Mr. X's Journey with Parkinson’s Disease
In 2019, Mr. X received a life-altering diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. This disease is a progressive neurological disorder that gradually affects the nervous system. From that moment, his life began to change in ways he never imagined.
For five long years, Mr. X battled the relentless symptoms of Parkinson's. But through it all, he refused to surrender. He continued to work tirelessly in his demanding IT job, determined to provide his best for his employer. Yet, as the disease progressed, so did the severity of his struggles.
Mr. X faced numerous hurdles in his work environment. His new director required him to learn AI, a task that proved incredibly difficult given Mr. X’s condition. Retaining new information had become a significant challenge, compounded by the stress of regular quizzes assessing his knowledge.
During a pivotal visit with Ms. C, a registered nurse, the magnitude of Mr. X's challenges became clear. Despite his unwavering efforts to remain employed, the increasing demands of his job and the advancing symptoms of his illness forced him to confront a harsh reality. It was time to start applying for disability.
Mr. X experienced another particularly distressing incident. While working on a software update, that update failed. It was Mr. X's responsibility to bring the backup system back online. However, he experienced a severe tremor, making it impossible to operate the keyboard or mouse effectively.
Forced to log off and wait ten agonizing minutes, Mr. X eventually managed to continue using his non-dominant hand. The urgency of the task and the fear of jeopardizing an entire company's financial system overwhelmed him, exacerbating his motor symptoms.
This tragic event was not isolated. Such stressful scenarios were frequent, and Mr. X struggled to manage them both cognitively and physically.
Mr. X's symptoms will inevitably worsen over time. Despite his valiant efforts to persevere, he has reached the point where continuing to work is no longer feasible. He is now recognized as disabled under the terms of the STD Policy, unable to fulfill the duties of his occupation.
Understanding Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a chronic and progressive neurological disorder, and it primarily affects the motor system. Most commonly diagnosed in individuals over the age of 60, Parkinson's often begins with subtle symptoms that gradually escalate in severity. Its hallmark symptoms include tremors, muscle rigidity, and bradykinesia, which is a slowing down of physical movement. Patients may also experience non-motor symptoms such as cognitive impairment, mood disorders, and sleep disturbances.
The root cause of Parkinson's lies in degenerating dopamine-producing neurons. These neurons are found in the area of the brain called the substantia nigra. Dopamine is a crucial neurotransmitter, coordinating smooth and balanced muscle movements. As the levels of dopamine diminish, abnormal brain activity results, leading to the symptoms associated with the disorder.
While there is currently no cure for Parkinson's disease, treatments are available to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. Medications like Levodopa help replenish dopamine levels. These drugs are often used in combination with other medicines to enhance efficacy. Advanced treatment options include deep brain stimulation (DBS), which involves implanting electrodes in particular areas of the brain to modulate neural activity.
A Law Firm Steps in to Help Mr. X
Filing for Short Term Disability (STD) can be an overwhelming process, especially when dealing with a progressive illness like Parkinson's disease. Dabdoub Law Firm understands these struggles, and the firm’s help proved invaluable to Mr. X. The firm meticulously prepared Mr. X’s STD application, ensuring that every relevant detail and piece of supporting documentation was included to substantiate his claim.
Dabdoub Law Firm provided a comprehensive letter along with crucial medical records to support Mr. X's case. These included records from Nurse C, covering the period from January 27, 2022, to February 23, 2024. Records from Physician Assistant M, PA-C, and Nurse L were also included. The detailed medical documentation illustrated the progression and severity of Mr. X's condition, presenting a clear and compelling case for his need for disability benefits.
Thanks to the law firm’s diligent efforts, Mr. X successfully secured the financial benefits he so desperately needed. These benefits provide him with essential support, aiding in his ongoing management and recovery from Parkinson's disease.
Disability Insurance Companies Have Lawyers. Shouldn’t You?
Because this law firm was created to focus on disability insurance, we have developed an expertise in this complex area of the law.
Our expertise in long-term disability claims means our clients have the backing of a law firm that has attorneys who:
- are experts in disability claims;
- fought all major disability insurance companies and know their tactics;
- a track record of success;
- won major disability lawsuits that created good law; and
- recovered millions of dollars in disability benefits.
All our lawyers commit every day of their legal career to helping people get disability benefits from MetLife, UNUM, Prudential, Northwestern Mutual, Hartford, CIGNA, and others.
Because federal law applies to most disability insurance claims, we do not have to be located in your state to help. We help clients nationwide.
Call to get experienced disability lawyers on your side with:
- 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.
Dabdoub Law Firm is here to help you obtain disability benefits. For a free consultation with our team, call our office at (800) 969-0488 or schedule time with us online.
