Business Details
35 Years
experience
ERISA Disability Insurance Lawyers Fighting for Your Benefits
Since 1991, McDonald and McDonald has specialized in representing clients facing disability insurance and life insurance benefit denials under ERISA. Our firm focuses exclusively on navigating complex insurance claims, appeals, and litigation, combining decades of legal expertise with a client-centered approach. We operate on a contingency fee basis, ensuring clients pay only if we secure their benefits. Our team personally handles every case, collaborating with medical professionals to build compelling evidence-based arguments.With a proven track record in federal courts across multiple states, we provide strategic legal representation for individuals denied short-term disability, long-term disability, Social Security disability, or life insurance benefits. Our attorneys are members of prestigious legal organizations, including the National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives, and we serve clients nationwide while maintaining our Ohio headquarters.
Services
ERISA Claims
Life Insurance Denial
Long Term Disability
Short Term Disability
Social Security Appeals
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We operate on a strict contingency fee basis with no upfront costs
- Our attorneys have 30+ years of combined experience in ERISA litigation
- We handle appeals in 10 states including complex multi-jurisdictional cases
- Personalized case management with direct attorney-client communication
- Proven success in overturning denials from major insurers like UNUM and Prudential
What people say
Outstanding representation
Knowledgeable paralegals
Winning track record
Responsive communication
Achieved desired results
Services
ERISA Disability Claims
We specialize in ERISA-governed disability insurance claims, helping clients appeal denials of employer-provided benefits. Our attorneys analyze policy language, gather medical evidence, and build legal arguments to challenge insurers' decisions. With deep expertise in federal regulations, we represent clients in administrative appeals and federal court litigation.
Life Insurance Denial
Our firm handles life insurance benefit denials involving allegations of misrepresentation, beneficiary disputes, or policy lapses. We investigate claim histories, obtain supporting documentation, and negotiate with insurers to secure rightful payments for beneficiaries facing financial hardship due to coverage denials.
Long Term Disability
We represent clients denied long-term disability benefits from major insurers like UNUM and Prudential. Our process includes collecting updated medical records, securing physician testimony, and demonstrating inability to perform occupational duties through comprehensive case documentation.
Social Security Appeals
Our attorneys handle Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) denials by preparing reconsideration requests and administrative law judge hearings. We focus on presenting medical evidence that meets SSA's strict disability criteria while ensuring compliance with appeal deadlines and procedural requirements.
Short Term Disability
We assist clients with short-term disability claims wrongfully denied by insurers attempting to avoid payments. Our approach includes documenting medical limitations, challenging premature terminations, and ensuring proper transition to long-term disability claims when applicable.
People
Joseph P. McDonald
Attorney | President | Owner
With 30+ years of legal experience, Joe McDonald specializes in ERISA litigation and disability insurance appeals. A former Assistant City Attorney and personal injury attorney, he has successfully represented clients in complex insurance cases since 2004.
Christine M. McDonald
Attorney | Vice-President | Owner
Christy McDonald brings extensive litigation experience to disability insurance cases. Formerly a prosecutor and legal researcher, she focuses on developing strategic approaches to complex ERISA claims while maintaining active involvement in client education.
Questions
Can I win my ERISA disability appeal?
Yes, with proper legal representation. We build evidence-based cases to challenge insurers' decisions using medical documentation and federal regulations.
How much does it cost to hire your firm?
We work on a contingency fee basis - you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case. Initial consultations are free.
What happens if I miss the appeal deadline?
Missing deadlines can permanently bar legal action. We ensure all filings meet ERISA's strict timelines, typically 180 days for LTD appeals.
Do you handle cases outside Ohio?
Yes, we represent clients in 10 states including Illinois, New York, and Pennsylvania through our experience with federal ERISA regulations.
What's the difference between STD and LTD claims?
Short Term Disability covers 9-52 weeks, while Long Term Disability provides extended benefits after exhausting STD coverage. Both require different legal strategies.
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Reviews (7)
Mignon Mignon
Jan 03, 2022
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I don't know where to begin with this phenomenal law office. I was having some issues with my long term disability and needed to find an ERISA Attorney. At the time I didn't know what that was or where to begin. I found this office online read the reviews and I knew I wanted them to represent me. Attorney Joe McDonald and his staff explained the process and executed it. Every phone call was answered or returned, and emails were responded to in a timely matter, I never felt like I was a bother to this team. The ultimate goal was to get me reinstated or compensated for my case and they were successful
Deb L.
Oct 20, 2021
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I would highly recommend McDonald and McDonald to anyone! It was my husband who was applying for disability income. He received it on the first try so he did not need to go to court. My husband had several phone calls with Joe and his kindness, responsiveness and knowledge were extremely helpful during the days of waiting for the disability application to be approved. After reviewing my husbands MRI's, Joe was more concerned with his upper spine then his lower spine and Joe was right. Four doctors never saw what Joe did until my husband asked one of them, then after another MRI it was acknowledge
Stephen Lewis
Sep 14, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Truly an outstanding law firm. They are in tune with the clients need and very considerate when listening to their concerns. I don't regret calling them one bit. They won my case with Cigna and I am now back on claim. Thank you Joe and the staff.
Truly an outstanding law firm. They are in tune with the clients need and very considerate when listening to their concerns. I don't regret calling them one bit. They won my case with Cigna and I am now back on claim. Thank you Joe and the staff.
A. Smith
Jun 24, 2021
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Joe McDonald, my attorney and Katie Witzel, my paralegal, were both beyond amazing!! They went above and beyond for me and didn't stop until justice was served! I would absolutely recommend this legal firm to anyone who needs an amazing legal team! I will be forever grateful! A Smith
Gary E. Lovato
Mar 07, 2021
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Joe and Katy were fantastic. Joe explained all the details of how he would create the case, a probable time-line, and gave me legitimate expectations for what could go right or wrong. He was very responsive and frequently called with updates. He and his team are very professional and fantastic at what they do. I highly recommend them. They are a knowledgeable law firm that will do their best to achieve the best outcome for your case.
Mark Linn
Nov 30, 2020
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I was so fortunate to find Joe McDonald, from my very first consultation he shared his vast professional experience that gave me the confidence I made the right choice with McDonald & McDonald. Katie could not have been any better to communicate the updates and share information on the details of my case. They are an amazing team that delivers winning results, I could not have been more pleased with their services.
Walter Camden Jr
Sep 14, 2020
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Positive:Professionalism,Responsiveness
Katie and Joe kept me in the loop the entire process. They kept me informed of everything that was possible and what they would do next if this scenario happened. I couldnt have been happier with their service and communication.
Katie and Joe kept me in the loop the entire process. They kept me informed of everything that was possible and what they would do next if this scenario happened. I couldnt have been happier with their service and communication.
