Proven. Reliable. Victorious.

“Brent was knowledgeable, thoughtful and had a strategic approach. I will never be able to properly thank Brent enough for helping me reach a positive outcome. Brent was efficient with his time and strategy, unbelievably empathetic and re-assuring. Thank you to Brent....I am forever grateful.”

— Posted by Erin E.

Welcome to Dorian Law’s blog page. This is where we write about useful tips, emerging trends, and provide thoughtful insights regarding LTD, Life, and AD&D Insurance benefits. Search for something you are interested in or check out a topic from the list below. Whatever brought you here, I hope we can make a difference.

A chart with two sections, one labeled 9 years for super lawyers from 2017 to 2025, and another labeled 3 years for rising stars from 2014 to 2016.

Brent Dorian Brehm 7/9/25 Brent Dorian Brehm 7/9/25

Four Long-Term Disability Denial Tricks — And How to Beat Them

Insurers use the same four tricks to cut off long-term disability benefits—blowing ERISA’s appeal deadline, cherry-picking records, invoking a 24-month “self-reported” cap, and pretending your hobby proves employability. Wonsang v. Reliance (4th Cir. 2025) dismantles every tactic. Learn how to leverage that ruling, sink the insurer’s battleship, and turn “No” into “Not so fast.”

Brent Dorian Brehm 6/7/25 Brent Dorian Brehm 6/7/25

Understanding “Abuse of Discretion” in ERISA Long-Term Disability Claims

Can your disability insurance company just make up their own rules?
When long-term disability (LTD) benefits are denied under ERISA, insurers often claim broad discretion. But if they twist or ignore the plan's actual terms, that's an abuse of discretion—one you can challenge. Here’s how it works, what the law says, and what you need to know to fight back.

Brent Dorian Brehm 4/12/25 Brent Dorian Brehm 4/12/25

An Analysis of Unum's Internal Disability Claim Medical Review Process and Associated Litigation

Are you struggling with a denied disability claim from Unum? This analysis reveals common tactics used by Unum, including reliance on 'paper reviews' and challenges to claimant credibility. Explore evidence of Unum's multi-step review process and how it can impact your claim. If you believe Unum has acted in bad faith or violated ERISA, understanding your options for legal action against Unum is critical. Our report provides insights into court cases and regulatory settlements involving Unum disability claim denials.

Brent Dorian Brehm 4/10/25 Brent Dorian Brehm 4/10/25

Case Review Corner: The Shift in Standards - Understanding ERISA's "Any Occupation" Disability Definition

What does it really mean to be unable to perform "Any Occupation" under an ERISA disability plan? We delve into a recent court case that examines this very question and its impact on a claimant's benefits.

Brent Dorian Brehm 4/7/25 Brent Dorian Brehm 4/7/25

Punitive Damages for Breach of the Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing Based on Reckless Disregard in California

In California, insurance companies have a duty to act fairly and honestly with their policyholders. If they don't, it's called "bad faith." Sometimes, if an insurance company acts really badly, they might have to pay extra money called "punitive damages" to punish them and stop them from doing it again. To get punitive damages, the person suing usually has to show the insurance company acted with "malice," meaning they intentionally tried to harm someone or didn't care about their rights, or with "oppression," meaning they were cruel and unjust. Just being careless or "reckless" might not be enough to get punitive damages unless it shows they really didn't care about someone's rights or safety.