2025-01-02: Updated: 2025-01-02 14:45:43 Judge’s description of Insurer’s doctors review “puzzling,” “disingenuous” and even “dishonest.” Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2024-11-22: Updated: 2024-11-22 10:58:17 Long Term Disability Benefits and Other Income Offsets Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2024-11-21: Updated: 2024-11-21 09:55:16 SMDA GETS LTD BENEFITS PAID FOR RN Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2023-11-16: Updated: 2023-11-16 11:32:51 Long Term Disability Denial-Claimants’ rights Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2023-11-09: Updated: 2023-11-09 09:37:57 Residency v. Domicile: Why It Matters in a Non No-Fault World Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2023-10-30: Updated: 2023-10-30 15:04:44 SMDA helps Disabled Dentist recover on IDI Policy Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2022-01-18: Updated: 2022-01-18 10:52:11 LTD Insurer’s repayment request results in significant recovery for disabled Physician. Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2021-11-16: Updated: 2021-11-16 13:40:03 Michigan No-Fault Law update Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2021-09-20: Updated: 2021-09-20 10:05:46 CIGNA agrees to overturn Long Term Disability claim denial decision Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2021-06-30: Updated: 2021-06-30 10:50:00 SMDA gets LTD claim reinstated Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2021-02-10: Updated: 2021-02-10 10:37:00 Public School Teachers and Disability Insurance Claims Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2021-02-02: Updated: 2021-02-02 13:17:38 SMDA gets Disability Insurer to pay Physician’s disability claim Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2020-08-10: Updated: 2020-08-10 10:22:52 SMDA obtains Permanent and Total Disability settlement for Deloitte Manager Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2020-07-24: Updated: 2020-07-24 10:23:05 Covid-19 and Long Term Disability Insurance Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2020-07-01: Updated: 2020-07-01 11:19:47 SWEEPING AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE CHANGES – IMPORTANT CHOICES Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2020-03-30: Updated: 2020-03-30 10:21:59 Compliance with the governor’s executive order 2020-21 Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2020-03-25: Updated: 2020-03-25 13:53:20 Covid 19 and SMDA Update Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2020-01-23: Updated: 2020-01-23 10:10:51 SMDA gets Lincoln National to overturn disability claim denial decision for Technical Professional. Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2020-01-03: Updated: 2020-01-03 11:54:19 Another SMDA client granted Long Term Disability Insurance benefits-Henry Ford Hospital RN Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2019-11-01: Updated: 2019-11-01 11:19:06 SMDA convinces CIGNA to overturn claim denial decision for Oakwood Hospital employee Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2019-05-24: Updated: 2019-05-24 11:26:34 THE LONG TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE “OWN OCCUPATION” MYTH-example 1,596,452. Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2019-04-23: Updated: 2019-04-23 10:55:23 SMDA COMPELS LONG TERM CARE INSURER TO PAY NURSING HOME BENEFITS Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2019-01-21: Updated: 2019-01-21 08:50:06 CIGNA OVERTURNS LONG TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE DENIAL FOR HENRY FORD HOSPITAL EMPLOYEE Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2019-01-14: Updated: 2019-01-14 09:42:14 The Own Occupation Illusion in Long Term Disability Insurance Cases Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2019-01-07: Updated: 2019-01-07 10:17:06 How to calculate your Long Term Disability Insurance Payments (Beware Other Income Offsets) Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2018-12-20: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:07 CIGNA OVERTURNS RN’S LONG TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE DENIAL Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2017-08-31: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:09 CIGNA reverses LTD denial decision for RN with low back pain Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2017-06-28: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:09 SMDA convinces LTD Insurer to reverse claims denial decision for Cognitive Issues Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2017-03-03: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:10 “Own” vs “Any” Occupation in Long Term Disability Insurance Plans Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2016-11-15: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:11 The misleading nature of “Own Occupation” Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2016-10-19: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:11 Court rejects Cigna’s denial of claim by paralyzed claimant Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2016-07-10: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:12 SMDA wins Suit for LTD benefits Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2016-06-21: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:13 SMDA partner recovers $1.2 million for seriously injured clients Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2016-01-05: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:13 SMDA STRINGS TOGETHER ADMINISTRATIVE APPEALS WINS Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2015-11-03: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:14 CIGNA REVERSES LTD CLAIM DENIAL ON APPEAL Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2015-09-08: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:15 SMDA Partner wins 7 figure Verdict Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2015-08-18: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:15 6TH CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS OVERTURNS AETNA”S LTD DENIAL DECISION Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2015-08-03: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:16 LONG TERM DISABILITY INSURER APPROVES BENEFITS CLAIM AFTER REMAND Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2015-06-24: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:17 Off Topic-Terrible Michigan Supreme Court Decision Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2015-03-11: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:17 6TH CIRCUIT ISSUES MAJOR DECISION -DISGORGEMENT OF PROFITS EARNED BY INSURANCE COMPANY NOT ALLOWED Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2015-02-25: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:18 FEDERAL COURT FINDS METLIFE ABUSED ITS DISCRETION-ORDERS INSURER TO PAY LTD BENEFITS Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2015-01-08: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:19 SMDA prevails in LTD insurance appeal against Cigna Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2014-12-19: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:19 Long Term Disability Insurer Agrees to pay Partial Disability Benefits to