Reliance Standard

Major financial suffering because Reliance Standard wrongfully denied my disability benefits.

Reviewed by Choyce7 on August 16th 2015   Verified Policyholder
Well here we go again….In April of 2015, Reliance denied my benefits again. This is the second time that they have done this to me. I was disabled in January of 2010. I have been going through this with them for five years now. The first time they wrongfully denied my benefits, I filed and appeal and won. Unfortunately the appeal process was not completed in time to save my home. I lost everything as it took 9 months. This time, I did not have a home to lose but I did have to relocate to a place that was cheaper. I am very lucky to have found this place. Anyway, as I stated earlier, they stopped my payments in April of 2015. Their reasons were due to my not taking medications for my knee. The confusing part of this is that my disability was filed because I have major back problems. My knee was just a second complication but not the main reason for the disability. Also, I do take medication for my knee it is just over the counter meds which is not documented by the pharmacy. I have suffered financial hardship again because of this companies ruthless attacks on the disabled. Because of ERISA however, we cannot sue for damages. It just doesn’t seem fair. I did see a comment somewhere that stated that if we win the appeal, the Supreme court ruled that we can sue them for attorney’s fees. Is this true?
Reply
Sent on August 16th 2015 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

Choyce, attorney’s fees are only applicable if you prevail at trial, and even then it is only upon motion for same and at the discretion of the judge. Unfortunately, winning the appeal does not trigger the right to seek attorney fees. What is the status of your claim following the most recent denial? Have you appealed already?