How Robinson & Warncke Help Nurses Fight Denied Long-Term Disability Claims

For nurses, their job is more than just a career—it’s a calling. Long shifts, physically demanding work, and high emotional stress come with the territory. But when an injury or illness makes it impossible to continue working, many nurses turn to long-term disability (LTD) insurance, expecting it to be a safety net.

Instead, they often find themselves tangled in a frustrating bureaucratic process, facing denials from insurance companies that seem more interested in protecting profits than providing the benefits nurses have earned.

That’s where Robinson & Warncke step in. With years of experience handling disability claims, the firm has built a reputation for fighting back against insurance denials—especially for healthcare workers, whose claims are often unfairly scrutinized.

Why LTD Claims For Healthcare Workers Are Denied By Insurers

Long-term disability claims are denied for a variety of reasons, but nurses face a unique set of challenges. One of the biggest issues is how insurance companies assess their ability to work.

A desk worker might be able to continue their job with a minor injury, but for a nurse, even a slight limitation can be career-ending. A back injury that prevents heavy lifting, a chronic condition that limits stamina, or a cognitive impairment that affects decision-making can make nursing impossible. Yet, insurers frequently downplay these limitations, arguing that nurses can transition into less physically demanding roles—even when such positions are not realistic.  It can be very difficult for an experienced nurse to transition into other occupations.

Pre-existing condition clauses also create significant hurdles. Insurance providers may comb through years of medical records to find any previous mention of symptoms similar to those in a claim. A nurse who develops debilitating migraines, for example, may have their claim denied simply because they once reported a mild headache during a routine check-up.

There’s also the issue of surveillance. Some insurers go as far as hiring private investigators to monitor claimants, using brief moments of activity—like carrying groceries or attending a social event—as “evidence” that the nurse is not truly disabled. This tactic ignores the nature of many chronic illnesses and injuries, which can fluctuate in severity.

Turning a Denial Into an Approval

A denial doesn’t mean the end of the road. The attorneys at Robinson & Warncke approach these cases with a thorough, strategic process designed to dismantle the insurance company’s arguments.

One of the first steps is a deep dive into the denial letter, which outlines the insurer’s reasoning. Often, these letters contain weak or misleading justifications, and the firm is skilled at identifying such gaps. From there, they work to strengthen the case with compelling medical and vocational evidence.

Medical records are critical, but they are not always enough. Many claims are denied simply because a doctor’s notes don’t explicitly state that the claimant is unable to work. Robinson & Warncke collaborate closely with medical providers, ensuring that disability reports clearly define how a nurse’s condition prevents them from safely performing their job.

Additionally, vocational experts may be used to paint a realistic picture of what nursing entails. Many insurance adjusters assessing these claims have little understanding of the job’s physical and mental toll. By providing expert testimony, Robinson & Warncke can counteract insurer claims that a nurse could easily transition into another role.

The High-Stakes Nature of an Appeal

Timing is everything in disability appeals. Nurses typically have 180 days to file an appeal, and missing this deadline can mean losing the right to challenge the decision entirely. Unlike initial claims, which might be denied due to missing paperwork or unclear documentation, appeals require a much more detailed, legally sound argument.

That’s why Robinson & Warncke attorneys advise against handling an appeal alone. Insurance companies have teams of legal experts working against claimants, and without experienced representation, nurses can find themselves outmatched. The firm not only prepares a strong appeal but also anticipates and counters the insurer’s next move—whether it’s requiring additional medical exams, requesting more paperwork, or stalling in hopes that the claimant will give up.

Fighting Back Against Industry Tactics

Insurance companies are not in the business of making it easy for claimants. From the moment a claim is filed, they employ strategies designed to minimize payouts. Some common tactics include:

• Misrepresenting Policy Terms – Insurers may cite vague or misleading policy language to justify a denial, assuming claimants won’t challenge their interpretation.

• Relying on In-House Medical Reviews – Some claims are denied based on the opinion of a doctor who has never examined the claimant in person. These reviews often prioritize cost savings over actual medical reality.
• Moving Target for Evidence Needed – One of the most frequent insurance tactics is to constantly reject the claimant’s medical proof, giving varying or even no real explanation for what the evidence is insufficient or what type of evidence would be good enough for the insurer.  The longer the process takes, the more financial pressure builds on the claimant. Insurers know that some people will abandon their claim altogether just to move on.

Robinson & Warncke counter these tactics by staying one step ahead. Their approach is aggressive when needed, ensuring that insurance companies don’t get away with unfair denials. And if an appeal isn’t enough, they are fully prepared to take the case to federal court—an option that many firms shy away from due to the complexity of ERISA law.

A Firm That Understands Nurses

Beyond legal expertise, what sets Robinson & Warncke apart is their deep understanding of what nurses go through. Many of their clients have spent decades in the healthcare field, only to find themselves in a situation where they can no longer do the job they love.

The emotional toll of a denied claim can be just as significant as the financial burden. Nurses are used to being the caregivers, not the ones needing help. It’s not uncommon for clients to feel guilty or frustrated when they are forced to stop working. Robinson & Warncke not only fight for financial justice but also provide the reassurance and advocacy that nurses need during a difficult time.

Getting the Help You Deserve

For nurses facing a denied long-term disability claim, the most important thing to remember is that they do have options. Insurance companies rely on claimants feeling discouraged and overwhelmed, hoping they will simply give up. Robinson & Warncke work to ensure that doesn’t happen.

With a team of dedicated disability attorneys, a deep understanding of the unique challenges nurses face, and a commitment to holding insurers accountable, they are a powerful ally in the fight for rightful benefits.

If you’ve been denied a claim, time is critical—but you don’t have to go through the proces s alone. Robinson & Warncke offer free consultations to assess your case and discuss the best path forward.

Your career has been about taking care of others. Now, let someone fight for you. Call us today and let our team work with you to help you get the best outcome possible.