Hartford ordered to re-evaluate denial of disability benefits
James Linnen, a powerhouse operator for Goodyear, Tire and Rubber Company, was insured under his company’s group disability plan issued by Continental Casualty Company. Mr. Linnen began collecting long-term disability benefits for narcolepsy and cataplexy in 2001. In 2004, Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company purchased Continental and reviewed Mr. Linnen’s disability status.
After the treating physician admitted Mr. Linnen was capable of sedentary work, Hartford terminated Mr. Linnen’s benefits in April 2005. Hartford found alternate occupations Mr. Linnen could perform such as cage boss and order parts clerk. Hartford upheld its decision in appeal and Mr. Linnen sued, seeking benefits under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. (ERISA)
Judge David S. Dowd Jr. of the Northern District of Ohio reviewed Hartford’s decision to terminate benefits and ruled that Hartford used the wrong standard in assessing if Mr. Linnen was entitled to long-term benefits. The policy states the claimant must be unable to “engage in any substantially gainful occupation for which you are, or may reasonably become, qualified by your education, training or experience”.
Judge Dowd ruled the term “substantially” alters the definition and Hartford should have assessed whether Mr. Linnen was able to obtain “substantial gainful employment” before terminating benefits. However, if employment is available that pays nearly the same wages and benefits, benefits could possibly be terminated.
See James Linnen v. Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Co., No. 05:06CV0141, N.D. Ohio; 2006 U.S. Dist..
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
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
Hartford Insurance Company is a bunch of unpassionate people
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?
Q: Is the policy that was acquired by Hartford from Aetna still the same policy? Does Hartford have a right to recover over payments made by Aetna?
Q: Has Hartford been known to pay off doctors?
Q: Can a chiropractor fill out the APS for The Hartford LTD claim?
Q: Before I present my appeal, can I acquire exams and conduct an IME on my own (to avoid bribery/bias from Hartford)?
Q: Can I get a lawyer to get the back pay Hartford still owes me?
Q: How many IMEs can Hartford make you go through?
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?
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
After appeal filed by Attorney Jay Symonds, Hartford overturned its second denial of long term disability benefits for Alabama CEO
Reviews from Our Clients






