Short-Term Disability Attorney in New Jersey — Denied Benefits and ERISA Appeals

A short-term disability denial can leave you without income at the exact moment you need it most — recovering from surgery, managing a serious illness, or dealing with a condition that temporarily prevents you from working. At The López Firm, we represent New Jersey employees whose short-term disability claims have been wrongfully denied and help them navigate the ERISA appeal process to fight for the benefits they are owed.

What Is Short-Term Disability Insurance?

Short-term disability (STD) insurance provides temporary income replacement — typically 50 to 100 percent of your salary — when you are unable to work due to illness, injury, surgery, or pregnancy. Coverage generally lasts from a few weeks up to six months, after which long-term disability benefits may begin if you remain unable to work.

Most employer-sponsored short-term disability plans are governed by ERISA, meaning your rights and your appeal options are controlled by federal law.

Why Are Short-Term Disability Claims Denied?

Insurance companies deny short-term disability claims for many of the same reasons they deny long-term disability claims. Common grounds include insufficient medical documentation to support your inability to work, disputes about whether your condition meets the plan's definition of disability, pre-existing condition exclusions, and allegations that you failed to comply with a treatment plan.

What many employees don't realize is that a short-term disability denial carries the same strict ERISA appeal deadlines as a long-term disability denial. Missing the appeal window can permanently forfeit your right to benefits and to sue.

Short-Term Disability and New Jersey State Law

New Jersey has its own Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) program for employees who do not have employer-sponsored short-term disability coverage. However, if your employer provides short-term disability through a private insurance plan, ERISA governs — not the New Jersey TDI program. Understanding which system applies to your situation is the first step in knowing your rights. The López Firm can quickly identify whether your claim is governed by ERISA or state law and advise you on the correct path forward.

If your short-term disability claim has been denied, don't wait. Contact The López Firm for a free consultation with attorney Omar A. López. We will review your denial, explain your appeal rights, and help you take the right steps to recover your benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions about Short-Term Disability

  • Short-term disability (STD) insurance provides temporary income replacement — typically 50 to 100 percent of your salary — when you are unable to work due to illness, injury, surgery, or pregnancy.

  • Insurance companies deny short-term disability claims for many of the same reasons they deny long-term disability claims. Common grounds include insufficient medical documentation to support your inability to work, disputes about whether your condition meets the plan's definition of disability, pre-existing condition exclusions, and allegations that you failed to comply with a treatment plan.

  • You can reach us anytime via our contact page or email. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.