Austin Long-Term Disability Lawyer for LTD Appeals
512-454-4000Austin Long Term Disability Lawyers
dedicated to helping you obtain private Long-Term Disability Benefits.
Over 100 years combined experience helping the disabled.
We have the knowledge and proven track record to help you win your LTD claim.
Updated: 2/27/2026
FREE Long Term Disability Consultation
What if my LTD claim has been denied?
Have you carried long-term disability insurance for years, yet when you suddenly became disabled and filed a claim, your insurance carrier denied coverage?
You are not alone. Unfortunately, insurance carriers commonly deny valid disability benefits either when claims are initially filed or after one or two years, maintaining that the insured’s condition has improved or they no longer qualify under the company’s definition of disability. If your long-term disability claim has been denied, it’s important not to give up – you may still qualify for benefits.
We only do Disability Claims
Bemis, Roach & Reed is THE Disability Law Firm of Texas
With over 100 years combined experience, the attorneys at Bemis, Roach & Reed have been serving clients since 1993. We are located in Austin but serve those with disabilities throughout Texas. Our large staff is trained exclusively in disability law, making our firm uniquely qualified to handle your claim.
We have successfully handled cases against almost all major insurance carriers including Aetna, Cigna, Unum, Hartford, MetLife, Prudential, Standard, Connecticut General Life, Life Insurance Co. of N.A., Lincoln Financial, Northwestern Mutual, Reliance, Assurant, CNA, Fortis, Liberty Mutual, Paul Revere and many others.
Why are LTD claims so difficult?
Unfortunately, filing an LTD claim can be a difficult process. If an LTD plan is provided by an employer or purchased through an employer-sponsored group plan, it is governed by ERISA (The Employee Retirement Income Security Act), a federal law that sets minimum standards for privately-established retirement and health plans. Even though ERISA was enacted to protect employees, ERISA’s complex rules and regulations often protect insurance providers more than the insured. As a result, many law firms will not accept ERISA cases, and a claimant without experienced legal representation who is forced to go it alone against the resources of a large insurance company will likely lose their case. For more information regarding ERISA, please click on our ERISA page.
We will be there for you
If you have been denied long term disability benefits, Bemis, Roach & Reed offers a free absolutely no obligation consultation to determine if we can assist you in obtaining or reinstating those benefits.
Please feel free to call with any questions, our staff love to help people and truly understand how difficult being disabled can be. If we cannot help you, we will try to find the best solution for your particular situation.
SSDI and long-term disability insurance differ in.
- How each defines “disability.”
- Eligibility requirements.
- Plan options – you cannot customize SSDI, but you can choose levels of support in LTD plans. For example, some plans provide 60%, 70% or more of an individual’s pre-disability wages.
- How denials and appeals are handled.
If you hire Bemis, Roach & Reed will review your case carefully and determine the best way to proceed.
Our attorneys and staff will help you gather all necessary medical records and documentation to prove your case and make sure all deadlines are met. We will communicate with you each step along the way, from initial filing of your claim through the entire appeal process. We work diligently for our clients so they get the maximum possible benefit and will take your claim all the way to the United States Circuit Court if necessary.
Don’t give up, believe in your claim.
If you have been denied you may still qualify for Long-Term Disability benefits. Most applicants are initially denied.
Contact an experienced Long-Term disability law firm at
512-454-4000
and get help today.
Don’t delay, there are deadlines you must meet.
Bemis, Roach & Reed is fortunate to have Lonnie Roach as a founding partner of the firm.
He is the firm’s primary appellate lawyer and has become a recognized leader in the field of ERISA, Long Term Disability.
He has successfully overturned denials of disability benefits at the administrative level, in United States District Court, and at the United States Court of Appeals. He is one of the most experienced ERISA litigators in the State of Texas and at any given time, Mr. Roach is likely to have cases pending in all four federal districts in Texas.
When disabled persons have to deal with big insurance companies to fight for their rights, they need to have a knowledgeable, experienced attorney in their corner.
Insurance companies fight hard to dispute claims and keep compensation low. They do all they can to minimize injuries, drag out cases, and delay compensation. Mr. Roach and the team of attorneys at the law office of Bemis, Roach & Reed are skilled in negotiating the maze of legalities and practical resistance disability claimants will face. We work to diminish the stress and upheaval injuries bring to your life, and to resolve your case with just compensation for now and in the future.
