PROVEN LAWSUIT RESULTS

Production Line Manufacturer - Sylacauga, AL

Stroke

“A production line worker at a large car manufacturing company became disabled when he suffered a stroke. After he recovered from the stroke, he still had severe deficits that limited his ability to stand, walk, and perform his daily routine. The man was also required to take blood pressure medication that almost completely incapacitated him.

While Cigna agreed the man was not able to return to work on the production lines, they denied benefits when the definition of disability changed to include other occupations. Cigna stated the man could perform sedentary work on a full-time basis. The man appealed the initial denial on his own, but the decision was upheld.

The man hired Fields Disability to assist with a second appeal. Our attorneys closely examined the claim file and denial letters and found that Cigna’s doctors failed to consider the effects of the blood pressure medication on the man’s ability to work. After updating medical records, the appeal was submitted arguing Cigna needed to consider the totality of the claimant’s condition including side-effects of prescribed drugs. On review, Cigna agreed and reinstated the man’s claim.”

Warehouse Worker - Gibson City, IL

COPD

“A warehouse worker was forced to leave work when he developed very severe COPD. His symptoms resulted in shortness of breath and an inability to keep up with the physical demands of his job. He applied to Cigna for long-term disability benefits, which were paid for twenty-four months.

When the definition of “Disability” in his policy changed, Cigna denied benefits. The doctor said the claimant was able to work with extremely severe work restrictions. Cigna used one of its experts to argue the man could secure employment despite his severe work restrictions.

The man quickly hired Fields Disability to appeal Cigna’s wrongful decision. The attorneys at Fields Disability reviewed all of the records Cigna generated related to the man’s claim. After discovering just how severe the work restrictions were, we contacted a vocational expert to determine if the man could work any jobs with that limitation.

The vocational expert wrote a letter describing how the severe limitations would disable the man from any occupation. The medical evidence and vocational report were attached to a legal memorandum citing federal law supporting the man’s case. Cigna reversed its decision and paid the man his benefits.”

Underwriter - York, NE

Chronic Neck Pain, TBI, Memory Problems

“A woman from Nebraska had worked as an underwriter for State Farm Insurance. She suffered from a history of chronic neck pain which eventually required the fusion surgery and a neurostimulator implant. The pain prevented her from working in any capacity, even in her sedentary job. The long-term disability insurer initially accepted the claim and paid benefits for two years. After two years, the insurer denied her claim for benefits stating that they believed she could work in other occupations which they had identified.

Not knowing what she was supposed to do, she hired the attorneys at Fields Disability. Her attorney at Fields Disability provided the insurer with all of the necessary medical records and reports from doctors supporting her disability. The insurer denied the appeal and the Fields Disability attorneys responded by filing a lawsuit in federal court. After negotiation, we were able to reach a settlement which provide incredible value to our client while mitigating any risk of the client ending up with nothing. The client was very pleased with the settlement and never having to deal with the insurer again.”

Paralegal - Easton, PA

Failed Cervical Fusion, Cervicalgia, Chronic Pain

“Our client was a paralegal from Pennsylvania suffering from the after effects of a failed cervical fusion surgery, and chronic pain. She received long-term disability benefits for several years before her insurance company hired a private investigator to follow and videotape her. The surveillance footage showed she went on a few errands on one day out of three. Unfortunately, the insurer denied the claim arguing this proved she could work.

Our client appealed these decisions on her own but was unable to get the insurer to reverse their decision. Next, she turned to Fields Disability for help. Our team filed a lawsuit on our client’s behalf and were able to negotiate a settlement resolving the matter so our client never has to deal with the insurer again.”

Occupational Therapist - Cape Coral, FL

Lymphocytic Colitis

“An occupational therapist from Florida was diagnosed with lymphocytic colitis. The disease resulted in urinary and fecal incontinence, diffuse joint pain, and severe fatigue. She was no longer able to perform her job as an occupational therapist. Her long-term disability insurer paid her benefits agreeing she was disabled from her Own Occupation. However, when the definition of disability changed to Any Occupation , Guardian denied the claim asserting that she had the functional capacity perform sedentary work.

The woman decided to hire Fields Disability. Her attorney collected substantial evidence from her medical providers showing she was unable to work in any capacity. Guardian performed a review and agreed the woman continued to be disabled from Any Occupation. The client was thrilled with the outcome and was able to pay off the debts she had amassed while her benefits were cut off.”