Skip to main content

Michael Eli Quiat

Insurance Attorney at Hackensack, NJ

5.0   30 reviews
  • State Years
    New Jersey - NJ 37 years
    New York - NY 41 years
  • Licensed for 37 years
    State NJ
    Acquired 1985
    Status
    Active No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 41 years
    State NY
    Acquired 1982
    Status
    Currently Registered No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Michael

Learn Michael’s areas of practice.

I HAVE REPRESENTED CLAIMANTS AGAINST INSURANCE COMPANIES IN NY AND NJ FOR OVER 36 YEARS.

I understand the hardships faced by individuals when they have to square off against an insurance company with unlimited resources, often times when they are least able to handle the financial and emotional burdens of such battles. In the ERISA, disability, life and long term care claims area, an experienced and compassionate advocate can level the playing field and make success attainable. My philosophy is simple: when you are right, don't take "no" for an answer.

Awards

AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating
Client's Choice 2012
Client's Choice
2012

Photos and videos

Contact Michael

Uscher, Quiat, Uscher & Russo, P.C.
433 Hackensack Avenue
Hackensack, NJ, 07601
Uscher, Quiat, Uscher & Russo, P.C.
355 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY, 10017
Hide locations

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  30 customer reviews
5 Star
 
100%
4 Star
 
0%
3 Star
 
0%
2 Star
 
0%
1 Star
 
0%
Client's Choice 2012
Client's Choice
Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.
Posted by Kevin | March 8, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Recommendation of Michael Quiat
Mike took the time in our initial meeting to truly understand my situation and what I was up against. He listened to my concerns and never pressured me to make a decision to retain his services. Mike allows for input from you in developing your appeal. He referred me to the appropriate doctors and to an Occupational Therapist for testing in order to document my disability. There was constant communication via e-mail or by telephone. Mike is dependable, he does what he says he is going to do and he follows up on the action steps. He is straight forward with you and realistic about your chances with the appeal and the time frame involved. He has a professional office with a very competent staff including paralegals. Mike is highly experienced in dealing with the major insurance carriers. He is also very personable and he made additional recommendations to me regarding my well being. He is the number 1 individual disability in the state. Simply put, he is the best, hands down. I highly recommend him.
Read less
Posted by anonymous | November 22, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Attorney Michael E. Quiat - Professional, Knowledgeable, Courteous. Truly a man of honor and integrity.
As I was facing some of the most difficult times of my life with seemingly no way out, I was most fortunate to meet Michael Quiat. Among other things, I was in search for a long-term disability attorney I felt I could trust, and put my life in their hands. I researched the internet thoroughly and met various LTD attorneys. But it was not until I met Michael Quiat that I began to believe that all was not lost. Mike sat with me, focused fully on my situation. He did not interrupt but listened intently. At the end of my verbal dissertation, he calmly and with the highest level of confidence said, "Everything will be alright. We will work through this together and begin to turn your life around." At that very moment, I felt as if a great weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I believed in him because I knew he believed in himself. Michael was by my side as we completed the entire filing process, and continues to be there still should I have any questions or concerns. He makes himself available as if I were his only client, which I am certain I am not. He has been more than just an attorney who has helped me successfully receive my long-term disability. He has been a friend and advocate as well. He has been instrumental in helping me start to take control of my life once again. Though the road ahead may still be long, it brings me great comfort and solace to know that I will not be walking that road alone, but will always have Michael by my side. Thank you Michael for all you have done, and continue to do, for my family and me. A most grateful and satisfied client.
Read less
Posted by Eileen | March 20, 2023
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Joel Zelkowitz
We were extremely pleased with the counsel provided by Joel Zelkowitz, of the firm Uscher, Quiat, Uscher, & Russo. Joel was immediately responsive to our inquiries, knowledgeable about insurance issues, and generous with his time. Unlike other attorneys that we interviewed before him, Joel was focused on a positive outcome for us versus a lucrative engagement for his firm. His professional approach and sound recommendations reassured us as we tackled our complex insurance matters. We would use Joel’s services again without hesitation and highly recommend him to others.
Read less
Posted by Melissa | February 11, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Fantastic Firm with Exceptional Results
