In this video, attorneys Gregory Dell and Rachel Alters discuss a Federal court ruling that Hartford acted arbitrarily and capriciously in terminating benefits after paying them for nearly two years to a claimant who suffered from fibromyalgia. In terminating her benefits, Hartford used techniques common to many disability insurance companies. Hartford hired a doctor, who never met or treated the patient, but only reviewed her medical records and reported that she could work in a sedentary position.

Hartford completely ignored her own treating physician’s well documented report of her worsening medical condition. Hartford also noted that she had qualified for Social Security disability benefits, but did not explain why she did not qualify for Hartford’s benefits.

The Court was upset with Hartford and said that it needed to explain why it disagreed with the treating physician and Social Security. Making a blanket statement of disagreement was not enough.

Ultimately, the Court held that not only was the claimant disabled from working in her own occupation, but also disabled from working in any gainful occupation. The Court ordered Hartford was to pay her long-term disability benefits.

Disability insurance companies can cut off claimants who have been on claim for years. Anyone on claim cannot get complacent. Medical treatment and documentation must continue. Disability Insurance Attorneys Dell & Schaefer can help by making sure claims are properly documented, forms filled out correctly, and that attending physician statements document the effect the medical condition has on the claimant’s inability to work.

For more information about this issue, or any issue relating to your disability claim, contact us at Dell & Schaefer for a Free Consultation.