When a severe case of rheumatoid arthritis stopped our client from working, she filed for disability benefits. The Standard acknowledged our client’s disability and paid benefits for two (2) years. When the definition of disability expanded, the insurance company was quick to terminate our client’s benefits without a full and fair review.
Although Standard argues that our client can perform sedentary work, the medical evidence reflects that she can only stand occasionally and cannot use her hands at work. Over the past 2 years, in fact, or client’s condition has only worsened. As such, we urged The Standard to reinstate our client’s benefits.
A Severe Case of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Every morning, our client wakes up stiff, fatigued, and in pain. She experiences pain and swelling in her hands, knees, ankles, and feet. Although a heating pad brings some relief, the joints in her hand and ankle are a constant source of pain.
Our client’s diagnoses include rheumatoid arthritis, abdominal aortic occlusion, renal infarction, and degenerative disc disease. Previously, her medical conditions prevented her from working. Now, she can no longer do daily chores nor perform the day’s most basic tasks. Our client’s husband helps her get dressed and bathe and handles the cooking and cleaning because she can no longer do so.
Outside of the home, doctors affirm our client’s disability. Her physician has stated that “her hands cannot function at a desk job” due to rheumatoid arthritis flares. Even The Standard’s doctor agreed that she is “unable to use her hands for any period of time whatsoever.” Additionally, our client underwent a functional capacity evaluation that confirms she has less than sedentary ability.
Where The Standard Went Wrong
Instead of using all the relevant medical evidence to make a fair decision about our client’s claim, Standard relied on a flawed paper medical review. In this review, Standard’s doctor ignored his own notes and information from our client’s doctor.
Standard has no evidence demonstrating improvement in our client’s hands nor does it have any evidence supporting her ability to work with her hands. Further, Standard’s decision to terminate benefits contrasts the Social Security Administration’s determination about our client’s disability. The SSA believes our client is disabled – why doesn’t The Standard?
When we presented these facts and contradictions to Standard in our long-term disability appeal, the insurance company quickly realized its error and reinstated our client’s long-term disability benefits.
Our Lawyers Specialize in Disability Insurance Claims
Because Dabdoub Law Firm has always focused only on disability insurance, our lawyers are experts in legal representation for disability insurance benefits.
That means our disability lawyers have:
- Won several major disability lawsuits that helped improve the law for disability claimants.
- Experience fighting every major insurance company, including UNUM, Hartford, MetLife, CIGNA, Prudential, and more.
- Successfully represented hundreds of clients and won millions of dollars in disability benefits.
Because federal law applies to most disability insurance claims, we can help clients across the country.
Disability insurance companies have lawyers. You should too. Call Dabdoub Law Firm to get experienced disability lawyers on your side.
We can help 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 or contact us online for a free consultation with a disability attorney. No fees or costs until you get paid.
