Autoimmune diseases are a complex group of conditions characterized by an abnormal immune response, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells and tissues. There are numerous autoimmune diseases, each with its own unique set of symptoms and effects. These conditions can significantly impact an individual’s ability to maintain full-time employment due to the chronic nature of the diseases and their wide-ranging effects on physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system, which is designed to protect the body from harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses, becomes overactive and targets healthy cells and tissues. The exact cause of autoimmune diseases is not fully understood, but factors such as genetics, environmental triggers, and hormonal imbalances may contribute to their development.
Insurers and courts focus on the symptoms of a disability rather than the diagnosis when determining if a claimant is disabled. At least, they are supposed to look at symptoms. All too often, when faced with a little-understood diagnosis like most autoimmune diseases, insurers take the opportunity to deny the claim due to the diagnosis rather than the symptoms. Courts do not support this approach.
With autoimmune diseases, insurers may be more likely to question the diagnosis itself. But even if the diagnosis isn’t clear or well known, if you can demonstrate disabling symptoms, the diagnosis itself should not be a reason to deny the claim. Just like any other claim, an insured with an autoimmune disease must be able to demonstrate evidence of why the disease’s symptoms restrict and limit abilities to the point where the insured can’t work. Any available testing is important to obtain, as are all objective, observable evidence of your doctors and peers. Keep a symptom journal. Let the insurer know what is happening on a given day and how it affects your physical and cognitive abilities.
Our attorneys have decades of experience with insurance litigation and an unparalleled track record of success.
Your trust is important to us. From our first consultation through litigation, we will be transparent with you, and we will hear you every step of the way.
We are one of the rare firms that can provide first-hand knowledge of how your insurer thinks and reacts, and has consistently prevailed in some of the most complex and high value insurance disputes seen in ERISA and non-ERISA litigation.
Our attorneys trained at some of the most aggressive large law firms in the world. Though we believe there are usually better ways to litigate and resolve disputes, our opposition does not always agree. When necessary, we are masters of unrelenting, tenacious litigation. When you hire us, you turn the insurer’s previous weapon against it.
We do this work because we want to be here, for you. We understand what you have been through, and that everyone has times where they need support. One of the strongest steps for yourself and your family is to ask us for help. Together, we’ve got this.
Helping clients in California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, and Arizona.