PROVEN LAWSUIT RESULTS

Property Manager - Lexington, KY

Lumbar Radiculitis, Lumbar Disc Disease, Chronic Pain

“A woman who received long-term disability benefits for almost eight years received a letter from her insurer one day, which stated that she no longer met the insurer’s definition of disability. The insurance company had discontinued her benefits. The woman was confused because there had been no change in her condition. Furthermore, her conditions were chronic and not likely to change in the future. She turned to Fields Disability for help.

We worked with our client’s doctors to obtain updated medical information and drafted an appeal in which we argued that the insurer was wrong to discontinue her benefits. The appeal included written opinions from the woman’s doctor. Despite the overwhelming evidence that supported her entitlement to disability benefits, the insurer would not overturn their decision. Fields Disability moved forward with a lawsuit against the insurer.

The Fields Disability attorneys were able to negotiate a lump sum settlement shortly after filing suit. Our client is happy that she no longer has to deal with the insurance company and she does not need to live in fear of having the insurance company cut off her benefits ever again.”

Service Center Representative - Albuquerque, NM

Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue

“A young woman in New Mexico suffered from a number of issues including Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue. Due to her condition, she was unable to continue working in her job as a Service Center Representative at a local hospital, and was awarded long-term disability benefits by her insurer MetLife. Nearly two years later, her insurer cut off her benefits claiming that she was no longer disabled under her policy. The insurer claimed that after reviewing her medical records that she had the ability to work in her own occupation.

Unsure of how to fight the insurance company and unsure of a future with limited education and work prospects, she reached out to Fields Disability for help. The attorneys at Fields went to work updating the client’s medical records to submit to the insurance company. We then argued that the insurance company had made critical mistakes in their determination of the client’s case. Upon review, the insurance company partially reversed their decision and agreed that the client had been disabled for a closed period of time but denied that she was disabled going forward.

She went right back to her attorneys at Fields Disability. They began compiling all of the necessary records and reports from doctors necessary. They then drafted a winning appeal which lead to the insurer overturning their denial and admitting that she continued to be disabled. The client was overjoyed that she was able to succeed in her claim and felt peace of mind knowing that her livelihood was returned.”

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.”