Unum Life Insurance Company of America is facing legal action from a woman fighting for her disability benefits eligibility.

According to the Unum claim denial lawsuit, California plaintiff Sarita R. was supposed to be granted coverage for her disabilities but was later told she was not eligible.

She is now fighting Unum for disability benefits eligibility, along with any other applicable damages. California plaintiff Sarita R. is filing this Unum claim denial lawsuit, alleging the company stated she was not eligible to receive benefits, even though she purportedly met the requirements.

Sarita is fighting for disability benefits eligibility, arguing that Unum did not have sufficient reason for their claim denial and that the insurance company ignored vital medical testimony from her physician.

Overview of Unum Claim Denial Lawsuit

According to her Unum claim denial lawsuit, Sarita was fully employed by Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County as a Payroll Administrator and was supposed to be covered by the Catholic Charities’ group disability plan, administered by Unum.

Under this plan, Sarita was supposed to be provided with long term or short term benefits if she ever needed it. As long as she met all eligibility requirements and provided necessary medical evidence, Unum was supposed to provide disability coverage.

As part of her occupational duties, she was one of two Payroll Administrators that oversaw the paychecks of 500 employees. This means the charity heavily relied on her for quick processing, with the work environment requiring high turnover and fast accurate calculations.

In addition, she had to be proficient in Excel spreadsheets and had to review various paperwork such as benefit reports. During her employment, Sarita reportedly developed a barrage of health problems that ultimately impacted her ability to perform these necessary tasks.

Sarita says she was diagnosed with Lyme disease and chronic fatigue syndrome in 2006, and was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and diffuse connective tissue disease. Sarita reportedly developed additional health problems within the next few years, which ultimately forced her to severely cut back on hours worked.

Sarita filed for disability coverage for short-term disability on Feb. 29, 2016. With her claim, she submitted a statement from her doctor concluding that she could not work on a full time basis. Even though Sarita allegedly met all eligibility requirements, Unum denied Sarita’s short-term claim with the insurance company reportedly requiring multiple unnecessary medical examination.

Sarita says she has since suffered significant weight gain and has been unable to perform her occupational duties due to the severe pain and fatigue she feels. Medical evidence shows that Sarita’s health was drastically declining, according to her Unum lawsuit.

Under terms of the policy, Sarita says Unum was also required to provide benefits for a certain amount of time for short term coverage and must have valid reason when choosing to deny long term coverage. Sarita argues that Unum denied her disability benefits eligibility incorrectly and in bad faith.

This Disability Benefits Eligibility Lawsuit is Case No. 5:17-cv-06406-HRL, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

Do YOU have a legal claim? Fill out the form on this page now for a free, immediate, and confidential case evaluation. The bad faith insurance attorneys who work with Top Class Actions will contact you if you qualify to let you know if an individual lawsuit or Unum class action lawsuit is best for you. [In general, Unum bad faith lawsuits are filed individually by each plaintiff and are not class actions.] Hurry — statutes of limitations may apply.

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