How did you build a successful practice?
“The single, most important trait to have is tenacity. The clients who hire me have had something taken from them. Sometimes it’s their income, when their disability benefits have been denied, other times it’s their medical care, and in some instances, it’s the life insurance benefits they thought they had to protect their family. The “takers” are usually powerful corporations that are not accustomed to having their decisions to deny challenged. When this happens, you must be willing to appeal. When the appeal is denied, you must be willing to take the case to court. If the court rules against you, you must be willing to take the case to an appellate court. In an ERISA practice, there’s rarely such a thing as a quick and easy resolution. A successful ERISA attorney must be tenacious and unwilling to give up.” – Lonnie Roach
Kind Words from Our Clients
“The attorneys and staff at Bemis, Roach & Reed have provided me and my husband, Jeff, with stellar advice, care, and service. They made navigating the SSDI process easy, painless, and as timely as possible. During this difficult time in our lives it was a tremendous relief to know they were on our side and keeping us updated on next steps and timelines. We also had questions about my husband’s long term disability insurance and they helped us get those questions answered and resolved without any additional fee. I highly recommend Bemis, Roach & Reed.”
“I needed a lawyer for my case and had googled best lawyers. They came up first on my list and decided to give them a call. From the moment I called I knew I chose the right people. They said they would fight for me and fight they did. They knew what they were doing and kept good communication throughout the process. If you need someone that will listen, understand, and fight then these are the people. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.”
“I’ve had a great experience working with Bemis, Roach & Reed for my disability case. I spent two years fighting on my own, with no clue the exact help I needed was a search away until I was informed to look for a disability lawyer. Right away, sending in questions was a breeze, and from the moment my case was accepted, everything became a major weight off my shoulders. My newest appeal was filed for me, my medical records and case history sorted for me, and I could finally focus on my appointments and treatment with a little less worry. Everything was explained to me in a way that made sense, the process was set out in an easy to understand way. And, just like that, my claim was accepted!”
Your Free Initial Consultation
Are you looking to hire a disability lawyer in Austin or elsewhere in Texas? Bemis, Roach and Reed is here to help.
We offer each of our prospective clients a free no obligation one hour phone or office consultation to see if we can help you and if you are comfortable with us. We know how difficult a time like this can be and how hard the decisions are. If we can be of assistance to you and help you find a solution to your issue we will even if that means referring you to another attorney.
Let’s get you Started:
Just give us a call today at:
512-454-4000
or you can email us at:
contact@brrlaw.com
If you could provide us with some basic information about your claim we will get right back with you with a free case evaluation and schedule your Free Consultation Today.
Long-Term Disability FAQS
What is long-term disability insurance?
You may think you are not at risk for a disabling illness or injury, but one in four 20-year-olds may become disabled before retirement. Long-term disability insurance is insurance that provides income to an employee who becomes unable to work for a long period of time due to an injury or illness. Some people can get by for a month or two without income, but an illness or injury that stretches out over a long period of time can devastate a person’s finances and ruin their ability to make a living. Long-term insurance provides an income for an employee who is unable to work because of a disabling illness or injury. Some of the events covered under long-term disability include cancer, accidental injuries, heart attacks, mental disorders and accidental injuries.
Why do Long Term Disability carriers require you to apply for SSDI? ->
Athletes and Sports Disability ->
Wrongful Denials of Life Insurance claims ->
Long-Term Disability Insurance – an Important Policy to Carry ->
How do you get LTD Insurance?
Long-term disability insurance is most often provided in a group plan by an employer or purchased by an employee through an employer. An LTD policy can also be purchased from an insurance carrier by an individual. LTD insurance does not cover work-related illnesses or injuries; those injuries and illnesses are covered by workers compensation insurance. The following are some of the most popular and best-known insurance companies that provide long-term disability insurance:
- Mutual of Omaha
- Liberty Mutual
- The Standard ->
- Unum ->
- Cigna ->
- Northwestern Mutual Life ->
- Aetna ->
- Guardian Life
- Prudential ->
- Principal Financial Group
- Lincoln Financial ->
- MetLife ->
What does an LTD attorney do?
Most LTD group insurance is governed by ERISA which has very specific procedures and time deadlines to follow when filing a claim. Experienced long-term disability attorneys know the rules and procedures set out by ERISA.
An experienced LTD lawyer will:
- Prepare a claim for filing.
