Short & Long Term Disability Cases We’ve Won for Our Clients in North Carolina
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 and lawsuit case wins in North Carolina.
Christine – Marketing Director – Hickory, North Carolina
Multiple Sclerosis
A marketing director from North Carolina began having weakness and numbness in her limbs. Her doctor ran tests and diagnosed her with multiple sclerosis. Her symptoms worsened, and eventually she could no longer work. She put in an application for Short Term Disability benefits, but she knew that her condition would likely be chronic and degenerative.
In anticipation of needing Long Term Disability benefits, she contacted Fields Law before her Short Term Disability benefits expired. The Fields Law attorneys gathered medical records and prepared the file for application. Our attorneys kept in close contact with the insurance company to ensure the application had no weaknesses or missing documents. Our support staff kept our client updated every step of the way and even helped with a Social Security Disability application for benefits. Ultimately, the insurer approved our client for benefits. She is happy that Fields Law handled the application and communication with the insurance company efficiently, and she can now focus on long-term treatment.
Derrick – Car Salesman – Durham, North Carolina
Lupus, Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, Myositis, Degenerative Disc Disease
A car salesman from North Carolina suffered from Lupus, Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, Myositis, and Degenerative Disc Disease. Unfortunately, his conditions progressively worsened until his doctors were forced to take him off work. His insurance company paid him Long Term Disability benefits for two years under the Own Occupation definition of disability. However, six months before the definition of disability changed, Principal started reviewing his case. They hired private investigators to follow him and his family, sent him to an IME, and had individuals do an in-home visit to assess his disability. Based upon this review, Principal cut off his benefits, alleging he would not satisfy the new definition of disability.
He quickly reached out to Fields Law Firm for help fighting this decision. Our team of attorneys successfully argued that our client’s condition was progressive and, in fact, worsening. Additionally, our team reviewed the surveillance footage from Principal’s private investigators and showed that this surveillance actually supported our client’s disability claim. Lastly, our attorneys documented the numerous moments where Principal selectively cited, misstated, and ignored relevant evidence in denying benefits. After reviewing our appeal, the denial decision was reversed. Our client was awarded back pay, and recommenced monthly benefit payments.
Lonette – Nurse Anesthetist – Durham, North Carolina
Interstitial Cystitis, Fibromyalgia, Glaucoma, IBS, Cervical Disc Disease, Anxiety
A nurse anesthetist from North Carolina was forced to stop working due to interstitial cystitis and associated urinary urgency, pelvic pain, and a sleep disorder. Her Long Term Disability carrier accepted her claim and paid benefits for nearly thirteen years. The Hartford later denied her benefits claiming that she was no longer disabled under the terms of her policy. Unsure of what to do, she reached out to Fields Law Firm. The Fields Law attorneys obtained all of our client’s medical records and began crafting her case for an appeal. In addition to acquiring medical records, our attorneys showed that the review by The Hartford was defective in numerous ways. The Hartford reversed their decision and reinstated her monthly benefits.
