Short & Long Term Disability Cases We’ve Won for Our Clients Against The Hartford
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 case wins against The Hartford.
Sheila – Medical Administrator – Dayton, Ohio
Pulmonary Embolism, Chest Pain, Fatigue
An administrator in a medical clinic began experiencing chest pain and, after numerous tests, doctors concluded she had suffered a pulmonary embolism. Her job required sitting at a desk for hours at a time. Her doctors advised that sitting for extended periods put her at risk for additional blood clots. She was forced to stop working. She applied for Long Term Disability benefits from her insurer, but was denied because she did not fit the insurance company’s definition of disabled.
Shocked at the decision, and concerened about losing her income, she contacted Fields Law for help. The Fields Law attorneys discovered that the insurance company misinterpreted the recommendation of our client’s primary doctor, who said our client’s condition was too serious to return to work. Our attorneys highlighted this error in the appeal, and strengthened the record with updated medical records. Ultimately, the insurer overturned their decision and granted back-pay and ongoing benefits for our client. With her monthly disability award, she looked forward to continuing her treatment and being able to support herself.
Maryanne – Staffing Agent – Lockport, New York
Spinal Stenosis in the Lumbar Region, Cervical Disc Disorder, Radiculopathy, Lumbar Laminectomy
A Staffing Agent from New York was a valued employee prior to becoming disabled. She suffered from spinal stenosis in the lumbar region, cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy and lumbar laminectomy. By a two-page letter, her insurer notified her that, after reviewing her claim, her Long Term Disability benefits were denied because her own occupation required sedentary level work, which The Hartford believed she could perform.
Upset with this denial of Long Term Disability benefits, she called Fields Law to help her appeal the denial decision. The attorneys at Fields Law contacted our client’s doctors to compile reports of all of her symptoms and treatments. Her attorneys reviewed her Functional Capacity Evaluation, which determined she was unable to perform sedentary work. The Fields Law attorneys submitted an appeal stressing and comparing the FCE to the physical requirements outlined in the Staffing Agent/Manager Client Programmer job description. They pointed out that only one conclusion can be reached; she was unable to perform the material duties of her own occupation, due to both the lifting requirements as well as prolonged standing, and walking requirements. The Hartford agreed, reversed its denial of benefits, and began making monthly payments immediately.
Peter – Network Communications Tech – Port Jefferson, New York
Neck Pain, Back Pain, Hip Pain, Complications from Back and Hip Surgery, Cognitive Issues
A Network Communications Technician from New York was in a car accident. Because of the accident, he had two spinal fusions and microfracture surgery on his hip. He also suffered memory issues and trouble concentrating after the accident. He was forced to stop working and received Long Term Disability benefits through his employee benefits plan. The Hartford sent him a letter after seven years of benefits that stated he would no longer receive benefits because he could return to work.
He contacted Fields Law for help. Our team contacted all our client’s treating physicians and obtained a comprehensive medical history. We contacted physicians for additional medical reports supporting our client’s case. Our attorneys reviewed the medical records and drafted a strong appeal to the insurer. The Hartford changed their mind and our client received a lump-sum payment for back-pay and ongoing monthly benefits.
