PROVEN LAWSUIT RESULTS

Shift Supervisor - Johnstown, PA

Chronic Migraines

“A shift supervisor at a retail store became disabled when her chronic migraines worsened and rendered her almost completely incapacitated. Liberty Mutual paid her claim for just over a three months before denying benefits. Liberty abruptly sent the woman a denial letter stating there was insufficient medical evidence to show the woman was disabled. The woman was surprised because she had continued treating with her doctors who all agreed she could not work.

The woman hired Fields Disability to appeal the decision. Our attorneys updated her medical records and requested letters from her doctors describing the woman’s severe migraines. Those documents were submitted with factual and legal arguments about Liberty’s failure to give appropriate weight to the woman’s medical records. Liberty reinstated benefits and paid the woman everything she was owed under the terms of the policy. The woman was so pleased with the work done on the appeal that she hired Fields Disability to continue monitoring her claim and ensure Liberty Mutual treated her fairly.”

Eligibility Specialist - Portage, IN

Rheumatoid Arthritis

“A woman from Indiana who worked as an eligibility specialist for suffered from rheumatoid arthritis. The condition caused her to suffer from pain, inflammation, and lethargy. Unable to work, she made a claim for long-term disability benefits which her long-term disability insurer denied. They asserted that the medical evidence did not support restrictions on her ability to work.

Unable to work and not sure what to do, she reached out to Fields Disability. Her attorney at Fields went right to work and quickly filed a lawsuit in federal court. Using his knowledge of federal law and the client’s file with the insurance company, her attorney fought aggressively with the insurance company over the faults in their denial and why the client’s case was legitimate. The Fields Disability team was able to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company which provided her with the income she desperately needed.”

Sales Representative - Ellettsville, IN

Chronic Back Pain

“A woman from Indiana suffered from a severe and chronic back condition which caused her significant pain. The pain was so significant it required her to undergo surgery. The surgery was partially successful but also resulted in complications from leaking spinal fluid. She was unable to work as a result of her pain.

Her long-term disability insurer initially approved her claim and paid benefits for two years. They later denied the claim arguing that her condition was precluded from further benefits under the policy.

Scared and unsure of what to do, she reached out to Fields Disability. Her attorney at Fields went right to work filing a lawsuit in federal court. After filing the lawsuit, her attorney was able to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company which maximized the value to the client while at the same time mitigating the risk of a verdict in favor of the insurer. The client was very happy with the outcome and was relieved to no longer have to deal with the insurance company.”

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.”