Disability insurance is meant to cover circumstances where an individual suffers an injury or illness that prevents an individual from working. While claims under this type of insurance policy often have merit and many are paid, there are requirements that the insurance company has the right to ensure have been met. In New York and other jurisdictions, some claims are denied, and some of those result in litigation.
Such seems to be the issue in one lawsuit recently filed in a U.S. District Court sitting in another state. The plaintiff alleges that his claim for both short and long-term disability was denied by BB&T Corporation and Hartford Insurance Company. He asserts that the medical evidence supporting his claim was not given due consideration when he presented it.
There were no further details as to why the man is seeking the benefits. He is now asking the federal court to award him back benefits along with any interest owed. He is further requesting compensation for all associated costs with the filing of the civil lawsuit.
The man is seeking a trial by jury, which is typical in these types of proceedings. As a result, it may be some time before the case is resolved. The two companies that have been sued will likely rely upon their attorneys to prepare a thorough and comprehensive defense against these allegations. As the above case illustrates, any New York insurance company can face allegations of unfair business practices simply by a plaintiff’s allegation that a claim has merit. It will now be up to the court to assess the evidence and determine whether the plaintiff can actually prove the allegations set forth in the complaint.
Source: flarecord.com, “Man alleges he is entitled to short, long-term disability benefits“, Jenie Mallari-Torres, March 3, 2017