PROVEN LAWSUIT RESULTS

Personal Banker - Appleton, WI

Fibromyalgia, Depression

“Our client was a Personal Banker and became disabled after he developed severe fibromyalgia and depression. He was unable to work on a consistent basis due to flare-ups. His doctor recommended that he leave work indefinitely. He submitted a claim to his long-term disability insurer. The insurer paid his claim for the entire Own Occupation period of the policy, but when the definition changed to Any Occupation, the insurer denied continuing benefits. The insurance company said the man was able to return to work at a number of jobs. Unsure what to do, he found Fields Disability in an internet search. We advised our new client of his rights and determined we would sue the insurance company in federal court. Using doctor support contained in the file, we were able to negotiate a substantial settlement for our client.”

Account Executive - Richland, WA

Crohn's Disease

“A 61-year-old woman who formerly worked as an Account Executive for a large broadcasting company where her job duties included selling commercial airtime to businesses. She ceased work due to a severe and debilitating case of Crohn’s disease, which required her, on several occasions, to be taken by ambulance and Life Flighted to the hospital. In fact, her condition resulted in removal of 4 feet of her small intestine and multiple ruptures in what remained of her intestine. Given her condition and its debilitating symptoms, she could not continue in the fast-paced environment of an Account Executive and had to leave her job.

She applied for disability, but the disability carrier denied her claim alleging Crohn’s could not cause the kind of disability she claimed. Her doctors were upset and provided reports stating she was entirely disabled, but the disability carrier would not budge. She hired Fields Disability to help her with her claim. Fields attorneys filed a lawsuit and, after a few brief months of litigation, settled the case on very favorable terms.”

Radio Station Scheduler - East Bank, WV

Complications from Hip Replacement, Hip Pain, Back Pain

“A Radio Station Scheduler from East Bank, West Virginia began having severe hip pain after she had a right hip replacement a few months prior. She attempted to continue work, but ultimately the pain became too much and she had to stop working. Her insurance company through work approved long-term disability benefits for a few months, but then the insurer stopped paying because they said she could return to work.

Worried about her lost income and still suffering from serious pain, she called Fields Disability for help. Our team gathered all our client’s medical records and reached out to doctors for additional expert opinions. When the evidence was strong, our attorneys submitted an appeal to the insurance company pointing out each of the legal and factual errors in their decision. Unfortunately the insurer didn’t budge, and our attorneys filed a lawsuit in federal court to fight for our client’s benefits. During preparation for a hearing, Fields attorneys negotiated a generous lump-sum settlement that our client accepted. Our client was pleased with the diligent advocacy from Fields Disability and happy to be done fighting her insurance company.”

Account Sales Associate - Orange, CA

Chronic Low Back Pain, Degenerative Disc Disease

“A woman who was nearing retirement was forced to cease work earlier than expected due to chronic low back pain. She applied for long-term disability benefits, thinking it would be no problem for the insurance company to approve her claim for benefits. She did not realize that her insurance company retained discretion to make the determination about whether or not she was entitled to benefits. She was shocked when the insurance company denied her claim. This decision left her without any income at all.

She turned to Fields Disability for help. We worked with our client’s doctors to provide evidence in support of her claim for long-term disability benefits. Despite the overwhelming evidence we provided, the insurance company would not reverse their decision, forcing us to file a lawsuit against them in federal court. Throughout litigation, the insurer continued to deny that the woman was entitled to benefits. However, as the litigation progressed, the insurance company became open to discussing a lump sum settlement. In the end, we were able to reach an amicable resolution outside of court. The settlement will provide financial security to the woman into the future.”

Registered Nurse - New Kensington, PA

Hip Dysplasia, Failed Back Surgery, Hypothyroid, Hypertension

“Our client was a nurse from Pennsylvania. She suffered from hip dysplasia, failed back surgery, hypothyroid and hypertension. She began receiving long-term disability benefits through her employer’s long-term disability carrier after her doctors removed her from work. After receiving benefits for many years and fighting several denials of benefits, the insurer denied benefits for a final time, asserting that she could return to full-time gainful work despite her chronic and permanent conditions. After the insurer denied her appeal, she turned to Field’s Disability for help and we brought a lawsuit on our client’s behalf. After bringing the lawsuit our team was able to negotiate a settlement for our client so that she never had to fight the insurer again.”