Physician Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2014-10-14: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:20 SMDA convinces LTD Insurer to overturn claims denial decision Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2014-09-23: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:20 State Farm Leads in number of complaints for all Michigan No-Fault Insurers Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2014-06-05: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:21 SMDA convinces Lincoln National Life to overturn claims denial Decision Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2014-03-13: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:21 CIGNA OVERTURNS LTD CLAIM DENIAL AFTER SMDA APPEAL Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2014-02-28: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:22 6th Circuit Considers extent of Equitable Remedies Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2014-02-04: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:22 SUPREME COURT SIDES WITH LTD INSURERS Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2013-10-16: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:23 SUPREME COURT TO DECIDE ERISA LTD STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS CASE Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2013-05-23: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:23 LTD INSURER CIGNA AGREES TO PAY $77 MILLION DOLLARS TO SETTLE CLAIMS Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2013-03-20: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:24 INSURER AGREES TO REINSTATE ERISA LTD INSURANCE BENEFITS Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2013-02-04: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:24 SMDA WINS LTD BENEFITS CASE A SECOND TIME Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2012-10-27: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:24 SMDA CONVINCES ARBITRATOR TO AWARD DISABILITY BENEFITS Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2012-09-28: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:25 THE ONION SATIRIZES LTD INSURER-CIGNA. Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2012-09-24: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:25 SMDA wins another LTD ERISA Insurance Case Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2012-08-09: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:26 ANOTHER COURT ORDERS LTD INSURER TO PAY BENEFITS Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2012-07-24: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:27 COURT OVERTURNS DENIAL OF CASINO DEALER’S SHORT TERM DISABILITY BENEFITS Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2012-06-14: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:27 THE ERISA LTD INSURANCE ADMINSITRATIVE RECORD-WHAT IS IT AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2012-03-15: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:28 SMDA OBTAINS CONFIDENTIAL SETTLEMENT FOR LONG TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE CLIENT WITH MENIERE’S DISEASE Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2012-02-06: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:28 SURVEILLANCE AND THE LTD INSURER Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2012-02-01: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:29 SMDA OBTAINS FAVORABLE PRE-SUIT RESOLUTION OF LTD INSURANCE CLAIM Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2012-01-31: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:30 SMDA PARTNER ATTENDS ACI LTD INSURANCE CONFERENCE IN NY Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2011-12-27: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:30 WHEN IS A DOOR NOT A DOOR? ASK THE NEW MICHIGAN SUPREME COURT Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2011-11-10: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:31 SMDA CONVINCES LTD INSURER TO VOLUNTARILY REINSTATE NURSES LTD BENEFITS Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2011-09-23: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:31 LONG TERM DISABILITY CLAIMS-THE BIG PICTURE Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2011-08-17: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:32 SMDA WINS ANOTHER ERISA LTD ADMINISTRATIVE APPEAL Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2011-05-18: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:33 Long Term Disability Insurance-Adminsitrative Appeal Success-RN’s benefits Reinstated Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2011-02-24: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:33 While I was away-PIP, UM and Trials Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2011-02-24: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:34 Michigan Lawyers Weekly Publishes article “Long term Disability Insurance and ERISA” written by SMDA Partner Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2010-11-11: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:35 COURT AWARDS ATTORNEY FEES IN LTD ERISA CASE Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2010-10-13: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:35 ANOTHER COURT ORDERS DISCOVERY IN LONG TERM DISABILITY ERISA CASE Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2010-09-29: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:36 Senate Hearing on Long Term Disability Insurance Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2010-09-27: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:36 A view from the Bench- Senate Testimony regarding ERISA from Senior Judge Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2010-09-24: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:01:37 SENATE TO EXAMINE DIFFICULTIES WORKERS FACE WITH LONG-TERM DISABILITY CLAIMS Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2010-09-22: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:05:40 Long Term Disability ERISA Case VIctory-Court Orders Payment of all “Own Occupation” Benefits Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2010-07-13: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:05:41 COURT ORDERS DISCOVERY IN LONG TERM DISABILITY ERISA CASE Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2010-06-29: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:05:42 SMDA Partner attends ACI-Disability Insurance Seminar Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2010-05-04: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:05:42 Michigan Supreme Court Justice Robert Young Favors Insurance Company over the Injured Worker Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2010-04-01: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:05:43 Which Long Term Disability Insurance should you buy? Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2009-12-17: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:05:44 SMDA OBTAINS TRUCKING ACCIDENT JUDGMENT AGAINST INSURANCE COMPANY DUE MCS90 ENDORSEMENT Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2009-12-15: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:05:44 WHY SHOULD LTD INSURERS PAY? Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2009-10-13: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:05:45 Discovery in Long Term Disability Cases-A breathe of life Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2009-10-12: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:05:46 Court Rejects Long Term Disability Insurer (Unum’s) Denial after a Decade Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2009-07-22: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:05:46 Does a parent’s life have value for a child? (A Thorn in the side of the Gang of Three) Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2009-06-25: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:05:47 Don’t Trust the Insurance Industry says the Insurance Industry (Cigna) Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2009-06-25: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:05:48 SMDA Partner-Patrick Derkacz attends ACI Long Term Disability Insurance Conference Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2009-03-19: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:05:48 State Farm Insurance Company-Passing the Buck, the fake out and other hidden agenda tactics! Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2009-03-18: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:05:49 6th Circuit Affirms Limits on Disability Policy Language Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2009-03-12: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:05:50 Long Term Disability Insurer ordered to pay Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2009-01-26: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:05:50 Court cites First Unum’s deception in granting attorney’s claim for disability benefits Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2008-12-18: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:05:52 Insurer Stretches the bounds of reality to deny claims Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2008-10-27: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:05:54 More Supreme Court-Candidate Falesly claims WSJ Ranking Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2008-10-23: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:05:55 Standard of Review sinks surgeons claim for Long Term Disability Insurance Benefits Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2008-10-17: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:05:57 More Supreme Court Analysis-Taylor ruling protects drunk drivers and their Insurance Companies Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2008-10-15: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:05:58 More Supreme Court Analysis-Taylor protects City after child is killed Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2008-10-13: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:05:59 More Supreme Court Analysis-Justice Taylor Protects the City of Detroit after 6 children die in a fire. Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2008-10-10: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:06:00 More Supreme Court Analysis-Justice Taylor plays word games to prevent families of patients killed by malpractice from ever bringing lawsuits. Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2008-10-09: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:06:02 More Supreme Court Analysis-Justice Taylor sets back woman’s rights and expands protections for Sexual Harassers and Sexual Predators Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2008-10-08: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:06:03 More Supreme Court Analysis-Justice Taylor practically eliminates the governments responsibility to maintain safe roads. Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2008-10-07: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:06:04 More Michigan Supreme Court Analysis-Justice Taylor helps big corporations and their insurance companies win slip and fall lawsuits Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2008-10-06: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:06:05 Michigan Supreme Court Election Information Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2008-09-30: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:06:07 Farmer’ Insurance Joins growing list of Bad Faith Insurers Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2008-08-25: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:06:09 INSURER DENIES IRAQI WAR VETERAN’S CLAIM-“HE WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT WHEN HE WAS 16” Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2008-08-06: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:06:11 Insurer-Allstate agrees to 28.5% rate reduction for California residents Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2008-08-06: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:06:13 Allstate settles bad faith lawsuit where Court issued $7,000,000 in fines for discovery abuse Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2008-08-05: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:06:15 Court rejects disability Insurer’s attempt to hide behind ERISA Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2008-07-30: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:06:17 Alltstate hit with Bad Faith Verdict-$16,000,000+ Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2008-07-21: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:06:19 Long Term Disability Insurer-Unum still ranked Second Worst Insurer despite reforms Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2008-07-08: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:06:21 Think your covered? Maybe not. Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2008-06-24: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:06:23 COLORADO JOINS GROWING LIST OF STATES THAT OUTLAW DISCRETIONARY CLAUSES Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2008-06-23: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:06:25 Supreme Court decides Metlife v Glenn Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2008-06-13: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:06:27 Partner attends Long Term Disability Insurance Conference Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2008-06-05: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:06:29 Michigan Supreme Court ranks dead last in Independence Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2008-05-21: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:06:31 The Importance of Occupational Definitions in Long Term Disability Policies Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2008-05-13: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:06:32 Long Term Disability Insurer-Unum paying the price Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2008-05-05: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:06:33 Long Term Disability Insurance-things to think about Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2008-05-02: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:06:33 Michigan Long Term Disability Insurance Discretionary Clauses voided by Court Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
2008-04-28: Updated: 2019-01-04 18:06:33 Disability Insurers Conflict “Smells Bad” according to Supreme Court Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
Long Term Disability Insurance Lawyer Blog