What to Know:
- After a 2021 spinal injury, a senior software engineer in Frisco, Texas was approved for long-term disability benefits due to cervical radiculopathy and related impairments.
- Hartford paid long-term disability benefits for more than three years before suddenly terminating the claim, despite no evidence of medical improvement.
- The appeal included compelling medical evidence, multiple physician opinions, a functional capacity evaluation, and an independent medical exam supporting continued disability.
- Dabdoub Law Firm focuses exclusively on disability and life insurance claims, representing clients nationwide and winning against every major insurer.
Background: A Life and Career Interrupted by Injury
Our client, a seasoned senior software engineer in Frisco, Texas, had built a long and successful career at a global technology company. Everything changed after a 2021 car accident resulted in severe spinal injuries and nerve damage. Diagnosed with cervical radiculopathy, he experienced chronic pain, numbness, and weakness in both hands, making it impossible to continue working in a computer-intensive profession.
Despite undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery, his symptoms persisted. He was initially approved for long-term disability (LTD) benefits by Hartford in 2021 under both the "own occupation" and "any occupation" definitions of disability.
Hartford Terminates Benefits Without Justification
In early 2025, Hartford abruptly terminated his benefits, ignoring consistent medical evidence, treating physician support, and a prior Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) award. The insurer claimed he had improved, despite no such indication in the medical record.
Hartford relied on surveillance footage and a brief exam by a consulting physician to support its denial. However, the footage captured only basic daily activities like driving and car cleaning, not sustained or repetitive tasks required in a professional environment.
Medical Evidence Strongly Supported Continued Disability
Treating Neurologist’s Confirmation
The treating neurologist repeatedly confirmed the claimant's inability to use his hands consistently or effectively. Diagnostic tests showed chronic bilateral cervical radiculopathy with ongoing denervation.
His key restrictions included:
- Limited use of both arms and hands, especially the left
- Inability to type or use a mouse for more than 5 minutes at a time
- Required rest breaks exceeding four hours per day
- Absenteeism due to symptom flare-ups
Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE)
An independent FCE conducted confirmed the claimant could not meet the physical demands of sedentary work. The examiner observed:
- Reduced grip strength and range of motion
- Pain with repetitive or prolonged hand use
- Inability to complete tasks requiring fine motor skills
Independent Medical Examination (IME)
A board-certified pain specialist conducted an IME and concluded:
"[He] is not able to function in his own or any sedentary occupation either part-time or full-time due to pain, reduced hand control, and impaired concentration."
The IME physician also emphasized that the claimant had reached maximum medical improvement with a guarded prognosis.
Surveillance Footage Misinterpreted
Hartford cited brief surveillance footage as evidence of recovery. However, courts have consistently ruled that limited daily activities are not indicative of work capacity. In this case, the claimant was observed performing basic tasks, but these isolated moments did not contradict extensive evidence showing he could not perform work consistently or reliably.
Personal Statement: Impact of Disability
In a personal statement, the claimant detailed the profound impact of his condition on daily life. From difficulty shaving to an inability to hold utensils, he described a significant loss of function, independence, and quality of life. His account was supported by prescription records, including medications like gabapentin and duloxetine, known for side effects such as drowsiness and fatigue.
ERISA and Hartford's Fiduciary Obligations
Under ERISA, Hartford is required to conduct a full and fair review and act solely in the interest of plan participants. Instead, Hartford reversed its own determination without medical justification, relying on flawed surveillance and a questionable exam. Courts have found that such reversals without evidence of improvement suggest an abuse of discretion and potential conflict of interest.
Dabdoub Law Firm: National Leaders in Disability Insurance Law
The appeal we submitted demonstrates the importance of legal representation in ERISA disability claims. The claimant, through a strategic and evidence-driven appeal, showed that Hartford acted improperly in terminating his benefits.
At Dabdoub Law Firm, we have:
- Represented clients nationwide, in all 50 states
- Taken on every major insurance company and won
- A proven track record in federal court
- A focus exclusively on disability and life insurance claims
If your LTD benefits have been wrongfully denied or terminated, contact us to fight back and protect your rights. We are experts in disability insurance appeals and litigation.
Call (800) 969-0488 or contact us online to speak with an experienced disability attorney. Pay no fees or costs unless you get paid.