Question

Can I hold Unum accountable for terminating my benefits after 24 months if I was physically disabled – not mentally – first and foremost?

Asked on December 1st 2011 by Lisa
UNUM closed my long-term disability claim, without cause about a year ago. I fought them with an appeal’s letter, and won, sort-of. They took nine months to make a decision whether to reinstate my claim, upon which, I lost my home and my credit was ruined by then. Here’s the catch: my claim was reinstated, for a mental condition (because I have been on anti-depressants for years – way before I even worked and became disabled). I am physically disabled. I was in a car accident and had to have surgery on my cervical spine, causing nerve damage, and life-time chronic pain. Well, UNUM is trying to pay out only 24 months of benefits because they are saying it is a mental disability, in which, their policy only has to pay out for that amount of time. It is seriously a bunch of nonsense! I am not a stupid person. I was never released to go back to work in the first place. They, without cause just terminated my claim, causing me to lose my home, and extreme financial hardship – all of this while going through a divorce and major surgery. Can I hold them accountable for their actions that caused me to lose my home, as well as all of my emotional turmoil, grief and frustration? My LTD is supposed to end May 2012 if they are allowed to get away with their dishonest, and absurd claim decision? Bottom line: I did not become disabled mentally. I was on the anti-depressants before my accident. I am disabled physically first and foremost, with the physical pain adding to my depression disorder.

Answer

Answered on December 1st 2011 by Attorney Gregory Dell

Lisa, We have handled numerous cases against UNUM dealing with the 2 year mental nervous limitation. If you have a physical disability that prevents you from working, then you may be able to extend benefits beyond two years. In order for us to determine if we can assist you, we need for you to call us in order to arrange a free phone consultation. We will need to review your denial letter and your disability policy.