Dabdoub Law Firm recently represented a client seeking long-term disability (LTD) benefits from The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company (Lincoln). Our client, previously an account executive at Sanmar Corporation, found immense satisfaction in her job. However, the severe effects of chronic pain forced her to abandon her career. Despite undergoing invasive lumbar back surgery with the hope of alleviating her pain, the desired relief remained elusive for our client. Unable to fulfill her job requirements due to debilitating pain, she had no choice but to cease working and apply for disability benefits. While Lincoln approved short-term benefits, they unjustifiably denied long-term benefits, claiming that our client had fully recovered on the very day her short-term benefits ended. This assertion directly contradicts medical records indicating our client's continuing severe restrictions due to chronic pain.
Assessing Functional Capabilities Through Evaluation
The evaluation was conducted by licensed physical therapists Jason Mileski, PT, and Steven Sopher, PT, who are professionally trained to assess how specific injuries impact functional ability. Their assessment revealed significant areas of weakness in our client's physical abilities, including:
- Impaired left single-leg stance ability
- Reduced tolerance for prolonged sitting, standing, and walking
- Limited crawling, climbing, pushing, bending, and pulling ability
- Decreased overhead activity tolerance
- Reduced lumbar motion
- Impaired lift and carry ability
- Persistent pain that disrupts daily activities
To dispel any doubts about our client's physical limitations, we arranged for her to undergo an independent functional capacity evaluation, widely recognized as the most accurate method of assessing an individual's functionality.
Our Legal team Reaffirmed Lincoln’s Fiduciary Duties to Our Client
Despite clear evidence of our client's disability, Lincoln seems to have neglected its fiduciary duties by denying her LTD benefits. As a beneficiary under the LTD policy, our client is entitled to fair treatment from Lincoln, which includes an unbiased assessment of her claim. Reinstating our client's benefits will not only fulfill Lincoln's contractual obligations but will also significantly improve our client's quality of life. With the benefits, she can afford the much-needed medical treatment and contribute to her family's financial stability. Furthermore, with proper care and rehabilitation, she may eventually regain her ability to rejoin the workforce. We hope Lincoln will reconsider their decision and grant our client the benefits she rightfully deserves.
Help from a Lawyer with Expertise in Disability Insurance
Disability insurance law is complex. Hiring an experienced disability attorney is important. Because all disability lawyers at this law firm focus on disability insurance claims, we proudly offer significant expertise in disability insurance law.
The Dabdoub Law Firm has:
- Experience with every major disability insurance company;
- A proven track record of success by winning major disability lawsuits; and
- Recovered millions of dollars in disability benefits for clients.
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; and/or
- Filing a lawsuit against your disability insurance company.
Because federal law applies to most disability insurance claims, our lawyers are able to represent clients across the country.
Call (800) 969-0488 or contact us online to speak with an experienced disability attorney. Consultations are free.
