Short & Long Term Disability Cases We’ve Won for Our Clients Against UNUM

A driver for a courier service became disabled when he developed glaucoma and neck pain. As a result, he was unable to work. His insurance company denied his claim for the outset, stating that his conditions fell under a pre-existing condition provision in his policy.

Not sure what he should do, he reached out to Fields Law Firm. Our attorneys researched the effective date of the policy to determine if the pre-existing condition clause was valid. Additionally, we closely analyzed the medical records and determined that, even if the pre-existing clause was valid, our client’s neck pain did not meet the definition of pre-existing. On appeal, Unum reversed their decision and paid all past-due benefits. Our client was very happy that he had a livable monthly income again.

A Site Manager from Massachusetts was suffering from chronic neck pain post fusion surgery, anxiety, depression, and trigger finger. She was removed from work by her treating physicians and applied for Long Term Disability benefits through her employer’s plan. However, Unum denied the claim asserting only some of her conditions were covered under the policy and that, based upon its review, those conditions were not disabling. She turned to Fields Law for help.

The attorneys at Fields Law reviewed her policy, gathered medical evidence in the forms of records and opinions from her treating providers, and gathered evidence from her prior Social Security Disability file. Our team drafted an appeal pointing out that all of our client’s conditions were covered under the terms of the plan and, based upon the substantial evidence, these conditions prevented her from performing her Own Occupation. After receiving our appeal, Unum reversed its denial, paid our client her backpay, and started paying her monthly benefits.

A 52 year-old graphic designer became disabled due to lumbar spine issues with radicular and nerve pain. She stopped working because sitting for long periods of time was absolutely agonizing. Her insurer properly paid her claim for almost three years. After she began receiving Social Security Disability benefits, her insurer contacted her to collect an overpayment of previous benefits. In the same breath, the insurance company informed claimant she was no longer eligible for benefits under the terms of her plan.

The woman retained Fields Law to appeal the decision shortly before the appeal was due. Our attorneys quickly assembled medical records, as well as statements from her treating physicians outlining her inability to work. The insurer overturned their decision resulting in a large payment of back benefits. The claim was reinstated, and monthly payments began shortly thereafter.