Northwestern Mutual sued by shareholder attorney for underpaying and denying long-term disability benefits
A Washington disability attorney filed a federal lawsuit in the District Court serving the Western District Court of Washington at Seattle against Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (Northwestern). The Plaintiff, Scott D., worked as a shareholder attorney at a law firm in the state of Washington. Plaintiff was covered under a long-term disability policy purchased from Northwestern, who was contracted by the law firm to provide these benefits to its employees.
In Scott D. v. Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Plaintiff is suing Northwestern for the underpayment of and the denial of long-term disability benefits.
The Facts Of The Case Against Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company
Plaintiff was a shareholder attorney until approximately July 28, 2005. Plaintiff suffered a disabling injury, which caused him to be unable to work at his profession. Plaintiff is eligible to receive both short-term and long-term disability benefits until he reaches 65 years old. Plaintiff filed for short-term disability benefits, which was accepted by Northwestern.
Northwestern Underpays Plaintiff’s Short-Term Benefits, Denies Future Short-Term And Long-Term Disability Benefits
Plaintiff accused Northwestern of underpaying those benefits. Northwestern agreed to review the additional information supplied by the Plaintiff and agreed that the calculations for payments were inaccurate, but refused to reconsider the mathematical bases for its calculations. Plaintiff asked Northwestern to review the submitted information again, but again, Northwestern refused to accept this approach.
Both the Plaintiff and Northwestern agreed to reconsider the denial within a three-year time period, as that is the time period for reconsideration as defined by the plan. However, Northwestern still has not changed its position to adjust the monthly payments that are sent to the Plaintiff. Due to this impasse, Plaintiff has filed this disability lawsuit against Northwestern.
Disability Lawsuit Filed Against Northwestern By Washington Attorney
According to the terms of the lawsuit, Plaintiff alleged that Northwestern did not provide the following to the Plaintiff:
- The proper amount of monthly disability benefits as defined by the plan;
- Following the terms of the plan in lowering the monthly benefit payments to a level that is not supported by the terms of the plan;
- Following the Consumer Protection Act, which has caused damage to the Plaintiff;
- Duty to deal with the Plaintiff in good faith.
According to the terms of the lawsuit, Plaintiff alleged that Northwestern committed the following wrongful actions against the Plaintiff:
- Construed the terms of the plan in such a way so that it would benefit Northwestern and harm the Plaintiff;
- Construed the terms of the plan to benefit Northwestern due to its inherent conflict of interest;
- Did not take into proper account the medical evidence that the Plaintiff submitted to Northwestern to prove his long-term disability claim.
Plaintiff Seeks Following Relief From The Court
Northwestern’s actions against the Plaintiff has caused the Plaintiff to seek the following relief from the Court:
- All damages that have been caused by Northwestern’s breach of contract;
- All damages caused by Northwestern’s breach of the Consumer Protection Act;
- All damages caused by Northwestern’s bad faith dealings;
- An award for full benefits under the ERISA plan, along with accrued interest on all past due benefits;
- All reasonable attorneys’ fees and associated court costs;
- An award that Plaintiff continue to receive future benefits so long as Plaintiff meets the disability definition as defined by the terms of the plan;
- An award that triples the amount of monetary damages imposed upon Northwestern by the Court;
All other relief that the Court deems equitable and just.
Resources to Help You Win Disability Benefits
Submit a Strong Northwestern Mutual Appeal Package
We work with you, your doctors, and other experts to submit a very strong Northwestern Mutual appeal.
Sue Northwestern Mutual
We have filed thousands of disability denial lawsuits in federal Courts nationwide against Northwestern Mutual.
Get Your Northwestern Mutual Disability Application Approved
Prevent a Northwestern Mutual Disability Benefit Denial
Negotiate a Northwestern Mutual Lump-Sum Settlement
Our goal is to negotiate the highest possible buyout of your long-term disability policy.
Policy Holder Rating
Unum is evil
Northwestern thinks I can walk even though my left leg is paralyzed
Northwestern is the Quiet Company that silently screws its policy holders but is too big to fail
My claim was handled so unprofessionally – almost no written communication from NW Mutual
Reply
NWM refused to have a hematologist review my claim since my "numbers are currently normal." They ignored my primary concern of relapsing
Reply
NW said my relatives' claim was "not justified" and double the premium for no reason
BAD FAITH
Reply
NML says I have no limitarion and is refusing my benefits
Reply
Q: I have tinnitus which has disabled me. And led to depression. They approved depression for 24 months. That time is coming to an end. My tinnitus prevents me from doing my primary job. How do I appeal?
Q: Do you help with negotiating lump sum settlements of policies?
Q: Are there successful arguments to appeal Northwestern Mutual’s offset of claimant’s LTB by the amount of SSD benefits awarded?
Q: Why does Northwestern ask the questions they do in the "Request for Continuation of Disability Benefits" form?
Q: What exactly does Northwestern mean by “not gainfully employed in any occupation”?
Q: Why is NWM reviewing my claim when my condition hasn't changed? Is it strange that they requested an in-person review?
Q: Can I refuse to sign NWM's authoritization form?
Q: Can NWM rescind my policy because I forgot to disclose an illness I had 20 years ago (that I no longer have)? Do I have to sign their release to access everything about me?
Application Tips: Northwestern Mutual Disability Benefits - Top Denial Reasons
Tips to Protect Your Northwestern Mutual Long Term Disability Benefits
What Can I Expect When Seeking Long Term Disability Benefits from Northwestern Mutual?
Why Must Your Disability Insurance Lawyer Understand Your Disabling Condition?
Disability Benefit Denial Reason #5 – Your Medical Evidence is Weak
Disability Benefit Denial Reason #4 - Your Doctor Is Misled By the Disability Company
Disability Benefit Denial Reason #3 - Video & Social Media Surveillance
How Do You Fight a Long-Term Disability Denial?
Northwestern Mutual Approves Claim For Disability Benefits
After appeal filed by Attorney Jay Symonds, NWM overturned its previous denial of long term disability benefits for California Customer Relations Supervisor
Northwestern Mutual Reinstates Disability Benefits to Attorney Suffering From Gastrointestinal Problems
Northwestern Mutual Approves Long Term Disability Insurance Benefits for Veterinarian
Seven Surgeries and The Standard Still Denies Disability Insurance Benefits
Sun Life Wrongfully Denies Disability After Paying For 23 Months
Nurse Denied Long-term Disability Benefits by Lincoln After the Definition of Disability Changed
Lincoln Reverses Decision to Terminate LTD Benefits of Corporate Attorney after Dell Disability Lawyers Appeals the Decision
Reviews from Our Clients






