Court upholds Hartford's denial of long-term disability benefits to a quality technical specialist suffering from cervical disc herniations and vertigo
Lucy Sanzone was struck in the head by a fifty-pound iron rod that fell off a store shelf and suffered cervical disc herniations at the C6-C7 level. As a result of this injury, she began to suffer from neck and back pain and vertigo, and filed a claim with Hartford for long-term disability benefits after she stopped working in October 2004.
Based on the job description provided to Hartford as part of making its assessment for long-term disability benefits, it was determined that Ms. Sanzone’s occupation was sedentary in nature. Following continued treatment with her neurologist and an orthopaedic surgeon, Hartford approved Ms. Sanzone’s claim for long-term disability benefits on April 21, 2005.
Shortly thereafter, Hartford performed disability surveillance of Ms. Sanzone on July 23 & 24, 2005, where she was observed getting in and out of her car, driving, sitting, standing, bending, and lifting boxes. Hartford then conducted a field interview with Ms. Sanzone, where she signed a statement that, among other things, indicated that she could sit for a maximum of 15 minutes at a time. However, during this three-hour field interview, the interviewer from Hartford noted that she sat for as long as 32 minutes at a time, and there were no visible signs of pain or discomfort during this meeting.
Hartford’s case manager then sent a copy of the statement Ms. Sanzone gave at the field interview, her job description, and a copy of the surveillance videotape to her treating orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Jarolem. Based on this information, Dr. Jarolem reversed his previously stated position that she was unable to work, stating: “I perceive there to be no restrictions or limitations precluding the work capacity noted above [in her job description].” Hartford then cut off Ms. Sanzone’s long-term disability benefits beyond October 31, 2005.
Ms. Sanzone appealed the denial of her long-term disability benefits on November 14, 2005. Hartford upheld its original denial of her disability benefits on November 30, 2005, and Ms. Sanzone filed suit thereafter.
At trial, the court ruled that Hartford’s decision to deny long-term disability benefits was not wrong. In particular, the court noted that Ms. Sanzone’s reported restrictions and limitations were contradicted by the surveillance videotape, and she had failed to continue to treat with a neurologist despite her continued vertigo. Based on the evidence in the administrative record, the court ruled that Hartford’s decision was not wrong, and long-term disability benefits would not be reinstated.
Comment: In this case, it was not surprising that Hartford prevailed, as the claimant’s treating doctors started that she could return to work. It is impossible to win a disability case without support from the treating physicians.
See Sanzone v. Hartford Life & Accident Ins. Co., No. 06-61135-CIV, 2008 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 3704 (S.D. Fla. Jan. 3, 2008).
Resources to Help You Win Disability Benefits
Submit a Strong Hartford Appeal Package
We work with you, your doctors, and other experts to submit a very strong Hartford appeal.
Sue Hartford
We have filed thousands of disability denial lawsuits in federal Courts nationwide against Hartford.
Get Your Hartford Disability Application Approved
Prevent a Hartford Disability Benefit Denial
Negotiate a Hartford Lump-Sum Settlement
Our goal is to negotiate the highest possible buyout of your long-term disability policy.
Policy Holder Rating
This company is a scam!
Hartford Stopped Payments
Hartford never paid me
Reply
Hartford rep felt so guilty over how the company treated me that she quit
Reply
Hartford ajuster won't return my calls. I might have to move back to California
Hartford keeps saying they haven’t gotten my paperwork
Reply
I'm going bankrupt after Hartford rejected all my medical tests/records
Reply
Hartford has denying claims down to an artform
Reply
Q: Long Term Disability with Hartford - They are Stopping my Disability Benefits
Q: LTD payment adjustment for cost of living?
Q: Wrongfully terminate my LTD claim, AND take my qrtly bonus....?
Q: Phi violation
Q: Why is Hartford asking for reimbursement?
Q: Bipolar on STD Hartford is LTD
Q: Do I have to sign the overly broad "AUTHORIZATION TO OBTAIN AND DISCLOSE INFORMATION" form from The Hartford LTD insurance company?
Q: How Often Does Hartford Review My Disability Claim?
Does Hartford Pay Disability Insurance Claims?
How Does Hartford Long Term Disability Work?
What Happens If My Hartford Short Term Disability Claim is Denied?
How Long Does a Hartford Short Term or Long Term Disability Claim Last?
If I Convert my Former Employee Disability Policy to a Private Policy Does ERISA Govern?
Is the Hartford Disability Purchase of Aetna Bad for Aetna LTD Policy Holders?
Hartford Disability Claim Problems
How Can I Protect Myself At A Hartford IME Exam?
Executive Director with Meniere's Denied Long Term Disability Insurance Benefits By Hartford
A Hartford Disability Benefit Lawsuit Victory for Truist Banker with Lupus
Hartford Denies Disability Benefits To Home Depot Employee 3 Weeks Before Change of Disability Definition
Hartford Denies Long Term Disability Benefits After Paying for 22 Years
Hartford Overturns Denial of Disability Benefits on Appeal
Hartford Approves Disability Claim After Appeal Deadline
Hartford overturned its previous denial of LTD benefits for Illinois Account Representative
Hartford overturned previous denial of long term disability benefits for New York Consultant
Reviews from Our Clients






