What to Know:
- An Orlando electrical supervisor suffered two strokes that left him unable to work due to cognitive and physical impairments.
- Hartford initially approved but later terminated his long-term disability benefits without evidence of improvement.
- A strategic legal appeal from Attorney Latanae Parker backed by medical evidence forced Hartford to reverse its decision.
- Dabdoub Law Firm focuses exclusively on disability insurance claims and helps clients nationwide restore wrongfully terminated benefits.
When a Second Stroke Changes Everything
Our client was known for his work ethic and energy. As an electrical supervisor in Orlando, his job demanded long hours, early mornings, and constant focus. Working 50 or more hours each week, he still found time to stay active, take on home projects, and enjoy the outdoors.
That changed in 2021 when he suffered his first stroke.
After taking about three months to recover, he pushed himself to return to work. Like many hardworking professionals, he was determined to keep going despite the setback.
But in 2023, everything shifted.
A second stroke left him with far more serious and lasting complications. This time, recovery was not the same. He began experiencing persistent dizziness, chronic pain, fatigue, and cognitive impairment. Tasks that once felt automatic became difficult or even dangerous. Something as simple as tying his shoes required effort and concentration.
At that point, it was no longer possible for him to continue working.
Hartford Approves Then Terminates Disability Benefits
Given the severity of his condition, Hartford initially approved his long-term disability benefits. The medical evidence clearly supported that he could not perform the duties of his occupation or any meaningful work.
But then, without warning, Hartford terminated his benefits.
There was no meaningful improvement in his condition. In fact, updated medical evaluations from his primary care physician, cardiologist, and other specialists confirmed the opposite. His symptoms persisted, and in some respects, his condition was declining.
Despite this, Hartford cut off the benefits he depended on.
Unfortunately, this is something we see often in long-term disability claims. Insurance companies may approve benefits initially, only to terminate them later without a valid medical basis.
Challenging a Wrongful Termination
When he turned to Dabdoub Law Firm, Attorney Latanae Parker immediately recognized the issue.
Benefit terminations like this are rarely about new medical evidence. More often, they come down to internal insurance company decisions that do not fully reflect the claimant’s condition.
The strategy was straightforward but powerful. Show that nothing had changed medically and that Hartford had no justification for terminating benefits.
Reinforcing the Medical Evidence
The appeal included updated records and opinions from multiple treating providers, confirming:
- Ongoing cognitive impairment
- Persistent dizziness and fatigue
- Chronic pain and functional limitations
- No meaningful improvement since the strokes
Highlighting the Lack of Justification
Attorney Parker made it clear that Hartford’s decision did not align with the evidence. There was no basis to conclude that our client could return to work in any capacity.
Applying Legal Pressure
The appeal letter did more than present evidence. It set the stage for litigation if necessary. By outlining the legal arguments and demonstrating readiness to take the case to court, the firm made it clear that the termination would not go unchallenged.
Benefits Reinstated Without Litigation
Faced with strong medical documentation and clear legal arguments, Hartford reversed its decision.
Our client’s long-term disability benefits were fully reinstated, without the need for a lawsuit. The outcome provided him with the financial support he needed while continuing to manage the long-term effects of his strokes.
Why Disability Benefits Are Often Terminated
This case highlights a common issue in long-term disability claims. Even after approval, benefits can be terminated if insurers believe they can justify the decision.
Common reasons include:
- Claims of medical improvement without strong evidence
- Selective review of medical records
- Overreliance on file reviews instead of treating physicians
In many cases, these terminations can be successfully challenged with the right approach.
Nationwide Disability Insurance Lawyers You Can Trust
This law firm has always focused only on disability insurance law. Because we specialize in long-term disability, our clients get the benefit of:
- Having an attorney who is an expert in long-term disability claims and appeals
- Having an attorney who has experience with every major disability insurance company; and
- Being backed by a law firm that has a proven track record of winning tough disability lawsuits in federal court
Contact Dabdoub Law Firm to get experienced disability lawyers on your side. We can help with:
- Filing a disability insurance claim;
- Appealing denied or terminated disability benefits;
- Negotiating a lump-sum settlement; or
- Filing a lawsuit against your disability insurance company.
The firm represents clients nationwide with disability claims governed by federal law, even if we are not located in your state.
Call (800) 969-0488 or contact us online to speak with an experienced disability attorney. Pay no fees or costs unless you get paid.