Short & Long Term Disability Lawsuit Cases We’ve Won for Our Clients
Fields Law Firm successfully recovers millions of dollars each year for our disabled clients throughout the United States. Our Long Term Disability litigation experience is matched by very few other law firms in the country and has earned us a national reputation.
Here are just a few examples of our Long Term Disability lawsuit case wins.
Geraldine – Automobile Assembler – Sylacauga, Alabama
Arthritis, Complications From Knee Replacement, Back Pain, Shoulder Pain
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.
Scott – Freight Handler – Anchorage, Alaska
Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
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.
Joann – Case Manager – Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Bipolar II Disorder, Epilepsy, PTSD
A Case Manager in Wisconsin was granted Long Term Disability benefits due to seizures and mental health conditions. Two years later, her benefits were denied when her insurance provider alleged there was no clinical evidence supporting that she was unable to return to work. She appealed, presenting evidence from her physicians that she was unable to work, and her benefits were reinstated for another year before being denied again. The insurance company merely relied on the opinion of an Independent Physician Consultant who had never met with her to conclude that she could work in her own occupation.
She was at a loss and decided to reach out to Fields Law Firm to guide her through the lawsuit. Our attorneys negotiated a settlement for more than what our client could have won in court for her mental deficits. After a long battle with the insurance company, our client was pleased with the results and thankful to the Fields Law team for helping her be done with the process.
