Mr. Grabhorn is a distinguished insurance and ERISA attorney with a national practice, specializing in long-term disability and life insurance claims. Recognized by his peers as an authority in these fields, he has extensive expertise in navigating the complexities of ERISA regulations and insurance law. Committed to advocating for clients, Mr. Grabhorn ensures their rights and benefits are protected, with a proven track record of successfully resolving claims and litigating disputes.

Setting him apart from other attorneys, Mr. Grabhorn brings over 17 years of unique experience and training from his time in the insurance industry before starting his firm. He gained comprehensive exposure to all facets of disability and life insurance, including sales, underwriting, claims, and policy design. During this period, he earned the prestigious Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) certifications, reflecting his extensive knowledge and training in life and disability insurance.

Mr. Grabhorn’s significant insurance and ERISA experience led to his frequent retention by insurance companies to consult on the design and marketing of new insurance products. Additionally, he created one of the largest regional private continuing education programs to better educate insurance agents on insurance and ERISA.

 Mr. Grabhorn’s wealth of experience, knowledge, and dedication to pursuing insurance and ERISA claims consistently result in favorable outcomes for his firm’s clients across the country.

Publications & Speaking Engagements

Mr. Grabhorn is nationally recognized for his extensive experience and expertise in successfully pursuing insurance and ERISA claims. Regularly invited to speak to fellow attorneys, he shares his insights and strategies in this specialized area of law. A selection of Mr. Grabhorn’s publications and speaking engagements includes:

  • “No More Surprise Medical Bills” (2022)
  • “Arbitration and Insurance Claims” (2022)
  • “Find a Format That Works—Don’t Leave Mediation Empty Handed, Building Damages for Mediation” (2020)
  • “Protecting Your Income: Disability Insurance” (2019)
  • “ERISA Long Term Disability Claims & Reimbursement, Pro Tips on Subrogation” (2019)
  • “Protecting Your Clients from ERISA Liens & Collections” (2019)
  • Legal Issues in Life Insurance Claims” (2017)
  • Contractual Issues, Proof in Disability Insurance Claims” (2016)
  •  “Litigating Individual Disability Insurance Claims” (2016)
  • “ERISA Long Term Disability: Overpayment Claims in the Wake of Montanile” (2016) 
  • “Valuing Long Term Disability Insurance Claims” (2016)
  • “Ethical Issues in Litigating Bad Faith Insurance Claims” (2016) 
  • “Litigating Long Term Disability Insurance—ERISA Claims” (2015)
  • “Litigating Personal Disability Insurance Claims” (2015)
  • “Employee Benefits Law—ERISA Claims and Review Procedures” (2015)
  • “Litigating Long Term Disability Insurance—ERISA Claims” (2015) 
  • “ERISA, It’s Not Just About Subrogation: Life and Accident Insurance Claims” (2015) 
  • “Suitability Issues in Insurance—Evaluating Suitable Coverage for Today’s Client” (2005)
  • “Ethical Issues in Insurance” (2005)
  • “Ethics for Insurance & Financial Professionals” (2002)
National Insurance & ERISA Practice

Mr. Grabhorn’s insurance and ERISA practice spans nationwide, advocating for his clients’ insured rights in all state and federal courts throughout the United States. In addition to his prestigious admission to the U.S. Supreme Court, his notable admissions include:

  • U.S. Courts of Appeal for the First, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eleventh Circuits
  • U.S. District Courts for Alabama, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan Oregon, Michigan, N. Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, S. Carolina, Tennessee, W. Virginia, Virginia
Education
  • University of Louisville College of Business—Finance
  • The American College of Financial Services—CLU, ChFC
  • Louis D. Brandeis School of Law—Juris Doctor
Awards & Recognitions
  • AVVO Rated 10.0 Top Attorney
  • Kentucky Justice Association Board Member of the Year (2019)
  • Louisville’s Top Lawyers – Employee Benefits Law
Professional Certifications
  • Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU)

The highly respected CLU designation represents a rigorous standard of expertise and professionalism in the life insurance industry. Individuals who earn this designation undergo extensive training and education, covering complex aspects of life insurance products, policy structuring, claims, and underwriting. This depth of knowledge, combined with a commitment to ethical practice, assures clients that CLUs are highly qualified to provide reliable, informed, and trustworthy life insurance advice.

  • Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC)

The ChFC designation is highly respected because it signifies a comprehensive mastery of financial planning, covering a broad range of topics beyond what is typically addressed in other certifications. Individuals who earn the ChFC designation complete an extensive curriculum that includes retirement planning, investment strategies, insurance, estate planning, and tax management. This rigorous training ensures that ChFCs possess a deep, well-rounded knowledge of financial planning, enabling them to provide holistic and tailored financial advice to their clients. Additionally, the designation requires adherence to a strict code of ethics, further enhancing the trust and credibility associated with ChFC professionals.

Membership & Activities
  • Kentucky Justice Association (KJA), Board of Governors (2017-2022)

The KJA is a nonprofit organization that represents trial lawyers and legal professionals in Kentucky. It serves as an advocate for individuals who have been injured or wronged, promoting justice and fairness in the legal system.

  • American Association for Justice (AAJ), Insurance Law

The AAJ is a nonprofit advocacy and organization based in the United States. It represents plaintiffs’ attorneys, particularly those specializing in civil litigation and trial advocacy.  The AAJ’s mission is to promote a fair and effective justice system and advocate for the rights of injured individuals and consumers. Members of the AAJ include trial lawyers, law professors, paralegals, and law students who share a commitment to defending the rights of those who have been harmed by the negligence or misconduct of others.

  • American Bar Association (ABA), Insurance Law 

The ABA is one of the largest voluntary bar associations in the world, with over 400,000 members. It was founded in 1878 and serves as a national organization for attorneys and the legal profession in the United States. The ABA’s mission includes improving the legal profession, promoting the rule of law, and providing resources and support for lawyers and law students. The ABA engages in a wide range of activities, including setting academic standards for law schools, developing model ethical codes for lawyers, advocating for legal reform and access to justice, and providing continuing legal education opportunities. 

  • American Bar Foundation (ABF), Fellow

The ABF is a nonprofit, independent research institute established in 1952. It aims to advance justice and the understanding of law through empirical research, publications, and initiatives. The ABF conducts research on various aspects of law and legal systems, contributing to policy debates and providing insights to improve the legal profession and justice system in the United States. It is closely affiliated with the American Bar Association (ABA) but operates as a separate entity focused on scholarly research and analysis.

A Fellow of the American Bar Foundation (ABF) is an honorific designation conferred by the ABF to recognize attorneys, judges, law faculty, and legal scholars who have demonstrated outstanding achievements and dedication to the welfare of their communities and the legal profession. Fellowship in the ABF is by invitation only and is limited to a small percentage of lawyers licensed to practice in each jurisdiction.

Community & Sponsorship

Mr. Grabhorn is a dedicated supporter of the Kentucky Humane Society, demonstrating his commitment to animal welfare through both personal involvement and financial contributions. He actively participates in fundraising events, advocates for animal rights, and promotes KHS’ mission to improve the lives of Kentucky’s pets—dogs, cats, and horses. His support helps provide essential services such as spaying/neutering, adoption programs, and community education. Mr. Grabhorn’s dedication to the Kentucky Humane Society reflects his broader commitment to making a positive impact in his community.