Business Details
21 Years
experience
Trusted Disability & Life Insurance Attorneys in Denver
At McDermott Law, we specialize in representing individuals facing denied disability insurance claims, life insurance denials, and complex insurance disputes governed by ERISA and Colorado PERA regulations. With decades of combined experience, our attorneys have successfully navigated thousands of cases, developing an unparalleled understanding of insurance company tactics and how to counter them effectively. Our practice focuses on securing the benefits our clients need and deserve, whether through negotiation, appeals, or litigation.We pride ourselves on personalized representation, leveraging our deep expertise in disability law, life insurance policies, and long-term care claims to advocate for our clients' rights. Our team's commitment to excellence is reflected in our track record of successful outcomes and the trust we've built with clients across Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region.
Services
Disability Claims
Life Insurance Denials
ERISA Appeals
PERA Disability Cases
Insurance Bad Faith
Long-Term Care Claims
Accidental Death Claims
Personal Injury
Doctor Disability
Dentist Disability
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of experience handling Colorado disability insurance claims.
- Our firm manages thousands of ERISA and PERA disability cases annually.
- We guarantee personalized representation from seasoned insurance litigation attorneys.
- Our team has recovered millions in denied benefits for clients statewide.
- We offer free initial consultations for denied insurance claims.
What people say
Deep knowledge of ERISA
Highly recommend
Won on first appeal
Compassionate guidance
Prompt favorable outcome
Services
Disability Claims
Our disability insurance attorneys specialize in helping clients secure short-term and long-term disability benefits. We handle ERISA-governed claims and Colorado PERA disability programs, challenging insurance company denials through appeals and litigation. With decades of experience, we understand the complex requirements for proving disability and work tirelessly to document clients' eligibility. Our team represents professionals across industries, including doctors, dentists, and executives, ensuring they receive rightful income replacement benefits.
Life Insurance Denials
We represent beneficiaries in contested life insurance claims, challenging improper denials based on policy exclusions or misrepresentations. Our attorneys thoroughly investigate claim denials, including suicide clause disputes and intoxication-related exclusions. We handle both group and individual policy disputes, ensuring beneficiaries receive rightful proceeds. With extensive experience in insurance bad faith litigation, we pursue maximum compensation for denied death benefits across Colorado and surrounding states.
ERISA Claims
Our ERISA specialists handle complex employee benefit claims governed by federal law. We manage appeals for denied disability, life, and long-term care insurance through employer-sponsored plans. Our team understands the strict procedural requirements and statute of limitations for ERISA cases. We represent clients in administrative appeals and federal litigation, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements while maximizing recovery potential for our clients.
PERA Disability
We specialize in Colorado Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) disability claims for government workers. Our attorneys navigate the specific requirements for PERA disability pensions and retirement benefits. We represent clients through the application process, appeals, and hearings, ensuring proper documentation of medical conditions. With deep knowledge of state-specific regulations, we help public employees secure critical disability benefits they've earned through their service.
Insurance Bad Faith
Our firm pursues bad faith claims against insurance companies that wrongfully deny valid benefits. We handle cases involving disability, life, and long-term care insurance policies, seeking punitive damages and attorney fees where applicable. Under Colorado law, we demonstrate insurers' failure to properly investigate claims or unreasonable denial patterns. Our litigation strategy focuses on holding insurance companies accountable for their contractual obligations and fiduciary responsibilities.
People
Shawn E. McDermott
Founding Attorney/Manager
Shawn E. McDermott has over 20 years of experience handling complex insurance claims, specializing in disability and life insurance litigation. He has successfully represented thousands of clients in ERISA and PERA disability cases, developing a reputation for challenging major insurance companies. His leadership guides the firm's strategic approach to insurance disputes.
Mary Susan L. Kern
Senior Associate Attorney
Mary Susan L. Kern focuses on life insurance denials and ERISA claims, with particular expertise in complex policy interpretation. She has secured favorable outcomes for clients in high-stakes insurance disputes, demonstrating exceptional attention to detail in case preparation. Her compassionate approach balances legal rigor with client support during difficult times.
Benjamin Dowling
Associate Attorney
Benjamin Dowling specializes in disability insurance claims, particularly for medical professionals and executives. He brings technical expertise to evaluating policy language and medical documentation requirements. His practice emphasizes strategic case development to maximize recovery for clients facing income loss due to disabling conditions.
Lisa Kantor
Office Manager/Senior Paralegal
Lisa Kantor oversees case management and client coordination, ensuring smooth case progression through all stages. With extensive experience in insurance claim documentation, she provides critical support in organizing medical records and policy details. Her organizational skills help maintain the firm's high standards for client communication and case preparation.
Jacob Morris
Receptionist/Legal Assistant
Jacob Morris serves as the firm's first point of contact, providing initial case assessments and scheduling consultations. He assists with document preparation and client intake processes, ensuring efficient case initiation. His customer service orientation helps create positive client experiences from the first interaction.
Questions
What should I do if my disability insurance claim was denied?
Contact McDermott Law immediately for a free case evaluation. We'll review your denial letter, policy details, and medical documentation to develop an appeal strategy tailored to your specific situation.
How long do I have to appeal an ERISA claim denial?
ERISA regulations typically allow 180 days from the denial date to submit an appeal. Our attorneys ensure timely filing while preparing comprehensive documentation to strengthen your case.
Can I qualify for both Social Security Disability and private insurance benefits?
Yes, qualifying for one doesn't guarantee the other. We help clients navigate both systems, ensuring private insurance claims aren't weakened by Social Security determinations or vice versa.
What makes PERA disability claims different from regular disability insurance?
PERA claims involve specific state regulations and documentation requirements for Colorado public employees. Our attorneys specialize in these unique procedures to maximize benefits for government workers.
How do you handle life insurance denials related to suicide clauses?
We challenge improper denials by examining medical records and policy language. Colorado law limits suicide exclusions to one year, and we prove when deaths fall outside these provisions.
What's the cost of hiring your firm for an insurance dispute?
We offer free initial consultations and work on contingency in many cases. Our fees are transparent from the start, with no hidden costs or unexpected charges during your representation.
