PROVEN LAWSUIT RESULTS

Insurance Manager - Murray, UT

Dyspnea with Exertion, Fibromyalgia, Mitochondrial Disorder

“Our client was an Insurance Manager from Utah. He suffered from Dyspnea with exertion, Fibromyalgia, and Mitochondrial disorder. He was taken off work by his doctors as they attempted to clarify his diagnoses and treat his many disabling symptoms. Life Map Insurance initially paid his short-term disability benefits but when the doctors could not find a definitive cause for his symptoms the insurer discontinued benefits.

Fields Disability built a multifaceted plan to win his appeal. Our attorneys secured narrative reports from multiple treating physicians documenting the severity of our client’s symptoms and their impact on his day to day life. We successfully argued that Life Map had ignored relevant evidence already provided and that its hired medical record reviewer selectively cited and misstated the opinions of our client’s treating doctors. After reviewing our appeal Life Map reversed its decision, paid our client’s back benefits, and commenced payment of long-term disability benefits.”

Public Relations Manager - Brewton, AL

Heart Condition, Herniated Disc, Fibromyalgia, Lymphedema, Visual Impairment, Migraines

“A Public Relations Manager from Alabama had a flurry of medical issues shortly after her husband died in 2010. She had migraines causing visual impairment, a heart condition, back surgery and lymphedema. The symptoms from her conditions became worse over time, to the point that she had bouts of lost vision due to her computer monitors, and she could not sit for longer than an hour without a break.

Eventually, the numerous conditions became too much and she stopped working in 2014. She submitted an application for long-term disability benefits to Prudential and received long-term benefits for two years. In 2016, Prudential suddenly stopped paying benefits, stating that she was disabled from her current position, but that she could return to a desk job.

Shocked and confused by the letter because her position was a desk job, she called Fields Disability to assist with her appeal. The attorneys at Fields Disability compiled narratives from two of our client’s treating doctors, laying out a comprehensive timeline for benefits. Fields Disability attorneys scoured the medical records and found that Prudential had misrepresented an opinion from one treating doctor.

Our attorneys submitted the appeal and were able to obtain a temporary extension of benefits. Pleased with the extension, our client was able to continue treatment and compile additional records. We have submitted an additional strong appeal to Prudential and will continue to fight for continued benefits for our client.”

Mechanical Component Design Specialist - Edgewood, NM

Peromyocarditis, Severe Swelling, Fatigue, Heart Attack

“A mechanical design specialist had congestive heart failure which caused a heart attack, ongoing fatigue, and swelling in his joints. The symptoms were too severe to continue working and he applied for long-term disability benefits through his insurer at work. Despite his symptoms, the insurance company denied his disability claim. He appealed the decision but the insurance company would not reverse the denial.

With one additional opportunity to appeal the decision remaining, he contacted Fields Disability for assistance. Our attorneys contacted all of his doctors for updated medical records. Fields attorneys also reviewed the claim file from the insurance company and found serious oversights. Our attorneys submitted a final appeal but the insurer did not change the decision. Fields attorneys filed a lawsuit in federal court to fight for our client’s benefits. During preparations for trial, our attorneys negotiated a generous lump-sum settlement. Our client was pleased with the settlement check and happy to be done fighting his insurance company.”

Director of Cyber Security - Suffield, CT

Chronic Migraines, Fatigue, Type 2 Diabetes, PTSD, Severe Spine, Joint Pain.

“A Cyber Security Director and former National Guard member was laid off while recovering from Lyme’s disease and joint surgery. He had developed several serious health conditions during and after service in the National Guard and Peace Corps, including chronic migraines and fatigue, type 2 diabetes, PTSD, and severe spine and joint pain. Knowing he was in serious financial risk because of his conditions, he reached out to Fields Disability to help him with his disability application.

The Fields Disability team started drafting his application, coordinating with his numerous physicians and specialists to gather their medical opinions. With our help, he was granted Social Security benefits within the year. The Fields team also filed for Long and Short Term Disability benefits from The Standard. Initially, the insurer denied his claim, stating that our client was capable of performing the material duties of his occupation. Our attorneys prepared appeals asserting that The Standard had failed to properly consider the combined effects of our client’s impairments, and neglected to conduct an independent review of his medical records. The insurance company soon reinstated our client’s Short Term Disability benefits, including back pay. They also agreed to grant our client Long Term Disability benefits, and he began receiving checks in the mail within days of the decision.”

University Clerk - Wallingford, CT

Herniated Discs, Sciatica

“An office clerk at Yale University experienced serious pain due to sciatica and herniated discs in her back. Due to her condition, she was unable to continue in her job and was awarded long-term disability benefits in 2014 through her insurer. After receiving benefits for two years, the insurance company sent a letter in 2016 informing her that she no longer met their definition of disability. The insurance company based this decision on an opinion from a doctor who she had never seen. The woman appealed, and the insurance company repeatedly delayed the appeal process before denying benefits again.

Upset and anxious about the sudden loss of income, she contacted Fields Disability to assist in contesting the decision from the insurance company. Our attorneys examined the medical records and found that nothing had changed with our client’s diagnosis. The doctor hired by the insurance company made his decision without considering the strong medical evidence that our client was disabled and unable to work.

The Fields Disability team filed suit against the insurance company. During preparations for trial, we negotiated a settlement for our client, who was elated with the resolution of the case and happy to enjoy the settlement check. She was pleased with our speedy, professional approach and decided to work with us on her Social Security disability appeal as well.”