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

A registered nurse, working in a virtual role in Nebraska sustained a serious head injury in a motor vehicle accident and later developed post-concussion syndrome, chronic headaches, insomnia, and depression. Despite ongoing symptoms such as irritability, difficulty concentrating, sleep disruption, and memory loss, MetLife denied the Long Term Disability claim and asserted that a return to full-time work was reasonable. The headaches, in particular, interfered with the sustained computer use required for the job, limiting the ability to work beyond a reduced schedule.

The team at Fields Law prepared a focused appeal to document the full-time work limitations and the day-to-day impact on core job duties. Medical records were requested from all treating providers, a detailed supporting statement was obtained from the neurologist addressing work capacity, and pay stubs were submitted to confirm part-time earnings and hours. After reviewing the complete record, MetLife reversed the denial and agreed that a return to full-time work was not medically supported, resulting in partial disability payments.

A customer support specialist from Nebraska was unable to work after mental health symptoms related to depression and bipolar disorder became too severe. Prudential approved Short Term Disability benefits and initially approved Long Term Disability benefits. Two months later, however, the insurance company terminated ongoing Long Term Disability benefits. At the same time, Social Security Disability benefits were denied at the initial stage, adding urgency and financial pressure.

The Fields attorneys stepped in to manage the LTD appeal, they obtained updated medical records, and coordinated directly with treating mental health providers to secure detailed reports. While the Social Security claim progressed to a hearing, the Fields attorneys also coordinated with the Social Security representative to obtain the approval decision and supporting documentation to strengthen the LTD appeal record. Prudential attempted to maintain the denial and the Fields attorneys then returned to the treating physicians, submitting updated records and provider narratives through three rounds of exchanges. That sustained, documentation-driven approach resulted in Prudential reversing its decision and paying the full 24 months of past-due Long Term Disability benefits available under the policy’s mental health limitation.

An Underwriter from Nebraska suffered from a history of chronic neck pain which eventually required the fusion surgery and a neurostimulator implant. The pain prevented her from working in any capacity, even in her sedentary job. Her insurer initially accepted the claim and paid benefits for two years. After two years, the insurer denied her claim for benefits stating that they believed she could work in other occupations which they had identified.

Not knowing what she was supposed to do, she hired the attorneys at Fields Law. Our attorneys provided the insurer with all the necessary medical records and reports from doctors supporting her disability. The insurer denied the appeal and the Fields Law attorneys responded by filing a lawsuit in federal court. After negotiation, we were able to reach a settlement which provide incredible value to our client while mitigating any risk of our client ending up with nothing. Our client was very pleased with the settlement and never having to deal with the insurer again.