Unum Life Insurance Company of America is facing allegations of claim denial from a Pennsylvania woman claiming she needs disability benefits to insure she gets the medical care she needs.

This Unum disability benefits lawsuit alleges that even though the plaintiff presented more than sufficient evidence of eligibility, Unum, her insurance company, still denied her claim.

Plaintiff Melissa M. is filing her Unum disability benefits lawsuit after the insurance company allegedly denied her claim for long term disability benefits. Previously Melissa had been employed by the University of Pennsylvania Health Systems (UPHS) and was eligible for long term disability benefits through her employment.

Unum had initially approved Melissa for long term disability benefits on Nov. 24, 2014, after Melissa had submitted her claim and medical documentation. However Unum later reversed their decision, claiming that Melissa’s condition was behavioral and her complaints were subjective.

Overview of Unum Disability Benefits Lawsuit

Melissa had been working as a Materials Services Partner II for the university until Aug. 6, 2013. During 2013, Melissa had become unable to work due multiple disabilities and was declared officially disabled on that date.

The Unum contract said the university was supposed to cover 60% of the employee’s salary in the event of a disability. Her gross monthly salary was $2,976, making the monthly benefit amount around $1,785.

According to her Unum disability benefits lawsuit, Melissa was suffering from conditions that contributed to her disability including multiple sclerosis (MS), narcolepsy, and depression. It is important to note that Melissa had undergone neurological testing in 2012, in which her therapists noted cognitive dysfunction and other problems.

After Unum had approved Melissa for long term disability benefits, she continually sought therapy and treatment. According to her medical documents, there had been no improvements to her MS and other medical conditions between April 14, 2015 to March 28, 2016. In addition, MRI diagnostic images showed lesions were continually growing on her brain.

Even with all of these medical problems, Unum reportedly terminated Melissa’s long term benefits on March 9, 2016. The company stated that Melissa’s condition was behavioral and that she exaggerated her condition, even though an Unum representative had previously acknowledged the severity of her condition.

Melissa had filed for appeal, but Unum upheld its denial decision on Nov. 4, 2016. The Unum disability benefits lawsuit indicates the company has made no effort to contact Melissa’s physician.

According to her Unum disability benefits lawsuit, Melissa has been unable to work in a similar occupation and has not been able to earn sufficient income.

At this point in time, Melissa has exhausted all administrative options and has been forced to resort to legal action. Melissa is seeking all missing disability benefits payments, along with any other applicable damages.

This Unum disability benefits lawsuit is Case No. 2:17-cv-01496-GJP, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern Pennsylvania.