An Illinois disability attorney recently filed a federal lawsuit against the Standard Insurance Company (Standard) after his client was denied long term disability benefits. The Plaintiff worked as a Trial Attorney and took out two policies of disability income insurance from Minnesota Mutual Life Insurance Company (which was later acquired by Standard Insurance Company) to provide monthly disability income benefit payments if Plaintiff ever became disabled. Unfortunately, the Plaintiff became disabled. A timely claim was made, however, Standard never provided benefits.

At all times throughout this ordeal, Plaintiff always paid on-time all premiums that were due under both insurance policies.

In Joel K. v. Standard Insurance Company, Plaintiff filed a disability lawsuit to recover over $75,000 and a declaratory judgment.

The Facts Against Standard Life Insurance Company

Plaintiff worked as a Trial Attorney for 30 years until December 23, 2010 when he became disabled due to labile hypertension, coronary artery disease, and other illnesses. Plaintiff filed for disability benefits with Standard under both policies on January 17, 2011. Plaintiff also submitted an application for disability benefits under another unrelated policy of insurance he had with National Life Insurance Company (National). National approved the claim without objection based upon the same proof of loss that was submitted to Standard.

Standard Denies Long-Term Disability Benefits Claim

On March 18, 2011, Standard denied Plaintiff’s request for disability benefits under both policies.

On May 19, 2011, Plaintiff appealed the decision of the denial of disability benefits and supplied additional medical evidence to further prove his claim for disability benefits. Despite this and the aforementioned statement that National approved his claim based on the same evidence, Standard upheld its denial of disability benefits under both insurance policies.

Due to exhausting all administrative remedies, Plaintiff has filed this lawsuit against Standard.

Illinois Disability Lawyer Files Standard Lawsuit

The lawsuit states that Standard failed to provide the following to the plaintiff:

  • The disability benefits payments under two policies that should have been paid according to the terms under the two Policies, each amounting to $1,000 per month after the 30-day elimination period (January 21, 2011) and 90-day elimination period (March 21, 2011), respectively.

The lawsuit claims the following regarding Standard’s response to the Plaintiff’s disability claims:

  • Standard did not thoroughly evaluate Plaintiff’s medical condition and dismissed the claims without reasonable cause as defined by the terms of the Policies
  • Standard did not properly take into account all of the medical evidence Plaintiff submitted in deciding upon the validity of his claims
  • Standard ignored the terms as defined under the Policies when it comes to meeting the definition of “disabled” and fulfilling the “substantial and material duties of your regular occupation” as defined under the two policies paid fully and on time by the Plaintiff

Following Relief Sought By Plaintiff In Standard Lawsuit

Because of Standard’s actions, Plaintiff requests following relief from the Court:

  • Judgment in the amount equal to all accrued benefits plus interest
  • Judgment that benefits will continue under both policies as long as Plaintiff meets the disability terms under both Policies
  • All other relief that the Court deems proper and just