COVID-19 Leaves a Woman Disabled
In 2019, Ms. X embarked on a new career path. She was filled with optimism and ready to face new challenges, but the following year, the world was blindsided by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This crisis would forever alter the course of many lives, including Ms. X's. Around December 2020, she became one of the countless people affected by the virus. Battling COVID-19 was just the beginning for her. The aftermath was even more challenging. Despite recovering from the initial infection, Ms. X struggled with persistent symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, headaches, and brain fog. These ailments lasted for more than four weeks, making Ms. X a "COVID long hauler."
Amidst these daunting obstacles, Ms. X demonstrated remarkable resilience. She continued to work through her symptoms for over two years, enduring periodic flare-ups that worsened with time. Her condition took a significant turn in March 2023 when, during a particularly severe long COVID episode, she lost her voice, and it didn't return. An ear, nose, and throat doctor diagnosed her with vocal cord dysfunction.
The challenges kept mounting for Ms. X. On April 19, 2023, she was rushed to the emergency room. She had been experiencing severe shortness of breath and difficulty breathing that persisted for two days. She was stabilized and sent home, but her condition worsened. Ultimately, she was forced to make a heart-wrenching decision. On April 25, 2023, with her health deteriorating, Ms. X had no choice but to step back from her job, marking a pause in a professional life that was once full of promise.
MetLife Unreasonably Cancels Benefits
In May 2023, MetLife denied Ms. X’s claim for Long-Term Disability (LTD) benefits. The denial letter, arriving with a terse explanation, disregarded the substantial medical evidence and professional opinions provided in her claim.
This refusal added to Ms. X’s physical and emotional burden, and it placed her in a precarious financial position. These challenges made it even harder to focus on recovery.
A Law Firm Intervenes
In the wake of MetLife’s unsettling denial, Dabdoub Law Firm stepped in to champion Ms. X's cause. Recognizing the gravity of her condition and the insurer's oversight, they meticulously compiled a comprehensive dossier. This documentation painted a vivid picture of her debilitating condition.
Evidence included detailed doctor's reports alongside diagnostic tests that substantiated the severe impact COVID-19 had on Ms. X’s health and her capacity to work. Armed with this compelling evidence, Dabdoub Law Firm aggressively contacted MetLife.
The firm presented the facts and invoked the authoritative stance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC states that anyone can get sick with COVID-19 and become seriously ill or die at any age. This critical reminder of COVID-19’s unpredictable nature challenged MetLife’s earlier dismissal of Ms. X's claim.
Due to Dabdoub Law Firm’s diligent efforts and unwavering tenacity, the tide turned in Ms. X's favor. Succumbing to the pressure and the incontrovertible evidence put forth, MetLife reversed its decision, granting Ms. X the Long-Term Disability benefits she deserves and requires. Through the firm’s intervention, Ms. X can now concentrate on her health and recovery without the stress of financial instability.
The Problem with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies operate in a profit-driven industry. Their goal is always to maximize their financial gains. To achieve this goal, they frequently search for reasons to deny policyholders’ benefits. This approach helps them hoard as much money as possible. They scrutinize claims, looking for errors or misrepresentations that can justify benefit denials.
Such practices can leave policyholders without needed support. Understanding this dynamic, you should always consult with an attorney when claiming benefits. Lawyers are especially helpful when you are seeking long-term benefits, such as disability. These benefits are especially costly to insurers, and they often look for any excuse to deny them.
If you need help with a disability claim, Dabdoub Law Firm is here to help. You can contact our team for a free estimate by filling out an online contact form or calling (800) 969-0488.