I have been a client of Uscher, Quiat, Uscher & Russo and specifically Joel D. Zelkowitz, Esq. since the summer of 2017 when I injured my hand and the firm was referred to me by the providers of my disability insurance. Never did I think I would need an attorney for my straight forward injury and claim... I was wrong. Thankfully my path was gratefully blessed with Mr. Joel Zelkowitz from the very beginning. He has handled everything with getting my disability insurance policy activated without issue and has done so with me being many states away. Joel quickly and diligently handles any matters that arise and deals with them directly. Mr. Zelkowitz always takes time to explain to me the importance of each and every thing that he does for my case. He truly is my advocate. He is NEVER too busy for me and has always made extra time for me during my more "stressed" times. I appreciate Joel is never shy about asking for other's opinions in his firm as well. Mr. Zelkowitz not only handled the initial matters with the insurance company, but he has since dealt with an appeal on my behalf to get my claim reinstated after the company stopped paying. I honestly cannot imagine having to deal with paperwork on my own. I would not be receiving my disability payments if it were not for Mr. Joel D. Zelkowitz, Esq. and his continued hard work, motivation and outstanding skills. Thank you!
Read less
Posted by Chris | January 21, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Hired attorney
My experience with the law firm, including Michael and Joel was top notch. There always made themselves available for questions and worked very hard on the resolution of my account. Would recommend them to everyone!!
Posted by Jodi | April 27, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Very helpful and nice person
I have worked for law firms for over 40 years. When I became disabled, Uscher, Quiat, Uscher & Russo were referred to me by one of the Prosecutors in Monmouth County. Since I have experience working with many different law firms, I didn't know what to expect. I wanted to write a review because Uscher, Quiat were wonderful to work with. Being that this was a very stressful time for me, Mr.Quiat and his associate, Joel, were very patient, understanding and very responsive to my needs. I would highly recommend this firm.
Read less
Posted by Roseann | March 10, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Extremely pleased with my outcome
Choosing the right long term disability attorney can change your life. I am extremely pleased with my decision to have Mike Quiat represent me. He is knowledgeable, responsive, easy to work with and has just the perfect amount of "toughness" to deal with the insurance companies. I had a great outcome in a very short amount of time. I highly recommend Mike Quiat
Read less
Posted by Barbara | July 15, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Mr Quiat works for YOU
I needed help with a personal disability claim and was referred to two lawyers. Mr Quiat returned my phone call personally and listened to me explain my issue for fifteen minutes over the phone. He quoted me a likely fee and so hired him. From the first call to the last encounter I always felt Mike was working for ME...not to improve his record, but to get me the result I deserved. Mr. Quiat’s professionalism, empathy, and expertise Were responsible for our success in the case. I am most grateful. The fee ended up being about 80% of the quoted cost. I highly recommend Michael Quiat!
Read less
Posted by Orlandio | June 24, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Good Guy! Good lawyer!
Mr. Quiat held my hand through the whole process. When in doubt he cleared the air. When in disagreement, he made good to our verbal conversations. Would I hire him again? Yes I would. Super easy to talk too, seem very caring and fair. He did a good job and always provided the pros and cons at each level.
Posted by Alex | June 6, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Attorney!
Michael Quiat and his team handled my disability claim. Not only are they extremely experienced professionals who get the results they promise, they are very easy to work with, which I never thought I would say about any attorney. Michael is very knowledgeable and was able to tell me what to expect every step of the way, he also promptly answered any questions I had. Joel D. Zelkowitz managed my case and he was just wonderful, always responsive and reachable via email and phone; very detailed so everything was handled on time and correctly. They made an extremely difficult and stressful situation bearable and what seemed to be impossible manageable. I would highly recommend Michael Quiat and his team!
Read less
Posted by Carlos | December 8, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Disability Benefits
Mr. Quiat, and his Team were able to re-instate my disability benefits discontinued by Aetna Insurance. Mr. Quiat was always available, and responded quickly to any inquiries, questions I had via phone, email or thru his Team. Very professional, and detailed. I highly recommend Mr. Quiat. I would use his services again!!
Posted by anonymous | December 8, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Disabilty, business attorney
Mr. Quiat . Is thorough , pleasant to work with . He exhibits , complete competency of his profession . I would highly recommend him . His many years of experience qualifies him to approach his work with confidence, that the outcome was handled with the upmost dillegence.
Posted by Kevin | December 7, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Reinstatement of Disability Benefits Denied by CIGNA
Mr. Quiat was very specific about my options, chances of a successful appeal, and the costs of same. We did discuss the possibility of taking the issue to court and costs of such action. My appeal, as directed by Mr. Quiat, with the assistance of professionals at his firm, was successful on the first attempt. There was no need to take the time and incur the costs of a trial.
Read less
Posted by Barbara | August 15, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
GREAT ADVOCATE, CARING, HIGHLY ATTENTIVE, NOT GREED DRIVEN
