Hartford relies on video surveillance of the insured to deny disability benefits

A federal appellate court ruled that it was reasonable for The Hartford, to rely on videotape of the client Hartford had made after she filed a claim for long-term disability.

The claimant originally worked as a Technical Writer but filed a long-term disability claim, citing Epstein-Barr virus as the cause of her disability, which was approved. Later in the claim, The Hartford took surveillance over a two-day period and interviewed the Writer with respect to the observed activities in light of her disability benefits based on Epstein-Barr virus. The Hartford then terminated benefits.

The court held that the reliance on the disability video surveillance and an independent medical review conducted by The Hartford was reasonable, and upheld the denial of benefits for disability caused by Epstein-Barr virus, saying that the decision was reasonable and based on substantial evidence.


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