Our client worked as a store manager at AutoZone in New Bern, North Carolina. One day, she suffered a workplace accident and injured her right shoulder and bicep. When the long-term effects of her injury exacerbated other medical conditions and made our client’s pain unbearable, she filed for long-term disability benefits. The Hartford approved our client’s claim, acknowledging that she could no longer fulfill the duties of her occupation. One year later, however, Hartford terminated our client’s disability benefits.
Still suffering from a constellation of physical ailments and mental health concerns, our client contacted Dabdoub Law Firm.
Dabdoub Law Firm Provides The Hartford with Proof of Store Manager’s Disability
The Hartford terminated our client’s long-term disability benefits despite having no proof that her pain had improved. To remind the insurance company of our client’s condition, we sent her medical records, including letters of support from her physicians, headache and symptom logs, and her prescription history.
The records showed Hartford that she suffered from:
- Pain in her neck, knees, and shoulders
- Mid and lower back pain
- Degenerative disc disease
- Frequent and intense headaches and migraines
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Our client could not climb ladders, carry heavy car parts, or even look down at a computer while assisting a customer without pain in her neck. Additionally, her mental health conditions interfered with her concentration and attention span, and she suffered from panic attacks and suicidal ideation. The doctor treating our client for her panic attacks emphasizes that returning to work would “diminish the progress [they] have made over the past year.”
The Hartford Upholds Its Duties Under ERISA
Once we gave Hartford a better understanding of our client’s physical and mental health conditions, we reminded the insurance company of its duties under ERISA – namely to promote the interests of its beneficiaries and provide a full and fair review of claim denials.
Because Hartford terminated benefits without a change in our client’s condition, they failed to act in her best interest. We simply highlighted this fact and gave Hartford a chance to do the right thing.
Fortunately, Hartford complied and reinstated our client’s long-term disability benefits, avoiding litigation.
Help from a Lawyer with Expertise in Disability Insurance
Disability insurance law is complex, which is why you need an experienced disability on your side. Because all our disability lawyers at Dabdoub Law Firm focus on disability insurance claims, we have expertise in disability insurance law.
That means we have:
- Experience with every major disability insurance company.
- A proven track record of success by winning major disability lawsuits.
- Recovered millions of dollars in disability benefits for clients.
Additionally, we never charge fees or costs unless our clients get paid.
Our firm can help at any stage of your disability insurance claim, including:
- 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.
Because federal law applies to most disability insurance claims, our lawyers can represent clients across the country.
Call us at (800) 969-0488 or contact us online to speak with an experienced disability attorney. Consultations are free.
