Dabdoub Law Firm had to write to Aetna 4 separate times, but this did not stop our attorneys from getting our client’s Waiver of Life Insurance Premium (WOLP) benefits claim approved.
Previously, Aetna had failed and refused to acknowledge our client’s medical condition and disability. Instead, Aetna focused on irrelevant details, claiming our client was physically capable of performing work and denying his claim.
Physical Functionality vs. Work Environment
Aetna’s strategy for denial completely missed the point, as the construction foreman in Grand Junction, CO, had no problems with physical functionality. Rather, our client could not work at his workplace (nor in any work environment) due to the risk of exposure to allergens.
Our client has a severe chemical sensitivity that results in symptoms, such as dizziness and swelling, whenever he is exposed to common chemicals, including bronopol – a chemical agent found nearly everywhere. To avoid an allergic reaction, our client needs to live in a safe, isolated “bubble” or in the wilderness where products containing bronopol cannot be found.
According to the Contact Dermatitis Institute, bronopol can be found in:
- Cleaning agents
- Construction materials
- Paints
- Preservatives
- Toiletries and cosmetics
- And other substances
Avoiding these common substances at a construction site or another workplace is all but impossible. Even encountering a surface cleaned with bronopol or a coworker’s lotion, deodorant, or shampoo could trigger an allergic reaction.
Symptoms of our client’s reactions include:
- Dizziness
- Congestion
- Angioedema
- Difficulty breathing
- Joint and organ swelling
- Rashes and hives
Claiming someone is capable of work while at constant risk of or actively experiencing these symptoms is ridiculous. Our client’s medical records have both objective and subjective evidence that confirm his allergies and chemical sensitivities. Further, the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) has already approved his disability claim.
How Dabdoub Law Firm Got Through to Aetna
We used the details and evidence above to show Aetna that our client is and will continue to be totally disabled from his own and any occupation. In our 4th letter to Aetna, we reminded the insurance company of its duties under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and urged Aetna to approve our client’s WOLP claim retroactively.
To avoid litigation, Aetna made a timely and favorable decision on our client’s behalf. We are pleased to have helped our client during this undoubtedly difficult time in his life.
Disability Insurance Companies Have Lawyers. Shouldn’t You?
Because Dabdoub Law Firm was created to focus on disability insurance, we have developed an expertise in this complex area of the law.
Our expertise in long-term disability claims, short-term disability claims, and WOLP claims means our clients have the backing of attorneys who have:
- expertise in disability claims.
- fought all major disability insurance companies and know their tactics.
- a track record of success.
- won major disability lawsuits and improved relevant laws.
- recovered millions of dollars in disability benefits.
All our lawyers commit every day of their legal career to helping people get disability benefits from UNUM, MetLife, Prudential, Northwestern Mutual, Hartford, CIGNA, and others.
Federal law applies to most disability insurance claims, so we do not have to be located in your state to help. We proudly help clients nationwide.
Contact us to get experienced disability lawyers on your side 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.
Call us at (800) 969-0488 for a free consultation with a disability attorney.
