Disability Preventing Work
Our recent client was a Long Island resident who worked at a private university in Garden City, New York. Her job was mostly sedentary, and she performed it well. That was until a sudden car accident changed her life.
Since then, our client has suffered many physical ailments. Initially, she displayed visual and cognitive issues. She suffered from headaches, sleeplessness, delayed reaction, trouble with memory and concentration, and erratic emotional states. She had clearly suffered some head trauma in the event.
The problems didn’t end there. She had suffered many injuries beyond her cranium. Doctors found evidence of cervical damage, damage that mirrored carpal tunnel syndrome, lumbar disc disease, and hip derangement.
The pain of her injuries left her unable to work. The job didn’t require much movement, but that very lack of activity caused too much pain for our client. Medical diagnosis concluded that she was able to sit and work for only 2 ½ hours per day, and she must be able to stand or walk for at least another 2. This, of course, left her incapable of performing her duties, and she filed for long-term disability (LTD). She received these benefits, but when it was time for renewal, CIGNA cut her off.
Company Denying Benefits
With little justification, CIGNA inexplicably denied our client her continued LTD. This decision was confusing since the same condition was initially worthy of benefits. Our client had not improved. In fact, her symptoms had only worsened. To deny her claim looked suspicious at best.
Law Firm Fighting for Its Client’s Rights
Our team detects a common pattern among LTD denials. By law, insurers should be looking out for the best interests of their beneficiaries. Often, however, they seem to be looking out only for their bottom line. Our firm issued a strongly worded letter to CIGNA on September 1, 2021, reminding the company of its obligations.
To emphasize the point, we cited legal precedent on similar matters. Using past rulings, we were able to remind the company of its obligations. Along with that came an implied understanding that failure to meet these duties could result in legal action against the company.
We also included evidence of our client’s continued health decline. Her medical service providers unanimously agreed that she was disabled and could not continue working for anyone. Our client underwent a functional capacity evaluation to that effect, which is the highest standard used today. Relying on precedent, we also explained that courts consistently agree that “sedentary” work requires “sitting most of the time,” an action our client clearly cannot perform.
CIGNA eventually relented, and we were able to get our client the benefits she desperately needed.
Help From a Lawyer with Expertise in Disability Insurance
Disability insurance law is complex, which is why you should hire an experienced disability attorney to handle your claim. Because all disability lawyers at this 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 in major disability lawsuits.
- Recovered millions of dollars in disability benefits for our clients.
Further, we never charge fees or costs unless our clients get paid.
Dabdoub Law Firm can help at any stage of your disability insurance claim, including:
- Submitting your disability insurance claim,
- Appealing a long-term disability denial,
- Negotiating your lump-sum settlement, or
- Filing a lawsuit against your disability insurance company.
Federal law applies to most disability insurance claims, so our lawyers can represent clients across the country. No matter where you are located, we can help.
Call us at (800) 969-0488 or contact us online to speak with an experienced disability attorney. Consultations are free.
