A Florida man has filed a disability insurance lawsuit against Unum Life Insurance Company of America, alleging the insurance company wrongfully denied him long term disability benefits. He claims that even though he had met all eligibility requirements for coverage, he was still denied disability benefits and was forced to file legal action against the insurance company.

Plaintiff James S. is filing this disability insurance lawsuit against Unum, alleging the company wrongfully denied his claim for disability benefits and did not give his claim sufficient examination. James says he filed for long term disability benefits when he became permanently disabled on Oct. 30, 2015.

Previously, James had been fully employed by Phoenix Safety & Logistics Personnel Inc. He says he became eligible for long term disability benefits on Nov. 1, 2014. Due to his disability, James says he became unable to perform his occupational duties and had to cease working.

Overview of Unum Disability Lawsuit

According to this disability insurance lawsuit against Unum, James had become disabled due to epilepsy, seizures, and other similar impairments. James filed for disability benefits on Jan. 20, 2016, after confirming that he had met all eligibility requirements.

James says he filed his claim for disability in a timely manner, and he also submitted all necessary medical documentation with the claim. However, Unum still denied James disability coverage in a claim denial letter dated June 29, 2016.

James tried to appeal the decision, sending in the paperwork and medical testimony to the insurance company on Dec. 23, 2016. However, Unum upheld its decision to deny James his disability benefits, in a letter sent Jan. 24, 2017.

Currently, James continues to suffer from epilepsy and has left him unable to find work due to this condition. James has also not been able to find gainful employment in a similar occupation, as he is unable to complete the duties that go along with the job.

As a result, James has lost a significant portion of his income while contending with a rising stack of medical bills.

James is filing this disability insurance lawsuit against Unum for allegedly wrongfully denying his disability claim. Even though James had met all requirements for disability and is considered disabled under his Unum plan, the insurance company still denied disability benefits.

At this point in time, James says he has exhausted all administrative remedies and has been forced to file his disability insurance lawsuit against Unum. The disability insurance lawsuit against Unum alleges the insurance company had abused its discretion when reviewing James’ claim and did not perform its contractual duty.

James is seeking damages for all missing disability benefit payments, and he wants his claim to be subject to a fair review.

This Unum Disability Lawsuit is Case No. 3:17-cv-00162-RV-CJK, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida, Pensacola Division.