]Michael Quiat handled my long term disability.case and did so in a very caring manner. He was a great advocate and always quick to return phone calls. My.case was a psychiatric disability.case but he never treated me like I was crazy or showed me anything but the utmost respect. At this juncture in my life, I unfortunately was dealing with 8 or 9 different attorneys all on different matters. To put it nicely, I so wish Mike could have handled.every single one for me. To put it not.so nicely, out of this bunch the only one I can be 100% certain that is not going straight.to hell is Mike. And a long overdue thank you for not charging 18% interest on an overdue bill while I was.unable to pay it. I did settle up as soon as I could and wish my accountant would.take.a page out of your book. Folks,]the only.thing.I.can say is.dont get used.to.it. Other attorneys are not cut from the same.cloth. I recommend him mostp.highly.
Read less
Posted by anonymous | November 29, 2014
Highly Recommended Attorney Michael Quiat.
It was a daunting task to find a truly experienced, expert, and attentive ERISA Disability Attorney to handle my appeal when my claim was denied. However I was quite fortunate to have found Mike Quiat who has all of those qualities. Whereas other Attorneys wanted a large upfront fee to even discuss my case before taking it on Mike spoke to me at length regarding my claim denial with no charge. I sensed from the start that I had finally found a competent and caring attorney to handle my appeal. Mike knew exactly what needed to be done to overturn my claim denial and expertly prepared it so that it was overturned. He made a very difficult situation as easy as possible for me. He responded to all my phone calls and emails in a timely manner and each member of his firms staff were helpful, courteous, and responsive. I have no hesitation recommended Michael Quiat,
Read less
Posted by Carmen | October 1, 2012
At A Time When I Needed An Attorney Michael Quiat Was There.
Several months back I was denied long term disability by my insurance company. Needless to say their decision was puzzling to me as well as being difficult to accept. The insurance company encouraged me to appeal their decision on my own but having some small degree of familiarity with ERISA laws I knew I could not. Thus began my internet search. Although Mr. Quiat's credentials and experience were quite impressive to me and my wife they were not the overriding reason we chose to go with him. While speaking to another attorney about my problem he highly recommended Mr. Quiat without me mentioning his name during our conversation. This attorney indicated he would hire Mr. Quiat if faced with a similar situation. Based on this I scheduled a meeting with Mr. Quiat who then explained everything I needed to know about my situation, far more than any lay person could grasp on his own. (There are too many opportunities for someone to err if you are not familiar with these laws, rules of appeal, etc.) Once the decision was reached to go with Mr. Quiat his highly qualified staff kept me informed of my case and answered all of my questions without reservation. Though one needs to be patient with a case like mine as it has to run it's course I can say we are so happy with the outcome. Mr. Quiat's appeal on my behalf was so well prepared and presented there is no doubt something like this is best left to the orofessional to handle. I would not hesitate to recommend Michael Quiat.
Read less
Posted by Vlad | July 18, 2012
Michael Eli Quiat
I was denied disability payments even after appeals. Mr. Quiat took over the case, and, due to a combination of his meticulous attention to detail in examining the underwriters statements and his creative approach in explaining it, it became obvious that they were liable for payment. We never had to go to court.
Posted by Amalia | July 11, 2012
A Kelly review of M Quiat
I have had more experience with lawyers than I care to mention. Mike stands out as the MOST responsive attorney I have had the pleasure to work with. Mine was a disability case with multiple insurers, multiple doctors, and the federal govt., and it has stretched itself out over 4 years already. Over this long time line, Mike has always, always been available for issues that seemed urgent to me, even if not to him. He never got annoyed at having to hunt me down and prop me up to fill out form after form when I didn't feel well. He's a very bright man (of this I am sure) and seems extremely knowledgeable in his feel (at least to a non-disability attorney like myself). He always made it as easy as possible for me to get things done, a welcome relief when you don't always feel well. I trust him completely and without question, his integrity is above reproach. What more wonderful things can I say about him??!! The best endorsement of all - I would insist that any of my loved ones, should they be unforturnate enough to sustain a disability, engage Mike to shepherd them through it all.
Read less
Posted by anonymous | July 11, 2012
Excellent attorney
Relative to my case, - Solid expertise and the relevant knowledge and insights needed to resolve the legal matters. - Provided neccessary resources/recommendations to support legal position of client. - Effective advocate in handling interactions with opposing party. - Very responsive in client concerns. - Fairness and willingness to work with client without prejudice to case size.
Read less
Posted by Henry | July 3, 2012
My dealings with Mike Quiat
This was my 2nd case with Mike. The first was when my disability insurance company stopped paying me. We sued and won and Mike got my payments reinstated. The second time was a parking space dispute with my coop. Again we won and I received an indoor garage space. I trusted Mike completely, he kept my informed of everything and got back to me right away when I had a question. I never had any doubts about the way Mike handled my cases. Mike is also very sensitive to people on disability and to keep the costs within reason which is very important to people on a fixed income. If you have a disability issue, Mike in my opinion is the best man to have by your side. By the way, Mike was recommended to me by a friend who used him and also won!
Read less
View less reviews

