Martindale-Hubbell - Badge
American Alliance of Disability Attorneys Founding Member - Badge
Super Lawyers - Badge

Attorney Rafel’s Litigation Strategies

Litigation Strategies

Disability Lawsuit in Federal Court

If we have handled the appeal of the wrongful denial and the insurance company upholds the denial, we are on to the next battle, often a lawsuit in Federal Court for our client. Insurance claims for long term disability benefits under ERISA law take up much of the federal courts time, and on average, judges often decide in favor of the insurance company due to some restrictions on the level of the court’s review. Therefore, winning the administrative appeal is our major effort. Once in Federal Court, the Rafel team focus is on strategizing success either through early mediation, settlement conferences and of course, taking the case through the judicial process to judgment on the client’s behalf.

Rafel has extensive experience dealing with Unum, Provident, Paul Revere, Equitable, Aetna, John Hancock, Reliance, Reliance Standard, Prudential Financial, DMS, Lincoln Financial, Liberty Mutual, Hartford, Northwestern Mutual, Guardian, Berkshire, MetLife, Cigna, LINA, Mass Mutual

Bonny Rafel Professional Associations and Membership

American Association for Justice (AAJ)

  • Past Chair Bad Faith Litigation Group AAJ

New Jersey Association for Justice (NJAJ)

  • Past Chair Bad Faith Committee NJAAJ
  • Past Member Board of Directors

National Multiple Sclerosis Society Government Relations Advisory Committee (2017-2019)

NJ Woman Lawyers Association

Client Reviews

I was an Engineer in a Research and Development division of a major corporation, putting in longer hours with the same workload. An unrelated episode landed me in the hospital, where I was DXd with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, which explained my decline at work. I then learned that I had...

Charlie

I would like to re-acknowledge what a difference your work has made in my life. When forced to retire 5 years ago, you dedication to helping me enroll into my disability policy has made all of the world of difference.

George

I cannot thank you enough for successfully appealing my disability benefits. My special thanks also to Eileen for all of their assistance, support and expertise. Your legal expertise of disability benefit entitlement was evidenced by your comprehensive and knowledgeable litigation of my appeal. I...

MaryJo

Contact Us

Photograph of a flower shop

Get in Touch 973-845-2600