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November 18, 2021 in Bad Faith Insurance

Bad Faith Tactics Of Disability Insurance Companies

An unexpected illness or injury can befall anyone. Whether you are a physician, osteopath, attorney, architect, scientist, accountant, a manager, supervisor or other employee of a city, county or state, a construction worker, restaurant manager, hotel clerk or you pursue any other type of occupation, you may one day find yourself to be disabled. Your […]

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May 17, 2019 in Uncategorized

The “De Novo” Standard Of Review In An Erisa Case

When reviewed by the District Court, the ERISA disability denial is often — but not always — subject to the “de novo” standard of review rather than the “discretionary” standard of review. Under the “discretionary” standard of review (also known as the “abuse of discretion” standard of review, the District Court must defer to the […]

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May 17, 2019 in Uncategorized

Insurance Claim Denial Based Solely On “Self-reports”

An insurance company will often deny a claim for total disability on the ground that is based solely on the claimant’s “self-reports.”  The insurance company is especially likely to assert this “self-report” defense where the claimant suffers from a condition like chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia that rarely, if ever, produces any “objective findings” on […]

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September 04, 2018 in Bad Faith Insurance

The Collateral Source Rule

If you have suffered personal injuries due to the negligence of another party, such as in an auto accident or in some other circumstance, and you have medical insurance that has paid some or all of your resulting medical expenses on your behalf, the wrong doer cannot claim that such medical insurance payments should reduce […]

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July 25, 2017 in Bad Faith Insurance

Courts Accept That “objective Evidence” Is Not Required To Prove Disability Due To Fibromyalgia

Many insurance companies insist that a person suffering from fibromyalgia must provide “objective evidence” of disability in order to qualify for disability benefits.  A number of federal decisions, however, make very clear that a person seeking disability benefits for fibromyalgia need not establish “objective evidence” of disability. In Hawkins v. First Union Corp. Long-Term Disability Plan, […]

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July 06, 2017 in Bad Faith Insurance

Insurance Can’t Add New Defenses In Litigation

When an insurance company denies a claim, it will purport to state the reasons on which it bases its denial.  The insurance company’s reasons are all too often no more than a pretext for denying a claim it knows it should pay.  If the case proceeds to litigation, the insurance company will then assert any […]

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June 13, 2017 in Bad Faith Insurance

Insurer Mention Of Contrary Evidence Not Consideration

When an insurance company denies a claim, it will often summarize in its denial letter the evidence cited by the insured in support of the claim.  The insurance company will do so in order to attempt to create an appearance that it actually reviewed and considered in good faith the evidence contrary to its decision.  […]

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October 28, 2016 in Bad Faith Insurance

Your Attempt To Return To Work Does Not Bar A Finding Of Disability

California case law is clear that an insured’s attempt to return work may not bar a finding of disability.  The California courts have long recognized that people who are struggling with pain and other symptoms will nevertheless attempt to work.  In recognizing that people may continue perform job duties that endanger their health, courts have […]

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Meet Bennett M. Cohen

San Francisco Personal Injury Attorney

Bennett M. Cohen brings over 30 years of litigation experience which includes representing plaintiffs against massive companies like the Shell Oil Company, Standard Insurance Company, and Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. Bennett M. Cohen brings an experienced and dynamic touch that separates himself from large law firms. He can oversee every aspect of your case, ensuring you receive specialized assistance.

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Meet Bennett M. Cohen

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