Short & Long Term Disability Cases We’ve Won for Our Clients Against CIGNA
Fields Law Firm successfully recovers millions of dollars each year for our disabled clients throughout the United States. Our Long Term Disability 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 appeal case wins against CIGNA.
Shelly – Special Education Support Specialist – Lewes, Delaware
Back Pain, Disc Displacement Degeneration
An education support specialist from Delaware began experiencing back pain. Her job required bending, lifting, and interacting with students. Eventually the pain became too much and she was forced to stop work. Her insurance company initially approved her for Short Term Disability benefits, but after a few months the disability payments stopped. The insurance company said she no longer fit their definition of “disabled.” Her doctors wrote CIGNA letters in response to no avail.
Worried about her lost income she contacted Fields Law for help. The Fields Law attorneys gathered documents from the insurance company and our client’s doctors to build the best case for our client. Our attorneys sent a strong appeal to CIGNA, highlighting doctor’s reports that were previously overlooked. CIGNA overturned their decision and our client received ongoing benefits and a lump sum payment for back-pay. Our client was happy with the decision, and was pleased with the service Fields Law provided.
John – Tax Director – Orange, Connecticut
Type 1 Diabetes, Charcot Foot Deformity, Neuropathy, Neurological Deficits from Stroke
A tax director for a national accounting firm became disabled when his type 1 diabetes resulted in complications to his lower extremities, including a diabetic foot ulcer. He was unable to walk for more than a few minutes a day. If he over-exerted himself, he could develop further complications requiring amputation of his foot. He applied for disability benefits and retired to focus on stabilizing his medical conditions.
He received benefits for approximately two years before CIGNA denied his claim, stating he was able to perform his own sedentary occupation as an accountant. As a tax director, he was shocked. Far from sitting in an office working on tax returns, his job required him to meet with clients at their businesses and attend local business events.
Out of options, he hired Fields Law to pursue his claim. The Fields Law attorneys assembled a number of medical narrative reports outlining our client’s symptoms in his upper and lower extremities. Additionally, the attorneys had a vocational professional review our client’s job duties and write a report arguing the insurer failed to consider the material duties of our client’s occupation when it labeled him as an accountant. Just a few weeks after the appeal was submitted, CIGNA reinstated the claim and paid our client all of the outstanding back pay.
Michael – Security Supervisor – Craig, Colorado
Status Post 13 Spinal Surgeries
Over the period of several years, a Security Supervisor from Colorado underwent 13 surgeries on his spine. He was unable to work during that time and was approved for Long Term Disability benefits. After two years, CIGNA abruptly terminated his benefits, claiming that based on their independent medical exam and his recent medical records, he was able to return to work in alternate occupations like a Gate Guard or Timekeeper.
Uncertain what to do to resolve the situation, he retained Fields Law to appeal his denial. The Fields Law attorneys began gathering updated medical documentation to support their appeal and wrote an appeal critical of the CIGNA’s denial reasoning. Upon consideration of the appeal, CIGNA overturned their prior determination and reinstated his Long Term benefits, including sending him a check in the mail for his back payments.