Cost

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Contact for Details

Resume

AVVO RATING 8.5 (Excellent)

Work Experience

  • Managing Partner
  • Uscher, Quiat, Uscher & Russo, PC
  • 1985 - Present

Education

  • Hofstra University School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1981
  • Ithaca College
  • BS - Bachelor of Science
  • 1978

Associations

  • American College of Legal Medicine
  • Member
  • N/A
  • American Trial Lawyers Association
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Defense Research Institute
  • Member
  • N/A
  • New York City Bar Association
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Bergen County Bar Association
  • Member
  • N/A
View all associations

Honors and Awards

  • Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers
  • Martindale-Hubbell®
  • 2022
  • Client Reviewed
  • Martindale-Hubbell®
  • 2022
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2016
  • Preeminent 5.0 out of 5
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2016
  • Top Lawyers of New Jersey
  • Inside New Jersey
  • 2015
  • Top Rated New York Lawyers
  • New York Magazine
  • 2015
  • New Jersey Legal Leaders
  • Wall Street Journal
  • 2014
View all awards

Speaking Engagements

  • CLE
  • ERISA Benefits Litigation for the Non-ERISA Attorney: Avoiding the Minefields
  • 2015
  • CLE
  • ERISA For Dummies: What Every Lawyer Needs to Know About ERISA But is Afraid to Ask
  • 2014

Attorney endorsements

Received (1)
Given (2)
Endorse Michael
Insurance Attorney | Jul 02
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I've known Mike Quiat for over ten years now as a consequence of working together and sharing our professional perspectives with each other on a variety of matters. Mike is a consummate professional with five star expertise and achievements, especially in the areas of private disability insurance and ERISA claims. You can always trust Mike to tell you the truth, and be there when you need him most."
Litigation
Medical malpractice