MetLife disability lawyers are not employed by MetLife

MetLife is an insurance company that sells disability insurance policies to individuals and groups. When you have a MetLife disability insurance claim, MetLife does not provide you with a lawyer. Instead, you hire your own attorney if you need one—either to help you file a claim, appeal a denial, or pursue a lawsuit against MetLife.

The term "MetLife disability lawyer" usually means a private attorney who has experience handling disputes with MetLife specifically. These lawyers understand how MetLife reviews claims, what reasons MetLife commonly uses to deny benefits, and how MetLife's appeal process works.

If you have a MetLife disability insurance policy through your employer, a union, or a professional association, you may also have access to a legal resource line or employee information program that can refer you to an attorney at no cost. Check your policy documents or call your employer's benefits office to see what is included.

Key Takeaways

  • MetLife does not provide lawyers; you hire your own attorney if you need one to handle a claim dispute or appeal.
  • Lawyers who work with MetLife claims typically charge either a percentage of the money you recover or an hourly rate, depending on the type of case.
  • You can find MetLife disability lawyers through your state bar association, disability rights organizations, or referrals from other attorneys.
  • Some employer-provided disability plans include a legal referral service or employee information program that can connect you with an attorney.
  • An attorney can help you understand whether MetLife's denial reason is valid and whether you have grounds to appeal or sue.

When you might need a MetLife disability lawyer

You may want to consult an attorney if MetLife denies your claim, stops paying your benefits, or offers you a settlement that seems too low. An attorney can review MetLife's decision letter, the language in your policy, and the medical evidence MetLife used to determine whether the denial was justified.

You may also need a lawyer if you believe MetLife acted in bad faith—for example, if MetLife ignored medical evidence, misapplied the policy terms, or delayed a decision without reason. Bad faith claims can result in damages beyond the benefits themselves, which is why they sometimes warrant legal action.

If your claim involves a large monthly benefit amount or a long remaining benefit period, the cost of hiring an attorney may be worth it even if your case settles early. If your benefit is small or you are near the end of your benefit period, an attorney may advise you that litigation is not cost-effective.

How MetLife disability lawyers charge for their work

Most disability lawyers who handle MetLife cases work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they take a percentage of the money you recover—usually 25 to 33 percent—and charge nothing upfront. If you do not recover money, you do not pay the attorney's fee. You may still owe costs like court filing fees or medical record retrieval, which vary by case.

Some attorneys charge by the hour instead, particularly if the case involves a complex policy question or if you are asking for information before filing a claim. Hourly rates for disability attorneys typically range from $150 to $400 per hour, though rates vary by location and the attorney's experience.

Before you hire an attorney, ask in writing what the fee arrangement is, what costs you may owe separately, and whether the attorney will advance those costs or bill you for them. Get this agreement in writing and keep a copy.

How to find a MetLife disability lawyer

Start with your state bar association's lawyer referral service. Most state bars maintain a searchable directory or a phone line where you can request referrals to attorneys who handle disability insurance disputes. Some state bars also have a specialty certification in disability law, though not all states offer this.

Disability rights organizations in your state may also maintain lists of attorneys who work on disability cases. Organizations like the National Disability Rights Network or your state's protection and advocacy agency can point you toward local resources.

If you belong to a union, professional association, or employee group, check whether your membership includes a legal services plan or employee information program. These programs often offer free or low-cost consultations with attorneys who handle insurance disputes.

You can also ask your primary care doctor, a social worker, or another attorney you know for a referral. Attorneys often know other attorneys who specialize in areas outside their own practice, and a personal referral can be more reliable than a directory listing.

Questions to ask a MetLife disability lawyer before you hire them

Ask whether the attorney has handled MetLife claims before and how many. Ask what the outcome was in similar cases—not just wins, but also how long cases took and what the typical settlement or judgment amount was. An attorney who has handled dozens of MetLife cases will know the company's patterns better than one handling their first.

Ask what the attorney thinks of your specific situation. A good attorney will be honest if your case is weak or if the cost of pursuing it will exceed what you are likely to recover. They should also explain what steps come next and roughly how long the process takes.

Ask whether the attorney will handle your case personally or whether it will be handed off to a junior attorney or paralegal. Ask how often you can expect to hear from them and how you will communicate—by phone, email, or in person.

Ask about the fee arrangement in writing, including what percentage or hourly rate applies, what costs you may owe separately, and whether the attorney will advance costs or bill you. Ask whether the attorney carries malpractice insurance.

The difference between appealing within MetLife and suing MetLife

MetLife has an internal appeal process. If your claim is denied, you can request that MetLife review the decision. This is called an administrative appeal and happens entirely within MetLife's system. You do not go to court. An attorney can help you prepare the appeal, gather medical evidence, and write the appeal letter, but the decision still comes from MetLife.

If you disagree with MetLife's appeal decision, you can file a lawsuit in court. This is called litigation or a civil suit. In a lawsuit, a judge or jury hears both sides and makes a binding decision. Lawsuits take longer and cost more than appeals, but they can result in larger awards if you win, including damages for bad faith or breach of contract.

An attorney can advise you on whether to appeal first or go straight to court, depending on your policy language, the reason for the denial, and the strength of your medical evidence. Some cases settle during the appeal process, while others require a lawsuit.

What to bring to your first meeting with a disability lawyer

Bring your disability insurance policy itself—the full document, not just the summary. Bring MetLife's denial letter or any other written decision from MetLife. Bring copies of all medical records and test results that relate to your condition, including records from before you filed the claim.

Bring any written communication you have had with MetLife, including emails, letters, and notes of phone calls with dates and names of the people you spoke to. Bring documentation of your work history, job duties, and income before you became disabled. Bring any other insurance policies you have that might cover the same disability, such as workers' compensation or a group policy through an employer.

Bring a timeline of your condition—when symptoms started, when you stopped working, when you filed the claim, and when you received MetLife's decision. The more organized you are, the faster the attorney can assess your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I appeal a MetLife denial without hiring a lawyer?

Yes. You can file an appeal on your own by writing to MetLife and requesting reconsideration. However, appeals are more likely to succeed if you include new medical evidence or point out a specific error in MetLife's reasoning. An attorney can help you identify what went wrong and gather the right evidence, but you are not required to hire one.

How long does it take to resolve a MetLife disability dispute?

An internal appeal usually takes 30 to 60 days. A lawsuit can take one to three years or longer, depending on whether the case settles or goes to trial. Your attorney can give you a better estimate once they review your specific situation and MetLife's response.

What if MetLife says my condition is not disabling under the policy definition?

This is one of the most common reasons for denial. An attorney can review the policy's definition of disability, compare it to your medical records, and determine whether MetLife applied the definition correctly. If MetLife misinterpreted the policy or ignored relevant medical evidence, you may have grounds to appeal or sue.

Do I have to use a lawyer who specializes in MetLife cases?

No, but it helps. Any disability attorney can handle a MetLife case, but one with experience specifically with MetLife claims will know the company's common denial reasons and appeal patterns. If you cannot find a MetLife specialist in your area, look for a general disability insurance attorney with at least five years of experience.

What happens if I win my case against MetLife?

If you win an appeal, MetLife pays the benefits you were owed, plus interest in some cases. If you win a lawsuit, you may recover benefits, interest, attorney fees, and damages for bad faith or breach of contract. The amount depends on the policy language and the reason for the original denial.