- Make sure a claim file contains all relevant medical evidence.
- Work with medical providers to collect opinions to support your claim.
- Know the questions to ask and how to gather all the information needed, instead of relying on forms provided by the insurance company.
- Hire experts to testify regarding the requirements of your job and the overall labor market.
- Acts as your representative, interacting with the LTD carrier or plan administrator.
- Calendars deadlines and files claims and appeals in a timely manner.
- Conducts settlement negotiations and files a lawsuit if necessary.
Why should I hire Lonnie Roach?
In order to defend your claim against an LTD insurance company, you need an attorney experienced in long-term disability claims, especially those subject to ERISA. Disability cases involve volumes of medical records and require a person with the skill to interpret that information. When cases proceed to trial, a claimant needs the skills of an appellate attorney. Lonnie Roach is all these and more. Mr. Roach is a Board Certified Personal Injury lawyer and recognized as an authority in ERISA cases. Admitted to the United States District Courts for the Northern District of Texas, the Southern District of Texas, the Eastern District of Texas, and the Western District of Texas, as well as the United States Court of appeals for the Fifth Circuit, Mr. Roach has successfully overturned denials of disability benefits at trial in U.S. District Court and at the United States Court of Appeals. His published opinions have helped shape the law for long-term disability claims and have earned him a place as one of the top attorneys in ERISA law in the state of Texas. Because of his vast experience and knowledge of ERISA claims, other law firms frequently refer their clients to Mr. Roach. He has represented hundreds of clients in ERISA long term disability cases at the administrative, trial, and appellate levels. Lonnie Roach will consult with you as soon as soon as you become disabled and help you avoid common mistakes.
What is special about Bemis, Roach & Reed?
Bemis, Roach & Reed is a law firm that focuses strictly on representing clients in disability benefits claims, including long-term disability insurance and Social Security Disability Income. While some other firms who specialize in another area of law may represent clients in disability claims as a “sideline,” Bemis, Roach & Reed handles only disability benefits cases. Our friendly and professional staff will treat you with respect and sensitivity and ensure your best chance for winning your claim.
What does an LTD lawyer cost?
Our long-term disability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, charging a percentage of your past-due benefits. Bemis, Roach & Reed will pay the costs of litigation up front and you do not pay anything if you do not win your case. Additionally, your initial consultation is free.
What is ERISA and why does it matter for my LTD claim?
ERISA is a federal law establishing minimum standards for private employee benefit plans. Most group LTD policies fall under ERISA, which governs how claims are processed, sets filing timelines, and protects your right to appeal a denial. Under ERISA, you can appeal any adverse benefit determination, including denials, benefit reductions, or failure to make payment.
How can I avoid having my LTD claim denied?
Don’t quit your job, as this may terminate your coverage. Read your policy carefully and understand its definition of “disabled.” Ensure your doctor provides a detailed supporting opinion, submit complete medical records, and continue all prescribed treatments. Document every interaction with your insurer in writing, and always meet deadlines stated in any denial notice. It is highly advisable to hire a qualified disability attorney to assist you.
What strategies do LTD insurers use to deny claims?
Insurance companies leverage ERISA’s rules to their advantage. They may withhold copies of your policy, refuse to disclose whether their medical reviewers are independent or paid, and deny access to billing records. A denial can only be overturned if you prove their decision was arbitrary and capricious, making thorough documentation and experienced legal representation essential.
Why is the administrative record so important in an LTD case?
The administrative record is the complete file of documents the insurance company considered when denying your claim. If your case reaches federal court, the judge will almost certainly rely solely on this record. You cannot introduce new witnesses or evidence at trial that wasn’t submitted during the appeals process, making it critical to build a strong, complete record from the very beginning.
What is the basic appeal process for a denied LTD claim?
Under ERISA-governed plans, you have 180 days from your denial notification to submit an appeal. Once filed, the insurance company has 45 days to decide, with the option to extend an additional 45 days (90 days total). If your appeal is denied, you have the right to file suit in federal court.
Long Term Disability Claim and Appeal Process ->
Do I need an attorney to file for LTD benefits?
