PROVEN LAWSUIT RESULTS

Day Care Teacher - Spencer, MA

Neuropathy, Lumbar Disc Disorder

“A Massachusetts woman worked as a day care teacher at a Montessori School for many years until she began feeling stiffness and pain in her hands, feet, and lower back. Her doctors diagnosed her with neuropathy and lumbar disc disorder. The Social Security Administration found her to be disabled, and she was granted long-term disability benefits by the insurer Assurant that same year. Two years later, Assurant abruptly cut off her income, claiming that she was capable of working a full 40 hour week.

The woman sought out the attorneys at Fields Disability to help her appeal the insurance company’s decision. Our attorneys filed an appeal with Assurant arguing that the insurer failed to provide a specific reason for our client’s denial, and demonstrating that the medical record supported her claim. In response, the insurer ordered an outside physicians report. However, the physician ended up refuting Assurant’s own independent medical exam and recommending work restrictions for our client. Faced with no options, the insurer granted our appeal. Our client had her benefits restored, including back pay, providing her the security she needed to accommodate her conditions.”

Teacher - South Saint Paul, MN

Multiple Sclerosis, Dizziness, Fatigue, Balance Problems

“An English teacher from Minnesota began feeling dizzy and fatigued. Her doctor referred her to a neurologist who discovered lesions on her brain and diagnosed her with Multiple Sclerosis. The bouts of dizziness and vertigo became too severe and forced her to stop working for about six months. She applied for short-term disability benefits through her employee insurance plan with Madison National Life Insurance. They denied her benefits, saying that she did not meet their definition of disabled.

Frustrated and concerned about her loss of income, she contacted Fields Disability for help with an appeal. The attorneys at Fields contacted our client’s doctors and built a strong appeal. Our client received regular updates on the appeal and was kept informed every step of the way. Ultimately, the appeal was successful and Madison National approved her claim. She received a lump-sum check for her benefits and was happy to use the funds to continue her treatments.”

Patient Service Representative - Citrus Heights, CA

Bladder Mesh Removal Surgery Complications, Chronic Nerve Damage, Bursitis, Arthritis

“A patient service representative in California became disabled after developing chronic nerve damage, bursitis, arthritis, and complications after a bladder mesh removal surgery. Thankfully, she was covered under an employer provided long-term disability plan.

She filed an application for long-term disability benefits on her own, but was denied by her insurer who claimed she did not meet the definition of disabled under the her policy. She tried to appeal the decision herself, but was again denied by the insurance company. Dispirited, she got the help of a local attorney to file a last ditch appeal of the decision, but was denied one last time.

Feeling like she was out of options, and worried about her future and financial security, she brought on the team of attorneys at Fields Disability. After consulting with our new client, our attorneys filed an application for social security disability benefits on her behalf. Then, we quickly filed a lawsuit against the insurer, refuting their justifications for denial. We argued that the insurer had failed to have our client independently examined by a physician, and had improperly relied on medical opinions that were biased and unsubstantiated by evidence.

Through numerous court filings, Fields Disability fought for our client’s right to receive her long-term disability benefits. The insurance company soon had no choice but to come to a settlement. Check in hand, our client was overjoyed at the lump sum figure. She also soon learned that we also had won her approval for social security benefits! Relieved that such a tragic situation had been completely turned around, she was able to relax in financial security and enjoy the California sun.”

Switchboard Operator - Port Gibson, MS

Brain Aneurysm, Disc Bulges, Hypertension, Type II Diabetes, Acute Sinusitis, Joint Pain

“A Mississippi woman worked as a switchboard operator at a local medical center when she unexpectedly suffered a brain aneurysm. The woman also suffered from disc bulges, hypertension, type II diabetes, acute sinusitis, and joint pain. Despite her conditions, she bravely managed to continue working. However, two years later she suffered another aneurysm in a different part of her brain, and had to undergo emergency surgery to repair the damage. She was forced to leave work as a result of her worsening conditions, but applied for and was granted short-term disability benefits. Shortly thereafter, she also applied for long-term disability benefits from her insurer Mutual of Omaha, but was denied. Mutual of Omaha claimed that her brain aneurysm was a pre-existing condition, and refused to provide benefits.

She needed help fighting the insurance company, so she came straight to Fields Disability knowing our expertise would win her case. Our team of attorneys got to work right away, gathering supporting documentation from her medical providers, and building a case to support her claim for long-term disability benefits. We wrote an appeal of the insurance company’s decision, arguing that Mutual of Omaha selectively ignored evidence in her records and failed to properly understand her conditions as they related to her policy. With notice of their failings, and our clarification of their own policy, Mutual of Omaha soon overturned their decision and granted our client the long-term disability benefits she deserved. Our client was very pleased with the result, and soon began to receive regular checks in the mail.”

Foreman - Livingston, TX

Diabetic Neuropathy, Back Pain

“A foreman from Texas started having back pain and neuropathy in his legs and feet. He was diagnosed with diabetes and his doctor also recommended back surgery. His symptoms became too severe and he was forced to stop working. He applied for disability benefits through Sun Life Financial but was denied based on an independent nurse’s opinion of his medical records.

Frustrated and angry with the decision, he contact Fields Disability to assist with the appeal. The attorneys at Fields Disability reviewed the denial documents from Sun Life and determined that the nurse’s assessment of our client’s medical records missed many key items. A doctor had referred our client to a cardiologist and back specialist just a few weeks prior to their denial letter.

Our attorneys mounted a strong appeal against Sun Life and kept our client informed at every turn. Ultimately the insurance company overturned the decision, granting our client ongoing benefits and a lump-sum settlement for back-pay. Our client was overjoyed with the decision, and relieved to have a steady source of income once more.”