In a recent case led by Attorney Kevin Schaefer, Dabdoub Law Firm has once again successfully restored the disability benefits of a client in need. When Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company suddenly canceled the short-term disability benefits of an Orlando man living with chronic pain after a spinal fusion surgery, he came to our firm for help. Without the need for arduous litigation, we were able to convince Reliance to reverse its decision and continue supporting our client as they originally agreed.
Details of Our Client’s Disability
Our client Baker (we are using a pseudonym to maintain client privacy and confidentiality) worked in the bakery industry for nearly 40 years. He loved his profession so much that he had every intention to work in the industry until retirement—and possibly even in a limited capacity after. He is also a practical man, so he mindfully paid for a life insurance and disability policy for decades while he worked.
He required spinal fusion surgery at the age of 61 for back problems, spinal stenosis, and other related health issues. Unfortunately for Baker, the surgery did not “fix” him, and he continues to suffer from chronic pain and debilitation today. Unable to complete his job requirements due to the sharp pain that walking, standing, and lifting causes, he filed for disability benefits through Reliance.
The insurance company initially accepted his claim, which was the right decision. Not long after he began to receive benefits, though, Reliance stopped Baker’s benefits outright and without justification.
Challenging Reliance & Restoring Benefits
Baker came to Dabdoub Law Firm for help, where our attorneys immediately saw the flaws in Reliance’s logic. Even though no medical indications or reports stated that his pain decreased and his mobility increased, Reliance acted as if he had enjoyed a medical improvement and canceled his short-term disability benefits early.
Attorney Schaefer and his team collected a variety of medical evidence, including:
- Up-to-date medical records
- Prescription history
- Personal statements
- Letter of support from Dr. Peter Ruggiero
In the letter from Dr. Ruggiero, who had treated Baker for his back pain and condition since 2012, he thoroughly explained why returning to work is simply not a safe option. In his words, Dr. Ruggiero concluded, “[Baker] can no longer effectively perform the tasks required of his job description.” Notes from other physicians who treated him state that he has a “limited tolerance to walking, standing and stairs due to weakness and pain.”
The medical evidence and reports were organized by our law firm in a clear, easy-to-understand way. When presented with such a strong front of evidence—and the promise of further legal action if the right thing was not done—Reliance decided to reverse its decision. We are happy to say that Baker has short-term disability benefits again and should be eligible for long-term disability benefits later.
Lawyers with Expertise in Disability Insurance Claims
This law firm has always focused only on disability insurance law. Because we specialize in long-term disability, our clients get the benefit of:
- Having an attorney who is an expert in long-term disability claims;
- Having an attorney who has experience with every major disability insurance company; and
- Being backed by a law firm that has a proven track record of winning tough disability lawsuits.
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.
The firm represents clients nationwide with disability claims governed by federal law, even if we are not located in your state.
Call (800) 969-0488 or contact us online to speak with an experienced disability attorney. Pay no fees or costs unless you get paid.
