Short & Long Term Disability Cases We’ve Won for Our Clients Against Various Insurers

A Logistics Specialist from Colorado suffered from Multiple Sclerosis, bulging discs with nerve root impingement in her spine, and chronic pain. Originally, she was taken off of work by her medical providers and applied for benefits through her insurance plan. She was approved and paid benefits for 24 months. However, when the definition of disability changed to “any occupation” under the relevant policy, CIGNA discontinued benefits asserting there were occupations she was capable of performing in the national economy.

After attempting to fight this denial on her own without success, she reached out to Fields Law Firm for help. Our attorneys built an appeal establishing that her condition had not improved, but actually worsened over the course of time benefits had been paid. Additionally, the appeal established that her insurer failed to properly evaluate our client’s ongoing entitlement to benefits, and had selectively cited, misstated, and ignored relevant evidence in the file. After reviewing our appeal, CIGNA reversed its decision, paid our client her back pay, and reinstated monthly disability payments.

A plumber in Honolulu began having recurrent dizziness and vertigo, sometimes lasting up to three days at a time. His job required him to lift upwards of 100 pounds and frequently climb ladders, so his condition forced him to stop working for fear of serious injury. He applied for Long Term Disability benefits through his employer’s insurance plan. The insurer denied the application for benefits without any additional medical examination.

Shocked at the result of the application and worried about being able to support his newborn daughter, the plumber contacted Fields Law to help mount a strong appeal. Fields Law Firm attorneys obtained updated reports from our client’s doctors to strengthen the evidence of disability. We made sure the reports referenced the lifting capacity and work duties that our client’s employment required.

Fields Law attorneys and support staff gave our client updates at every step of the process. Ultimately, the appeal was approved and our client was awarded back-pay and continued benefits. He was relived to be able to focus on his treatment and caring for his daughter rather than worrying about his income.

A 50 year old male who, prior to his disability, worked as a Warehouse Worker with Amazon, had to repeatedly lift, reach, bend, and climb stairs, as well as stand with his arms stretched for eleven hour shifts.

Over a three-month period, he developed significant pain in his lower abdominal area. The pain became so excruciating over time that he had to apply for disability benefits, which were denied. While having to deal with Aetna, he underwent a surgery to rectify an umbilical hernia, forcing him to stay in bed convalescing for months on end.

Eventually, he sought out the assistance of Fields Law Firm. Our attorneys reviewed the file, assembled supportive medical records and reports and filed a memorandum of appeal demanding reversal of the disability carriers’ denial. After a 45 day review of the appeal, Aetna reversed its denial and began making disability payments. While our clients condition is, fortunately, something that will eventually heal, he is extraordinarily grateful for the efforts of Fields Law to ensure he is receiving disability payments while he is attempting to heal from his condition.