Short & Long Term Disability Cases We’ve Won for Our Clients in California
Fields Law Firm successfully recovers millions of dollars each year for our disabled clients throughout the United States. Our Long Term Disability experience is matched by very few other law firms in the country and has earned us a national reputation.
Here are just a few examples of our Long Term Disability appeal and lawsuit case wins in California.
David – Long Haul Trucker – Bakerfield, California
Lumbar Stenosis
A Long Haul Trucker from California developed severe low back pain that rendered performance of his work duties impossible. Luckily, he had recently elected disability coverage through his employer. He submitted his claim, however, Guardian denied benefits stating his conditions were pre-existing. However, he had clearly not treated for his low back during the period of time in question.
On appeal, the Fields Law attorneys compiled medical information to unequivocally show that our client did not treat for his low back conditions during the time period in question. After review of the appeal, Guardian approved the claim and our client received a check for all past-due benefits.
Kenny – Program Manager – Linden, California
Chronic Headaches, Chronic Neck Pain, Back Pain
In California, a man was forced out of work due to disabling, chronic headaches, neck pain, and back pain. His headaches occurred daily and were so intense that he was in tears most days from the pain. In his position as a Program Manager, he had to work long hours, travel, and communicate with people through meetings and phone calls all day. All of his doctors stated he was completely unable to work. He was at a loss when his insurance provider denied his initial Long Term Disability claim.
He retained our attorneys at Fields Law just in time to help him through the appeal process. After being denied once on appeal, our team focused on the medical records, leaving the insurance company no choice but to conduct their own independent medical examination. After this examination, the insurance company finally acknowledged the fact that our client was not exaggerating his pain and that he really could not work. Our client’s appeal was approved for disability for a 24-month period, and he now rests easy knowing that he can rely on the Fields Law team to be there for him if he is denied again.
Sharla – University Department Head – Alta Loma, California
Interstitial Cystitis, Pelvic and Abdominal Pain, Migraines, Depression
A University Department Head from California began feeling intense abdominal pain. Her doctor diagnosed her with interstitial cystitis; a bladder condition that causes serious discomfort. As she searched for treatment options, she became depressed. Her symptoms caused her to miss work, and she applied for disability benefits through her employer. The insurer approved her for Short Term Disability benefits, but when the time came to switch her claim to Long Term Disability, Metlife said she no longer fit their definition of disabled.
Worried for her lost income, she contacted Fields Law for help. Our team contacted Metlife and received a complete copy of her claim file which revealed that our client had an opportunity to appeal the decision. Our support team obtained medical records from all our client’s treating physicians and requested narrative reports that supported our client’s claim. After the evidence was gathered, the Fields Law attorneys drafted a strong appeal to Metlife, highlighting treatment records and the applicable law. They reviewed the appeal and overturned their decision. Our client received a lump sum for back-pay and received ongoing monthly benefits.
