
Your Rights: Is Your Policy ERISA or Individual?
The strategy we use to win your case depends heavily on the type of policy you have with Principal.
Principal Group Disability (ERISA)
If your insurance is through your employer, it is likely governed by ERISA (the Employee Retirement Income Security Act). This federal law is notoriously pro-insurer. There are strict 180-day deadlines for appeals, and if you miss them—or fail to “exhaust” your administrative remedies—you may lose your right to sue forever.
Principal Individual Disability Insurance (IDI)
If you purchased your policy directly or are a high-net-worth professional (like a physician or executive), you likely have an individual policy. These offer stronger protections and allow us to hold Principal accountable in state court for insurance bad faith, potentially seeking damages beyond just your monthly benefits.
How We Can Help
Facing a disability can be one of life’s most challenging experiences, and dealing with insurance claims during such a time can add an extra layer of stress and complexity. Our firm is here to ease that burden and guide you through each step of the process with Principal Financial Group.
Our services include, but are not limited to:
- Policy Analysis: We thoroughly review your disability policy to ensure you understand the terms, benefits, limitations, and exclusions. This analysis helps set the groundwork for a strong claim.
- Claim Preparation: We assist you in preparing your disability claim, ensuring that it’s complete and compelling, with substantial medical and occupational evidence to support your case.
- Claim Appeals: If your claim has been denied, we can help you understand the reasons behind the denial and prepare a robust appeal. Our attorneys are skilled in gathering necessary additional evidence, coordinating with medical professionals, and crafting a persuasive appeal letter.
- Litigation: If all else fails, we are prepared to take your case to court. Our experienced disability lawyers are ready to fight for your rights and secure the benefits you deserve.
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.
Contact our Principal Financial Group Disability Lawyer
When faced with disability, it’s important to have an experienced team on your side, and our Principal Financial Group disability lawyer has the necessary expertise. These professionals are dedicated to making sure that clients receive the benefits they are due because they have a thorough understanding of the difficulties associated with disability claims. They carefully maneuver the process, challenge claim denials, and ensure legal fairness. Their understanding of the policies and practices of Principal Financial Group enables them to secure the best result for their clients.
In conclusion, if you are dealing with a disability and need to secure your benefits from Principal Financial Group, don’t face this challenge alone. Our team of dedicated disability lawyers is ready to fight for your rights, using their profound knowledge of disability laws and the specifics of Principal’s policies to your advantage. With our lawyers by your side, you can focus on your health and well-being, confident that your claim is in the most capable hands. We are committed to advocating for you every step of the way, ensuring you receive the maximum benefits you’re entitled to.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why did Principal deny my claim if my own doctor says I am disabled?
Principal frequently employs "peer-review" doctors—medical professionals paid by the insurance company who never actually examine you. They often argue that your medical records lack "objective evidence" (like X-rays or blood tests). We counter this by building a "bridge" between your medical diagnosis and your functional limitations through specialized vocational and medical testing.
What is the "Any Occupation" transition in Principal policies?
Most Principal policies change the definition of disability after 24 months. For the first two years, you are covered if you cannot perform your own occupation. After that, Principal only pays if you cannot perform any occupation for which you are suited by education or experience. Principal often uses this transition point to "cut off" claimants, regardless of whether their health has improved.
Does Principal Financial Group use private investigators or surveillance?
Yes. It is standard practice for Principal to monitor a claimant's social media or hire investigators to film them in public. They look for any activity—like grocery shopping or driving—that they can use to contradict your claimed limitations. We advise all clients to assume they are being watched from the moment a claim is filed.
Can Principal force me to apply for Social Security Disability (SSDI)?
Most Principal policies contain an offset provision. This means they can require you to apply for SSDI so they can reduce their monthly payment to you by the amount the government pays. While this helps Principal’s bottom line, a successful SSDI award can sometimes be used as powerful evidence to support your private disability claim.
What is a Principal "Independent Medical Exam" (IME)?
Principal may require you to attend an "Independent" Medical Exam. In reality, these doctors are hired by the insurance company and often have a bias toward finding that you are fit for work. If Principal schedules an IME, it is a major red flag that they are looking for a reason to deny your benefits.
Can I sue Principal immediately after they stop my benefits?
If your policy is an ERISA (group) plan, the law requires you to "exhaust" your administrative remedies first. This means you must go through their internal appeal process before you are allowed to file a lawsuit in federal court. If you sue too early, your case will likely be dismissed.
Why is the "Administrative Record" so important in a Principal appeal?
In an ERISA case, the "Administrative Record" is the only evidence a judge will ever see. You cannot typically add new medical records or testimony once you reach the courtroom. This is why it is critical to have an attorney pack your appeal file with expert reports and vocational evidence before the final denial.
Does DarrasLaw handle Principal claims outside of California?
Yes. We are a national disability litigation firm. Because Principal is a massive company and disability law (especially ERISA) is often federal, we represent policyholders in all 50 states. We have the resources to take on billion-dollar insurers regardless of where you live.
How much does it cost to hire a lawyer for a Principal denial?
We work on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no upfront costs, no retainers, and no hourly bills. We only get paid if we win your case or reach a settlement. This levels the playing field, allowing you to have the nation's top disability firm fighting for you without financial risk.
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.
