Reviews

I was very pleased with the services provided by Attorney Stephen Jessup. My long term disability was cut off suddenly and I couldn’t have dealt with the insurance company on my own. The firm is extremely professional and I highly recommend them. I received a settlement that helped me to move forward with my life.

Cesar Gravida and his team provided excellent legal representation and they were always available to talk. Highly recommend!

Mr. Symonds and his assistant, Sonia, accomplished a disability settlement for me that no other Massachusetts legal specialists were willing to attempt. Cigna lied about not getting medical information for months until they said that my appeal period for my short-term disability had ended and that I was SOL. Jay Symonds was not able to get me that short-term disability, because Cigna had been successful with their scheme. To my great surprise, Jay was able to get me an unexpected long-term disability settlement, which was equal to the short-term disability benefits, plus some LTD benefits, which I was aiming to rightfully be awarded.

Sonia and Rachel have been a buoy in the rough waters of fighting the tactics of big insurance trying to bully disabled employees. As a NICU nurse who became disabled, Dell & Schaefer went above and beyond to help our family retain our disability in time of need, and nothing is more valuable than knowing that someone has your back. As anxiety producing as these experiences can be for people who can no longer perform their chosen careers, Rachel always set my mind at ease with her sharp wit and unflappable moxie and Sonia has guided me through the process with a calm assurance, respect and genuine kindness. Those things are priceless in this business and these guys have it in spades and I can't recommend them highly enough.

My disability claim had been dropped by Prudential because they said I was no longer disabled although I was on Social Security disability. I called Dell & Schaefer and talked with Alex Palamara which was the best decision I ever made. I thought I didn’t have a chance of winning the case but he told me that if he was in my position and even if there was only a 10% chance of winning, he would do it. We did it and we won my disability back. Vanessa is great also. Anytime I call and need to speak to Alex, he talks to me and If I have questions for Vanessa, I either email or call and get what I need right away. I would definitely recommend them if your disability claim has been denied.

DENIED STD & LTD In February 2017, I had an accident that caused me to be unable to work. I was employed with the largest teachers union in the United States at the time. I filed for Short-term disability (STD) through my employer sponsored program, operated by Cigna. I was approved for the STD. On May 5, 2017, when my STD was about to transition to Long-term disability (LTD), Cigna abruptly stopped my STD and closed my file. When I reached out to Cigna to inquire about my file, they said a letter will be coming in the mail. The letter didn’t come until May 27 and the reason for denial and closing my file was completely false. Cigna claimed that on April 27, my doctor said I was able to work. There were 2 problems with this: a) I never saw my doctor on April 27 and b) my doctor never sent them anything that was remotely close to what Cigna claimed. My doctor provided a letter for Cigna as well as for my employer. Cigna sent a response to my letter stating that they reviewed the letter and documentation and still made a decision to uphold their original denial. My employer treated me even worse (keep in mind this is the largest Teachers Union in the US). We have a union for employees and in the contract, employees are given up to 2 years Leave Without Pay (LWOP). Well, my LWOP request for the 2 years was denied and my union did not even file an appeal. The emails from my own Union was absolutely devastating. Can you believe that the President and Grievance Chair sent me an email telling me to apply for unemployment...well every reasonably knowledgable person knows that you have to be wiling and able to work when you apply for unemployment! I was disciplined for not being able to work and ultimately terminated on July 20, 2018 after 14 years with this Teachers Union. I couldn’t believe this was happening. The stress was overwhelming and even more debilitating. I researched with the help of family and no attorney that we spoke with fully understood what I was facing except for Dell & Schaefer attorney’s. I had a ton of questions and they patiently and thoroughly explained every step in the process. First of all, they are straight to the point and no BS. They never gave me false hope but given that the denial was based on false information, and having an independent doctor review my medical file, they felt pretty confident that they will get my denied case overturned and approved. They also explained (before I signed the contract) that any STD/LTD funds collected (present & future) will be subject to 33.33% fee. To me, this was minimal given the nightmare I was living. On November 2, 2018, Dell & Schaefer were able to get both my STD as well as my LTD denials overturned and I received funds dating back to the date of denial. My employment was also reinstated. Now, I don’t ever have to deal with Cigna again as they have to communicate directly with my attorney for as long as I’m receiving LTD. Knowing that I have Dell & Schaefer, helps give me peace of mind and I have absolutely no regrets nor complaints! Advice to anyone who has been denied Short-term disability or Long-term disability, don’t wait to act. ERISA Laws, which govern STD and LTD, are so complicated that you will not be able to fight these large company’s alone. ERISA is not state regulated so the only way to get through ERISA is to have your claim case go to the courts or have a knowledgable attorney work with the insurance company to get your denied claim overturned. Give Dell & Schaefer a call because time is of the essence!

My husband, Chauncey has been suffering from Migraines/with aura for an extended period of time... We've experienced turmoil & challenges with his long-term MetLife disability claim. However, Dell & Schafer, specifically Alex & Sonia significantly helped to reinstate his benefits!! They are professional, attentive, and extremely detailed with their approach to your disability claim... Thankfully moving forward we can meet our financial obligations, while Chauncey seeks further medical treatment.

Greg Dell and his team stepped in after a major disability insurance company denied my claim - I was suffering from a major organ failure. The insurance company claimed I was "fine" to return to work. Turns out, two years after my initial claim I needed a major organ transplant. Without Dell & Schaefer the insurance company would've denied my initial claim and I would've been without income pre and post transplant. These guys know the games/tactics the disability insurers use and are experts at defending your rights under your disability insurance plan.

It is a pleasure to recommend Mr. Steven Dell and the entire staff of his firm. I have never been so well-served by a member of the legal profession in my entire life. Not only was the result very positive but also the process was friendly, personal, individualized, professional and, to the extent possible, prompt. Calls were answered or returned quickly, the process was explained patiently and thoroughly at each step and expectations were outlined and exceeded. To anyone seeking legal assistance, with cases simple or complex, do yourself a huge favor and check out Mr. Dell and this firm. You will not be disappointed. I am happy to offer and provide this practice my very highest recommendation.

Hired them for my Guardian long term disability claim to fight an appeal for a denied policy after 2 years of receiving benefits. They won my claim quickly and Guardian has asked once for medical information in almost 3 years! Sure beats the every 3 months when I didn't have an attorney. Cost is a bit high considering when they have to get medical records it is an additional cost to the monthly fee taken out. However, not having the pain and suffering handling it on my own anymore is priceless. Attorney is to the point and direct making it easy to understand and Vanessa his assistant is the absolute best. Professional, kind, great follow up just the best!

Mr Symonds provided my husband with the knowledge he needed to pursue his disability claim. He was with him through the entire process. His team is quick to respond to any questions or needs that might arise.