Business Details
Trusted Kentucky Disability & Insurance Lawyers
Mehr Fairbanks Trial Lawyers represent clients across the United States in disability and insurance cases. With over 70 years of combined experience, we specialize in taking insurance bad faith cases to trial, having secured more jury verdicts in Kentucky than any other firm. Our practice is built on honesty and integrity, treating clients like family while fighting passionately to recover every dime they deserve. We handle complex cases involving long-term disability, life insurance denials, homeowners insurance disputes, and personal injury claims.Our team of seasoned attorneys leverages decades of courtroom experience to challenge insurance companies' tactics and deliver results. We prioritize client communication, providing regular updates and transparent explanations throughout the legal process. Our track record includes landmark verdicts against major insurers, demonstrating our commitment to holding corporations accountable. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis, ensuring access to justice without upfront costs.
Services
Insurance Claims
ERISA Disability
Long-Term Disability
Bad Faith Insurance
Life Insurance
Personal Injury
Homeowners Insurance
Business Insurance
Class Action
Highlights and features
- Four Kentucky ERISA disability lawyers with 70+ years combined experience
- Secured 13 jury verdicts in insurance bad faith cases - more than any KY firm
- Won record $15.1 million judgment against insurance companies
- Offer free consultations with no fee unless we win
- Handle complex insurance disputes nationwide
What people say
Fought passionately for clients
Kept updated throughout process
Secured record jury verdicts
Treated like family
Handled complex cases
Services
Insurance Claims
We represent clients in complex insurance disputes nationwide. Our attorneys specialize in challenging denied claims for long-term disability, life insurance, and homeowners policies. With decades of experience handling bad faith litigation, we fight insurers' tactics like delayed payments and improper medical reviews. Our team has recovered tens of millions for clients through jury verdicts and settlements.
ERISA Disability
Specialized representation for employees denied workplace disability benefits. We handle cases where insurers dispute medical evidence or claim alternative job capabilities. Our lawyers leverage deep knowledge of ERISA regulations to challenge improper claim denials. With multiple landmark verdicts, we secure reinstated benefits and compensation for clients across the U.S.
Long-Term Disability
Comprehensive legal support for individuals denied long-term disability coverage. We challenge insurers' use of computerized estimates and third-party medical reviews. Our firm has particular expertise in cases involving post-claim underwriting and policy retroactive cancellations. We work on contingency to ensure access to justice regardless of financial situation.
Bad Faith Insurance
We hold insurance companies accountable for unlawful practices including unreasonable delays, benefit underpayment, and fabricated policy exclusions. Our attorneys have secured punitive damages in landmark cases against major insurers. With 13 jury verdicts in bad faith cases - more than any Kentucky firm - we specialize in complex litigation against corporate insurance practices.
Personal Injury
Legal representation for car accidents, slip-and-falls, and other personal injury cases. We challenge insurers' lowball offers and defend against claims of contributory negligence. Our team has particular expertise in cases involving commercial liability policies and complex damage calculations. We handle all stages from initial claim through trial if necessary.
People
Austin Mehr
Partner
Recognized by National Trial Lawyers as top attorney, Austin specializes in insurance bad faith litigation. With decades of experience, he has secured multiple multi-million dollar verdicts against major insurers. His practice focuses on complex disability and life insurance disputes.
Philip G. Fairbanks
Partner
Seasoned trial attorney with extensive experience in ERISA disability cases. Philip has successfully challenged insurance companies' post-claim underwriting practices and improper policy cancellations. His work has set precedents in Kentucky insurance law through appellate victories.
Bartley K. Hagerman
Partner
Award-winning lawyer with record verdicts in disability insurance and personal injury cases. Bartley specializes in taking complex cases to trial, including the $15.1 million Nichols v. Zurich verdict. Clients praise his responsive communication and compassionate approach.
Elizabeth A. Thornsbury
Partner
Dedicated disability insurance attorney with success in ERISA and long-term disability cases. Elizabeth has helped clients reinstate canceled benefits and challenged insurers' medical determinations. She is known for thorough case preparation and client-focused representation.
Erik Peterson
Of Counsel
Experienced litigator supporting complex insurance and disability cases. Erik brings expertise in appellate practice and large-scale document review. He works closely with clients to ensure comprehensive case preparation and strategic legal arguments.
Questions
What types of cases does Mehr Fairbanks handle?
We specialize in insurance disputes including long-term disability, life insurance denials, homeowners insurance claims, and personal injury cases. Our expertise extends to ERISA regulations and bad faith insurance litigation.
Do you offer free consultations?
Yes, we provide free initial consultations with no obligation. Our attorneys will review your case details and explain your legal options during this meeting.
How are your legal fees structured?
We work on a contingency fee basis - you pay no fees unless we win your case. Our payment comes from the settlement or verdict we secure for you.
Do you handle cases outside Kentucky?
Yes, while based in Lexington, we represent clients nationwide in insurance disputes and disability claims. Our attorneys are licensed in multiple states and work with local counsel when needed.
How long do insurance cases typically take?
Case duration varies by complexity, but we prioritize efficient resolution. Most insurance disputes resolve within 12-24 months, though we prepare every case for trial to maximize client leverage.
What makes your firm different from other law firms?
We combine 70+ years of collective experience with personalized service. Our track record of 13 jury verdicts in insurance bad faith cases demonstrates our trial readiness, while client reviews highlight our compassionate approach.
