Short & Long Term Disability Lawsuit Cases We’ve Won for Our Clients

A Public Relations Manager from Alabama had a flurry of medical issues shortly after her husband died. She had migraines causing visual impairment, a heart condition, back surgery and lymphedema. The symptoms from her conditions became worse over time, to the point that she had bouts of lost vision due to her computer monitors, and she could not sit for longer than an hour without a break.

Eventually, the numerous conditions became too much and she stopped working. She applied for Long Term Disability benefits and received those benefits for two years until her insurer suddenly stopped paying benefits, stating that she was disabled from her current position, but that she could return to a desk job.

She called Fields Law Firm to help with her appeal. The attorneys at Fields Law compiled narratives from two of our client’s treating doctors, laying out a comprehensive timeline for benefits. The Fields Law attorneys scoured the medical records and found that the insurance company had misrepresented an opinion from one treating doctor.

Our attorneys submitted the appeal and were able to obtain a temporary extension of benefits. Pleased with the extension, our client was able to continue treatment and compile additional records. We then submitted an additional appeal to the insurer, which was denied. Finally, our attorneys filed a lawsuit on behalf of our client and the insurance company settled the claim for a large amount.

An automobile assembly line worker from Alabama experienced back and shoulder pain from a partial tear of her rotator cuff. She had knee replacement surgery as well, causing arthritis in her knee and she was forced to stop working due to her injury. She received disability benefits through her employee insurance plan until the insurer suddenly stopped paying her benefits, even though she was receiving disability benefits from Social Security. Her insurance company sent her a letter stating that, although her pain required her to shift positions four times an hour, she could still do sedentary work and was therefore ineligible for benefits. She appealed with no avail.

Shocked with the insurer’s unrealistic interpretation of her symptoms, she called Fields Law for help. The attorneys at Fields Law examined the denial documents and found that the insurance company’s hired physician did a very poor job of analyzing our client’s conditions. The hired physician called our client’s doctors after their offices were closed, or with only five minutes remaining in the workday. They also stated that an opinion from our client’s knee doctor meant she could reach her arms above her head. Our attorneys filed a federal lawsuit against the insurance company to fight for our client’s rights. During preparation for trial, we negotiated a generous settlement to avoid further litigation on the issue. Our client received a lump-sum payment that allowed her to move on with her life and continue treatment.

A freight handler from Alaska had to stop working due to severe pain from carpal tunnel syndrome. He applied for Long Term Disability but was denied, with his insurer stating the medical records did not suggest he was limited from performing his duties. He appealed on his own and was unsuccessful. Then, he contacted Fields Law Firm.

Our attorneys filed a lawsuit and pointed out his consistent treatment, the good notes from his medical providers, and their support. We argued that the insurer admitted he was disabled before and after his carpal tunnel surgery. The insurer claimed he was not disabled between surgeries and thus did not prove disability throughout the entire period. We successfully argued that this kind of reasoning breached their duties as a fiduciary by selectively choosing information to deny him benefits.