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 10/22/26 Brent Dorian Brehm 10/22/26

Who Gets to Write ERISA’s Rules? Exhaustion, Freedom of Contract, and the Questions Bolton Leaves Open

The en banc Eleventh Circuit held that ERISA itself does not require exhaustion of statutory claims — and reserved two harder questions. Where does the benefits-exhaustion requirement come from, if not the statute? And if a plan cannot contract away ERISA’s protections, why should its choice-of-law clause contract away state insurance protections the saving clause preserves?

Brent Dorian Brehm 5/16/26 Brent Dorian Brehm 5/16/26

The Judicial Calibration of Medical Reviewer Bias in Post-Glenn ERISA Litigation

Is your insurer's "independent" medical reviewer truly independent? A circuit-by-circuit analysis of how every federal court measures, weighs, and exposes the financial bias of contracted medical consultants in ERISA disability claims — and what it means before your appeal deadline closes.

Brent Dorian Brehm 7/21/25 Brent Dorian Brehm 7/21/25

When Insurers Don’t Explain Themselves: Why Vague Denials May Violate Federal Law

When your insurance claim is denied without a real explanation, it’s more than frustrating — it may be illegal. A new federal court decision confirms that vague ERISA denials violate your rights. This post breaks down what that means for disability, life, and AD&D claims — and what to do next.

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

“I Didn’t Know I Gave That Up”: What to Do If You Unknowingly Waived Disability or ERISA Rights in a Severance Agreement

If you were on disability and signed a severance, you may have unknowingly waived your right to long-term disability (LTD) benefits. Many agreements include buried ERISA waivers that go unexplained — and now, courts are stepping in. A new federal ruling gives employees a path to fight back. Learn how Dorian Law uses the latest legal tools to challenge these hidden waivers and protect your benefits.

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.