The Maddox Firm​​

 

The Maddox Firm is a New York–based law firm devoted almost exclusively to long-term disability and short-term disability insurance claims.

 

We represent professionals, executives, and high-earning individuals whose insurance companies have delayed, denied, or terminated disability benefits they rightfully paid for and relied upon. Our clients are often doctors, lawyers, financial professionals, consultants, business owners, and other career-driven people who never expected to need disability insurance—until they did.

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When an insurance company refuses to pay, we step in.

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A Disability Practice —

Not a General Law Firm

 

Disability insurance law is technical, document-heavy, and unforgiving. Most law firms treat disability claims as an occasional side practice. We do not.

 

Our firm focuses on disability claims because we believe specialization matters. Disability insurers employ teams of adjusters, in-house physicians, vocational experts, and attorneys whose sole job is to reduce payouts. Successfully challenging those decisions requires a deep understanding of policy language, medical evidence, administrative appeal requirements, and federal law under ERISA.

 

That is what we do every day.

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Built for High-Stakes Claims

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Many of our clients have significant monthly benefits at issue—often five figures per month, sometimes more. The financial consequences of a denied claim can be life-altering, especially for professionals whose careers depend on physical stamina, cognitive clarity, or emotional resilience.

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We understand how insurers evaluate claims involving:

• Chronic illness and autoimmune disease

• Neurological conditions

• Orthopedic and musculoskeletal injuries

• Mental health and cognitive impairment

• Long COVID and post-viral syndromes

• Conditions that do not show up clearly on imaging or lab tests

• We also understand how insurers attempt to minimize or mischaracterize these conditions—and how to push back effectively.

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We have current or former clients with all major disability insurers, including 

• Unum

• The Hartford

• MetLife

• Guardian Life / Berkshire

• Principal Financial Group

• Mutual of Omaha

• Lincoln Financial Group

• Standard Insurance Company (The Standard)

• Cigna / New York Life Group Benefit Solutions

• Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company

• Sun Life Financial

• Aetna

• Prudential Financial

• MassMutual

• Northwestern Mutual

• Ameritas

• Assurity

• Ohio National

• AXA Equitable (Equitable)

• Liberty Mutual

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A Different Kind of Client Relationship

 

Our clients tend to be thoughtful, detail-oriented, and understandably skeptical. They want straight answers, not platitudes.

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We take the time to explain:

• Why your claim was denied or terminated

• What evidence actually matters (and what does not)

• How the appeals or litigation process works

• What realistic outcomes look like

• We believe clients make better decisions when they understand the process. You will never be pressured, rushed, or talked down to.

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Nationwide Representation

 

Although our offices are on Wall Street in New York and in Hackensack, New Jersey, we represent clients across the United States. Most disability claims are governed by federal law, and our practice is built to work efficiently with clients wherever they are located.

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Our Goal

 

Our goal is simple: to ease your worry. 

 

We will put you in the strongest possible position to secure the disability benefits you earned, planned for, and relied upon.

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If you are thinking about filing a claim, and you are not sure your condition qualifies, we are here to help you evaluate your options.

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If your insurer has denied, delayed, or terminated your disability claim, we are here to help you decide what comes next.

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

Do you only handle disability insurance claims?

• Yes. Our practice is focused almost exclusively on long-term and short-term disability insurance claims. We are not a general practice firm.

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What kinds of disability policies do you work with?

• We handle group policies governed by ERISA, as well as individual and “own-occupation” disability policies purchased through brokers or financial advisors.

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When should I contact you—before or after my claim is denied?

• Ideally, before you file or while the claim is still being evaluated. If your claim has already been denied, delayed, or terminated, we can step in at the appeal stage or in litigation.

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I’m still working but struggling. Can you advise me before I stop working?

• Yes. Many clients come to us while they are still working. We can help you understand how your policy defines “disability” and how to transition to a claim in a way that protects your benefits.

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What types of medical conditions do you see most often?

• We frequently handle claims involving chronic illness, autoimmune disease, neurological conditions, orthopedic and musculoskeletal injuries, mental health and cognitive impairment, Long COVID, and conditions that are poorly reflected on imaging or lab tests.

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What if my condition is “invisible” or hard to prove?

• We routinely work with conditions that insurers label as “subjective” or "self-reported." We focus on building the medical, occupational, and functional evidence insurers actually rely on when deciding these claims.

 

How do you work with busy professionals and executives?

• We structure our process to minimize disruption to your work and personal life. We handle the interaction with the insurer, organize the evidence, and prepare you for what to expect, while keeping you informed at key decision points.

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How do you charge for disability cases?

• In most disability matters, we work on a flat fee, meaning our fee is set, and will not increase if your claim becomes more complicated. You will be able to budget this big decision effectively. For appeals and litigation, we offer contingency fee arrangements, meaning that we will only get paid if we are successful.

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Do you represent clients outside New York?

• Yes. Although our offices are on Wall Street in New York and in Hackensack, New Jersey, we represent clients nationwide in ERISA-governed and many individual disability claims. Much of our work is done efficiently by phone, secure email, and video conference.

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Will I be working directly with an attorney?

• Yes. An attorney will oversee your case, strategy, and key communications. You will also have access to our team for updates and questions throughout the process.

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What can I expect in a free initial consultation?

• We review your situation, your policy (if available), and the insurer’s communications. We explain your options, where your claim is vulnerable, and what next steps would look like—so you can decide how you want to proceed.

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