Alison Weidner, who worked for FedEx for more than 15 years, experienced a flare-up in her multiple sclerosis and applied for long-term disability payments when she became unable to work. The plaintiff’s treating neurologist certified her disability; and Broadspire, the claim administrator for the FedEx disability benefit plan, acknowledged that Weidner could not perform her […]
The interesting issue presented in today’s case is the effectiveness of a policy amendment introducing a discretionary clause. Burkett v. Union Security Ins.Co., 2007 U.S.Dist.LEXIS 41858 (W.D.Wash. June 7). If the amendment was effective, the court would apply the arbitrary and capricious standard of review to a disability benefit dispute. If not, the de novo […]
The plaintiff in today’s case had been in a serious bicycle accident and suffered cognitive impairments as a result. Gammell v. Prudential Ins.Co. of America, 2007 U.S.Dist.LEXIS 36604 (D.Mass. May 17). On account of his injuries, Thomas Gammell received benefits through his employer’s group disability insurer, Prudential, from 1989 through 2002; however, benefits were terminated […]
Becky Cooper, who worked as an insurance adjuster, injured her back in a work-related accident while on a business trip. Although she continued to work for two years following the accident, Cooper’s condition worsened to the point where she finally required surgery. While recuperating, Cooper received short-term disability benefits for a period of time from […]
This article discusses Patton v. MFS/Sun Life Financial Distributors Inc., 2007 U.S.App.LEXIS 5715, an opinion issued by the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on March 12.