Hartford wrongfully denied the long-term disability (LTD) benefits of a Clinton, Iowa woman who was suffering from depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The insurance company bizarrely demanded objective evidence like blood tests and x-rays to prove the mental health difficulties, which is essentially impossible. Dabdoub Law Firm was hired to help set things right. We are proud to say we reversed Hartford’s decision and secured the benefits for our client.
Details of the “Objective” Mental Health Difficulty Case
Our client worked as a machine operator in a manufacturing plant for 20 years, marking her as one of the most experienced workers in a job and field she loved. When her husband was diagnosed with brain cancer, she understandably fell into a deep depression, experienced anxious episodes, and suffered from PTSD. Her mental health difficulties became so great, continuing to work safely in the manufacturing plant became impossible.
Both of her leading treatment providers diagnosed her with depression, anxiety, and PTSD, as well as frequent panic attacks that could trigger other side effects, like nausea and trembling. Her employer placed her on disability after determining her mental health was causing unsafe distractions and situations. She attempted to return to work after several months away, but she was so crippled by her anxiety that she had to go home in just a few hours.
Despite the clear severity of her mental health difficulties, Hartford denied her LTD benefits because her conditions could not be objectively proven with clear medical evidence. In other words, Hartford was expecting to see some sort of blood test or x-ray that could prove she was suffering from anxiety and depression. However, most medical professionals and psychotherapists will explain that such clear, objective evidence for cognitive impairments is extremely rare and unreasonable to demand from a patient.
Although, our client did meet 8 of the 9 diagnostic requirements for Major Depressive Disorder as set by the DSM-5. If objective medical evidence could be presented for mental health difficulties, then the DSM-5 is the closest thing to it. Upon hearing of Hartford’s unreasonable denial of the benefits, Dabdoub Law Firm sent a letter of challenge that clearly explained the illogical thinking behind their decision. Presented with the real possibility that they would have to go head-to-head with our disability lawyers, Hartford conceded and our client was given the LTD benefits she requires.
Help from a Lawyer with Expertise in Disability Insurance
Dabdoub Law Firm was built to be a disability insurance law firm and nothing else.
Our high level of focus means:
- All of our lawyers specialize in disability insurance claims;
- We have experience with every major disability insurance company; and
- We have won important long-term disability lawsuits.
Our disability lawyers can help you with:
- Submitting a disability insurance claim;
- Appealing a long-term disability denial;
- Negotiating a lump-sum settlement; or
- Filing a lawsuit against your disability insurance company.
Hiring an experienced disability attorney is important. Because federal law applies to most disability insurance claims, our lawyers do not have to be located in your state to help you.
Call (800) 969-0488 for a free consultation with an experienced disability attorney. Pay no fees or costs unless you get paid.
