In December 2021, New York Life Group Benefit Solutions (New York Life) denied the long-term disability (LTD) claim our client from Tampa, FL had submitted. The insurance company considered that our client did not meet the disability criteria regardless of substantial medical evidence.
Our client reached out to Dabdoub Law Firm to help her appeal the wrongful decision since her health condition, including vision loss and migraines, qualified her for disability benefits under New York Life’s policy.
Our Client’s Medical Records Demonstrate Her Disability
Our Tampa client used to work as a Lead Program analyst until her conditions became too debilitating to perform any sedentary occupation. Before her disability became overwhelming, she had enjoyed a successful career and her employer had provided many accommodations.
When applying for LTD benefits, our client submitted extensive medical records from three physicians, a disability verification letter, a detailed symptom diary, her prescription history, and a letter of support from a loved one.
All those documents supported the following diagnoses:
- Exudative macular degeneration of right eye with active choroidal neovascularization
- Central serous chorioretinopathy of the right eye
- Vision loss
- Migraines
- Chest pain
- Ulcers
- Panic disorder
- Anxiety
- Claustrophobia
To alleviate some of her conditions, our client takes multiple medications although they cause additional symptoms including abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Due to her severe claustrophobia, she is unable to wear a face mask of any kind. Doing so would result in heightened anxiety, migraines, and an increased risk of stroke due to elevated blood pressure.
New York Life Must Fulfill Its Fiduciary Duty in Compliance with ERISA Law
Under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), an insurance carrier must fulfill fiduciary duties towards participants and beneficiaries, which requires them to act in their best interests. New York Life did not comply with the law when it leveraged incomplete and taken-out-of-context information concerning our client rather than considering her treating physicians’ opinions.
Dabdoub Law Firm submitted additional evidence for a full and fair review of our client’s disabling conditions and gave an opportunity to New York Life to do the right thing. The insurance company did so and changed course in the fall of 2022 when it granted the LTD benefits our client was entitled to.
Help from a Lawyer with Expertise in Disability Insurance
Disability insurance law is complex, which is why hiring an experienced disability attorney is important. Our whole team focuses on disability insurance claims, which gives us the legal expertise you need for your case.
At Dabdoub Law Firm, we have:
- Experience with every major disability insurance company
- A proven track record of success in winning major disability lawsuits
- Recovered millions of dollars in disability benefits for clients
To help you get the help you need, we never charge fees or costs unless you get paid.
Our firm can help at any stage of your disability insurance claim, including:
- Submitting a disability insurance claim,
- Appealing a long-term disability denial,
- Negotiating a lump-sum settlement, or
- Filing a lawsuit against your disability insurance company.
Because federal law applies to most disability insurance claims, our lawyers can represent clients across the country. We have helped clients secure a positive outcome with insurance companies like CIGNA, UNUM, Ameritas, Liberty, United of Omaha, Hartford, and Principal Financial.
Call Dabdoub Law Firm today at (800) 969-0488 or fill out our online form to speak with an experienced disability attorney. We offer free consultations.
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