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

A machine operator quit his job due to extensive nerve pain along his spine. His symptoms resulted in a complete inability to keep up with the heavy physical demands of his job. Aetna paid benefits intermittently for the first six months, stating they needed extra medical records and doctors’ notes. Finally, Aetna denied benefits stating the medical evidence in the file was insufficient to show ongoing disability.

He hired Fields Law Firm to appeal the wrongful denial decision. The Fields Law attorneys gathered medical evidence from our client’s doctors and requested detailed reports refuting the findings of the insurer’s doctors. Those reports were submitted along with legal and factual arguments regarding selective review of the evidence in the denial letter. Aetna quickly reversed its decision and reinstated benefits. With his financial security reestablished, our client was able to focus on treating for his conditions and pursue his Social Security Disability case.

An auditor for a large healthcare company became disabled after suffering a decline in health resulting in extremely high blood pressure and severe lumbar spine pain. She submitted a Long Term Disability claim which was initially approved. However, just a few weeks later, she was denied ongoing benefits. The denial letter stated that the woman could perform sedentary work. She was shocked because her job was far from sedentary. She traveled daily, and frequently lifted and carried boxes of files in excess of 20 pounds.

She hired Fields Law to appeal the wrongful denial of benefits. Our attorneys investigated the claim and determined that Prudential failed to properly categorize our client’s job. We referred her to a vocational expert who stated our client worked in a medium level occupation. Further, our attorneys secured medical evidence supporting an inability to even perform sedentary work. Prudential had no choice but to grant our client’s appeal and pay benefits. Our client received a large backpay check and was able to save her house from foreclosure.

A registered nurse case manager at a large health provider in New York City had a fast-paced, stressful, and demanding job. She left work when she became sick with chronic gastrointestinal issues. She was unable to supervise her employees and ensure a high standard of care for patients. She submitted a Long Term Disability claim, which was denied. Prudential stated there was not enough medical evidence to support her disability, even though her Short Term Disability benefits had been approved. She hired Fields Law to fight Prudential during the appeals process. Our attorneys gathered substantial medical evidence support our client’s inability to perform her highly skilled occupation. After review of the appeal and supporting documents, Prudential agreed to pay disability benefits to our client.