Business Details
14 Years
experience
Disability Insurance Claims & Litigation Services
Rafel, Bonny G is a boutique New Jersey disability law firm dedicated to advocating for individuals seeking disability insurance benefits. With decades of combined experience, our team specializes in navigating complex claims processes for short-term and long-term disability, ERISA cases, and long-term care claims. We provide personalized legal representation, combining aggressive litigation strategies with compassionate client support to challenge insurance company denials. Our founder, Bonny Rafel, Bonny G, has handled over 1,500 disability claims and leverages unique insights from reviewing 50,000+ pages of confidential insurance materials.We offer tailored services for professionals, employees, and elderly clients, focusing on transparent communication and strategic evidence collection to maximize claim success. Our paralegal team works alongside Ms. Rafel, Bonny G to ensure comprehensive case management, while our nationwide representation prioritizes clients in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.
Services
Disability Insurance Claims
ERISA Appeals
Long Term Care Claims
Professional Disability Cases
Federal Court Litigation
Short Term Disability Claims
Policy Analysis
Appeals Management
Medical Documentation Review
Insurance Negotiations
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We have handled over 1,500 disability claims with specialized expertise
- Our team reviews 50,000+ pages of insurance industry materials for strategic insights
- Personalized paralegal support accompanies each client throughout the process
- Proven success in federal court litigation against major insurance carriers
- Specialized protocols for professionals, ERISA cases, and long-term care claims
What people say
Personalized approach
Successful outcomes
Timely communication
Expertise in ERISA cases
Compassionate representation
Services
Disability Insurance Claims
We specialize in preparing and submitting comprehensive disability insurance claims for both individual and group policies. Our team analyzes medical documentation, occupational requirements, and policy terms to create compelling cases that meet insurance company criteria. With expertise in both short-term and long-term disability claims, we help clients navigate complex application processes while anticipating common denial tactics used by insurers.
ERISA Appeals
When disability claims get denied, our firm manages full administrative appeals under ERISA regulations. We obtain complete claim files, identify procedural errors, and develop strategic evidence packages to challenge denials. Our process includes customized medical questionnaires, vocational reviews, and detailed legal briefs that address specific reasons for denial while maintaining compliance with strict filing deadlines.
Federal Court Litigation
For unresolved claims, we provide aggressive litigation services in federal court. Our experience includes handling depositions of insurance personnel, presenting complex medical evidence, and challenging insurer practices. We focus on creating complete administrative records during appeals to strengthen litigation positions, while maintaining transparent communication with clients throughout the judicial process.
Professional Disability Cases
We represent doctors, attorneys, and business professionals seeking disability benefits related to their specialized occupations. Our team understands the unique challenges of proving disability claims for high-income professionals, including analyzing practice financials, documenting partial disability, and demonstrating how medical conditions specifically impact occupational duties rather than general work capacity.
Long Term Care Claims
Our firm assists elderly clients with long-term care insurance claims and appeals. We help navigate policy requirements, coordinate medical documentation from treating physicians, and challenge denials based on policy definitions of care needs. We focus on protecting vulnerable seniors from improper claim denials while ensuring compliance with policy-specific proof requirements.
People
Bonny Rafel, Bonny G
Attorney
With decades of experience handling over 1,500 disability claims, Bonny Rafel, Bonny G specializes in disability insurance law. She has reviewed extensive confidential insurance materials through litigation, developing unique insights into claims processes. Recognized as a Super Lawyer, she leads a team providing personalized legal representation for disability claims and appeals.
Lucia Pitti
Paralegal
Lucia Pitti has served as a paralegal with Rafel, Bonny G since its founding in 2002. She works directly with clients on claim management, maintaining long-term relationships with many who have worked with her for over a decade. Her focus includes client communication and coordinating claim documentation.
Eileen Scheid
Nurse Paralegal
Eileen Scheid joined Rafel, Bonny G in 2004 as a nurse paralegal. She analyzes complex medical records and helps develop strategies for claims involving various disabling conditions. Her medical background enhances the firm's ability to interpret and present medical evidence effectively in disability claims.
Michael Thompson
Paralegal
Michael Thompson specializes in financial analysis for disability claims involving business professionals. He develops protocols for evaluating complex financial documentation and works with physicians and dentists to demonstrate how medical conditions impact their professional practices.
Questions
What types of disability claims do you handle?
We handle individual and group disability claims, ERISA appeals, long-term care claims, and professional disability cases for physicians, attorneys, and business professionals.
How do you charge for disability claim services?
Our fees vary by service - initial consultations cost $400 while we typically work on contingency for litigation cases. We provide detailed cost explanations before starting any work.
Can you help with denied disability claims?
Yes, we specialize in appeals and litigation for denied claims. Our team reviews your complete claim file and develops targeted strategies to challenge insurance company decisions.
Do you handle cases outside New Jersey?
While based in New Jersey, we represent clients nationwide with a focus on New York, Pennsylvania, and other states with ERISA jurisdiction.
How long do disability claims typically take?
Initial claims decisions usually take 30-90 days. Appeals can take 45-90 days while litigation may require 1-2 years depending on court schedules and case complexity.
What makes your firm different from other disability attorneys?
Our boutique firm offers direct access to experienced attorneys, personalized paralegal support, and unique insights from reviewing extensive insurance industry materials.
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