Mel L. Crawford

Mel is a dream as a lawyer, partner and human. He’s been my lawyer for 3+ years and helped me get short-term and long-term disability claims approved with two different insurance companies for both phases. He also helped me get continued coverage at the two-year mark when the definition of disability... changed. For context on my conditions, I had cancer and am disabled from long-term side effects from the surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy. I now have chronic pain and cognitive issues. He knows his area of law inside and out - he’s incredibly smart and has been doing this kind of law exclusively for so long that his experience is also an advantage. He also knows the insurance companies well enough to know the nuances of working with each. He also knows all the tricks the disability insurance companies play. He advised me ahead of time on how they might try to decline coverage both at the onset, and at the 2 year mark when many disability insurance plans change the definition on what is required to be considered disabled. My health situation is complicated and is one they’d likely try to cut off at 2 years. And he was right. Literally every step the insurance company made Mel had predicted and we had prepared for. And we won. The insurance company continued to approve my claim and there was no interruption in my benefits. Had I not had Mel as my lawyer, this likely wouldn’t have gone my way. I knew I had a legitimate claim, but the disability insurance companies aren’t always looking at whether it’s legitimate, but instead how to minimize their payout. Mel has always billed conservatively. He never ran the bill up with unnecessary conversations or steps. His rates were more than fair for the work he did and especially for the outcomes. I plan on retaining Mel for as long as he’ll keep me as a client! I feel like he genuinely cares about me as a person and about helping me. I already have enough to worry about with my health issues and having Mel on my team makes my life easier and less stressful.

I had been beaten up for several years by an insurance company that was supposed to provide disability income when I became ill. Several lawyers looked at the case, but no one seemed to understand the complexity of the issues. It was impossible to carry this huge burden in addition to having a new di...sability, and it was frighteningly close to the end of the line. I had spoken with people about letting my house go because I could not pay the mortgage. Mel stepped in at my lowest point and changed everything. When I left his office the first time, I felt a monumental weight lifted from my shoulders. And then, he resolved the case with full benefits and interest (including back pay) without going to trial - in a very short period of time. There are no adequate words to describe the level of understanding, intelligence, energy and dedication that Mel showed while literally saving me. He was able to do what other lawyers could not even understand. He knew the law. He knew the players. He knew what to do when. The case was over the day I met him. I cannot imagine what my life would be now if I had not hired Mel to be my attorney.

After years of fighting an illness that changed the course of my life, I knew that I would not be able to continue working. I was lost, overwhelmed and didn’t know where to start. Fortunately, I was referred to Mel Crawford. From my first meeting with Mel I experienced his professionalism and co...mpassion. Mel guided me through the process to receive Short Term Disability through my company insurance. And later Long Term Disability and Social Security Disability. After eight months on Long Term Disability, the insurance company terminated my benefits. Mel went to work on the appeal process. He built a case so comprehensive and far reaching, covering all aspects of my illness, it would make it difficult for the insurance company to deny my appeal. About a month after submitting, the insurance company reinstated my LTD benefits. I highly recommend Mel Crawford for anyone dealing with disability issues. I can’t say enough about how much support he gave me through what has been the most difficult time in my life.

We called quite a few attorneys to find the right one to help on a short term disability case. Mel stood out from the reviews on this page and from the first phone call, he came through as someone who cares about the individual. He stood by us and helped us through hurdle after hurdle and even whe...n at times we wanted to give up, he patiently encouraged us to see it through. I really can't say enough - I have never had to work with an attorney so didn't know what to expect. I have a feeling that Mel is someone special though and encourage people to contact him for assistance. Today I found out that the case was settled in favor of us and this will allow us to get back on track. Thank you Mel!