Prudential Insurance Company of America (Prudential) was sued in the District Courts of California and Florida in four separate cases by four Plaintiffs through their respective disability attorneys for the wrongful denial of long-term disability benefits as provided under the terms of ERISA. Prudential is accused in all four cases that the company wrongfully withheld the long-term disability benefits that were to be provided under the terms of their respective plans.

The First Case – California’s San Jose Division

In John W. v. Prudential Insurance Company Of America and Long Term Disability Benefit Plan For Employees of Intuit, Inc. (Intuit, Inc.), Plaintiff was employed by Intuit, Inc. as a technical support representative, thereby qualifying him for coverage under Intuit Inc.’s employee welfare benefit plan. This plan was administered by Prudential.

On December 21, 2007, Plaintiff ceased working due to an inability to sustain his focus and concentration over a full work day due to unexplained, persistent fatigue that has been diagnosed as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Plaintiff filed a claim for long-term disability benefits according to the terms of the plan on July 2, 2009.

Prudential denied Plaintiff’s claim for benefits. Plaintiff appealed this denial, but Prudential upheld its denial. Plaintiff has exhausted his administrative remedies under the plan, so he has filed this lawsuit against Prudential.

The Second Case – California’s San Francisco/Oakland Division

In Mohammad K. v. Prudential Insurance Company of America and S&C Electric Company Long Term Disability Plan (S&C), Plaintiff worked as a design engineer for S&C Electric Company. On September 11, 2009, Plaintiff ceased working due to severe back and leg pain that prevents him from sitting, standing, and walking. Plaintiff received sick-pay from S&C from September 11, 2009 to March 10, 2010. Plaintiff filed a claim for long-term disability benefits on March 11, 2010.

On April 18, 2010, Prudential denied his claim for benefits. Plaintiff appealed this denial, but Prudential upheld the denial. Plaintiff has now exhausted his administrative remedies, leading to the filing of this lawsuit against Prudential.

The Third Case – Florida’s Ocala Division

In Pedro P. v. The Prudential Insurance Company of America, Plaintiff was employed by Health Management Associates (HMA). Due to his employment, Plaintiff was covered under HMA’s Employee Welfare Benefits Plan for short-term disability and long-term disability.

Plaintiff became disabled according to the terms of the plan and ceased his employment. Plaintiff filed a claim for short-term and long-term disability benefits, but Prudential denied the claims for both short-term and long-term disability benefits. Plaintiff has exhausted his administrative remedies, leading to the filing of this lawsuit.

The Fourth Case – Florida’s Tampa Division

In Barbara S. v. The Prudential Insurance Company of America, Plaintiff was covered under an employee welfare benefit plan sponsored by her employer, which was administered by Prudential. Plaintiff became disabled and stopped working because of the resulting circumstances.

Plaintiff filed a claim for long-term disability benefits as defined by the plan, but Prudential denied this claim, as well as denied Plaintiff’s appeal of this denial. Plaintiff has exhausted her administrative remedies and has filed this lawsuit against Prudential.

The Relief Sought By The Plaintiffs Against Prudential

In the four previously mentioned cases, the Plaintiffs want the following relief provided by Prudential:

  • A judgment against Prudential that states it violated the terms of the Plaintiffs’ respective plans
  • A judgment against Prudential that reinstates all benefits from those plans for the Plaintiffs that will continue for as long as the Plaintiffs remain eligible for those benefits under the terms of those plans
  • A judgment against Prudential to pay all past benefits, along with accrued interest
  • A judgment against Prudential to pay all reasonable attorneys’ fees and associated court costs
  • A judgment against Prudential to pay all other relief that the Court deems to be just and equitable