Mary Smith (not her real name, obviously) contracted COVID-19, leading to two emergency room visits and severe long COVID symptoms, including persistent pain, fatigue, and brain fog. These symptoms were exacerbated by her pre-existing conditions, lupus and other autoimmune issues, which significantly impacted her ability to recover and function.
Despite attempting to return to work on a part-time basis, Mary found the ongoing effects of long COVID and her underlying health conditions prevented her from sustaining full-time employment. Reliance Standard denied her claim, overlooking the seriousness of her medical condition.
What Kept Mary Out of Work:
The medical records showed that Mary had a long list of conditions that contributed to her not being able to work.
- Persistent Pain: Chronic pain that limits daily activities and ability to work.
- Fatigue: Debilitating tiredness preventing normal function and requiring frequent rest.
- Brain Fog: Cognitive impairment leading to difficulties in memory and concentration.
- Lupus: An autoimmune disease causing joint pain, inflammation, and fatigue.
- Autoimmune Issues: Conditions that further compromise the body’s ability to recover and function normally.
- Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing, impacting physical activity and stamina.
- Heart Palpitations: Irregular heartbeats causing discomfort and anxiety.
- Joint Pain: Severe pain in the joints, making movement and tasks difficult.
- Light Sensitivity: Difficulty with exposure to bright lights, affecting daily activities.
- Inflammation: Widespread swelling and pain in various parts of the body.
Our Approach:
The BenGlassLaw team meticulously reviewed the case, identifying what we believed to be errors in Reliance Standard’s arguments. We gathered additional evidence, including updated medical evaluations and detailed reports from Mary’s treating physicians, such as Dr. Ramon R. Blanco and Dr. Andrea Fava, who confirmed Mary’s inability to work. We prepared a long and detailed appeal, highlighting that Reliance Standard overlooked critical aspects of Mary’s condition and misinterpreted the medical evidence.
Another Appeal Won by BenGlassLaw
Thanks to our thorough preparation and strategic approach, Mary Smith’s benefits were restored. She received full back pay and future benefits, ensuring her financial stability and peace of mind. Should she remain eligible for benefits for the balance of her policy, she will receive approximately $82,256 in future benefits.
Conclusion:
This victory underscores the importance of skilled legal representation when navigating complex insurance claims. The successful appeal not only secures vital benefits for Mary Smith but also sets a precedent for others facing similar challenges. If you or someone you know is dealing with a denied long-term disability claim, contact the BenGlassLaw long-term disability appeal team to see how we can help.
More Information from BenGlassLaw on Long-Term Disability Claims
- Did the Disabled Claimant Go Back to Work or Not? Reliance says “Yes.”
- Third Circuit Court of Appeals Victory for a Southwest Virginia Coal Miner’s Disability Claim
- Win Your Long Term Disability Claim – Use An Expert Lawyer
- Virginia Disability Lawyer– Your Absolute Right to Your Claim File if Your Long Term Disability Claim has Been Denied