That is the most common question facing an individual filing a claim for long-term disability insurance benefits. The short answer is that we don’t always know. Depending on your disabling condition, the quality of your medical records, the support of your doctors, and the disability insurer itself, you may not need an attorney at the initial claim stage. You should however, consult a long-term disability attorney as soon as you become disabled. If your LTD claim is denied, you will want to hire a long-term disability attorney to prepare your appeal. An ineffective or untimely appeal can cost you an opportunity to pursue your claim in court. The good news is that you can contact Bemis, Roach & Reed and speak with one of our attorneys, even before you file. We will not be able to tell you whether your claim will be approved, but we can often give valuable advice on starting the claim process.
Disability benefits are an important source of income for those who are unable to work. If you are not able to work due to accident or illness, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability or Long Term Disability benefits. If you have applied for benefits and been denied, contact the attorneys at Bemis, Roach and Reed for a free consultation. Call 512-454-4000 and get help NOW.
We had a client from the Panhandle of Texas who suffered from extremity radiculopathy, chronic pain syndrome and degenerative joint disease.
The initial disability claim was denied; the SSA stating the claimant does not have an impairment that meets or equals the severity of a listed impairment, and that the claimant can perform light work. Upon reconsideration, they found the claimant’s impairments to be non-severe once again. Our attorney Daniel Messenger gathered and presented medical evidence to prove the claimant is limited to light exertion work with a low maximum lifting amount.
At the disability hearing it was determined that the claimant was unable to perform any past relevant work, was declared disabled and awarded full disability benefits.
Attorneys at Bemis, Roach & Reed have been selected to the prestigious Super Lawyers list of the top 5% of attorneys in Texas.
Bemis, Roach & Reed has been awarded the AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell — the highest peer-reviewed distinction in the legal profession, recognizing attorneys who exemplify the pinnacle of legal ability, communication, and ethical standards.
Each of our partners have received the Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion award, highlighting attorneys with strong, positive client feedback regarding communication and responsiveness — with fewer than 1% of attorneys typically achieving such accolades.
All of our partners are Board certified by the Texas Board of Legal – a prestigious designation for lawyers demonstrating special competence in specific legal areas.
Author: Attorney Lonnie Roach has been practicing law for 29 years. He is Superlawyers rated by Thomson Reuters and is Top AV Preeminent® and Client Champion Gold rated by Martindale Hubbell. Because of his extensive litigation experience Mr. Roach is board certified from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Lonnie is admitted to practice in the United States District Court - all Texas Districts and the U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit. Mr. Roach is a member of the Texas trial lawyers association, has been active in the Austin Bar Association and is a past Director of the Capital Area Trial Lawyers Association. Mr. Roach and all the members of Bemis, Roach & Reed have been active participants in the Travis County Lawyer referral service.
“They both did a great job easing my anxiety and preparing me throughout the process.” Andrew M.
“You could really tell he knew what he was talking about and he sincerely wanted to help.” Monica
“We could not have done it without them.” Michelle W.
“She was so amazing helping me understand step after step taking the time to explain when I was confused.” Mose H.
“100% RECOMMEND THIS ATTORNEY!” Marlene G.
“Any questions I had were answered. I felt supported and cared for the entire time.” Monique M.
“If you’re looking for a law firm that is knowledgeable, responsive, and genuinely cares about its clients, I highly recommend Bemis, Roach & Reed.” Guillermo O.
“We couldn’t have done it without Greg Reed and the resources of Bemis, Roach and Reed!” Jeff H.
“I finally received a favorable decision. I’m so grateful for their help and can’t thank them enough!” Amy M.
“Having someone that knows what they’re doing and passionate about helping me get benefits and support for my disability was an incredible and rewarding experience.” Natasha C.
“I am glad I chose Bemis, Roach & Reed to manage my case and I’ll be forever grateful!” Jose M.
“With their help and expertise I was finally awarded my benefits after 5 denials.” Jennifer
“We received A+ service through the whole process.” Terri N.
“I supplied all my information that they requested and they did all the work.” Carrie M.
“And if you’re worried you can’t afford a lawyer, I paid nothing out of pocket.” Anton L.
“They made this process as painless as possible. Unending gratitude.” Wes
“This is by far the best law firm I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with.” Billy K.
“Hiring them was the best thing I could have done.” Anthony H.
“During this difficult time in our lives it was a tremendous relief to know they were on our side.” Kelli G.
“Bemis Roach & Reed did what no one else could do.” Gergory L.
“From day one every member of BRR that I interacted with were polite, informative, professional and explained everything in detail to me.” Lawrence G.