About Your Disability Attorneys

Christy and Joe Mcdonald

Joe Mcdonald

Long term / short term disability lawyer

Joseph P. McDonald, was born in Hudson, New York in 1964. Joe attended St. John’s University (B.S., 1986) and the University of Dayton (J.D. 1991), where he was a member of Phi Alpha Delta – one of the oldest law fraternities in the US. He was admitted to the Ohio bar in 1991.Joe is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association, the Ohio Association for Justice, the Dayton Bar Association, the American Bar Association, and NOSSCR (the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives).Prior to partnering with his wife Christy to form McDonald & McDonald, Joe was an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Dayton, and worked for a large personal injury law firm in Ohio.

In his off time, Joe enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and studying To-Shin Do. He is married to Christy, his law partner, and they have a daughter, a son, and a cute little cockapoo dog.

Christie Mcdonald short & long term disability lawyer

Christy Mcdonald

Long term / short term disability lawyer

Christine M. McDonald, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1964. Christy attended the College of Mount St. Joseph (B.S., Magna Cum Laude, 1988) and Law School at the University of Dayton (J.D. 1991). She was admitted to the Ohio bar in 1993.Christy is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association, the Dayton Bar Association, the American Bar Association, and NOSSCR (the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives).Prior to partnering with her husband Joe to form McDonald & McDonald, Christy worked for the Dayton Prosecutor’s office, a local private law firm, and Lexis-Nexis.

Outside work, Christy enjoys swimming, yoga, spending time with her family, and being actively involved with her daughter and son’s education and extracurricular activities.

Our Philosophy

We do not dictate a strategy, but rather listen to the particulars of your situation and work with you to develop an effective strategy – knowing that each case is unique and you have something to contribute that will help us achieve the ultimate goal — your success.
We take the time to help you feel comfortable understanding the process and the strategy for your case.

FAQ

Can I win my ERISA appeal?

Absolutely. Your appeal is your only chance to add information to the insurance companies’ claim file. As experienced Long Term Disability Lawyers, we can put together the right evidence to prove your disability.

How much does it cost?

We operate on a NO WIN, NO FEE policy.

your initial consultation is always free, and we work on a contingent fee basis, which means you pay no attorneys fees unless we win.

If my Long Term Disability is denied, do I have to appeal?

It’s now or never! Most Long-Term Disability plans give you 180 days to appeal your denial. If you do not appeal within 180 days, you lose any right to sue the Insurance Company in Federal Court.

What's the difference between short term disability insurance & long term disability insurance?

There are 2 types of disability insurance. Short Term Disability Policy (STD) pays you a portion of your income for a short period of time after you run out of sick leave. Depending on your insurance plan, STD generally will pay you for between 9-52 weeks (or 1 year). Long Term Disability Policy (LTD) pays you a portion of your income after you run out of both sick leave and STD.

If your law firm is in Ohio, can I hire you to do my case in another state?

ABSOLUTELY. Experience matters much more than local office space when it comes to Long-Term Disability (LTD) & ERISA cases. This is a specialized area of law and you don’t want to hire a local attorney who thinks he/she can dabble in this area. The Insurance Company you will be fighting won’t be hiring a lawyer from your hometown either.

Where we practice

What our clients say

"It was my good fortune to have had Joe McDonald work on my behalf for my disability case. Joe took the time to understand my situation, condition, and had the courage to stand up to big insurance companies. He is one of the most intelligent and talented people that I have ever met and has a phenomenal team (Katie). He literally saved my life. Not only was Joe able to secure a victory in a virtual landmark decision, but I was fortunate to have gained a true friend through all this. You need to hire McDonald & McDonald for your disability case. Now. They are the best."

Doug Strott, Long Term Disability

“…they came highly recommended. They kept in constant contact, kept me informed – kept in touch, and they treated me like gold…..from their staff on down, and I mean that sincerely. I would never hesitate to recommend them!”

S. Harris, Long term disability client

"They were very cordial and upfront with all information. They always kept me updated on my case, and I really appreciated that"

B. Fisher, Short term disability client

"Want someone who will take their time and listen diligently and not just rush you through? Then you need to contact Joe McDonald. Mine was a case of proving what exactly my job description was and he did that without fail against one the largest insurance company, Hartford Life. He fought my case in a timely manner and I received what was due to me. Thank You Joe McDonald.Nobody could have done a better job. Appreciate the hard work!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Sue Calhoun, Long term disability client

"Can't say enough about Mr. McDonald and his staff’s relentless effort and tenacity to fight for my disability benefits."

Sam Niswonger, Long Term Disability