A woman has filed an Unum disability claim lawsuit against the insurance giant, alleging that Unum acted in bad faith by wrongfully denying her disability insurance claim.

Plaintiff Deborah J. says she worked for Maine Bankers’ Association (formerly Maine Association of Community Banks) from 1991 until she was terminated due to a permanent disability in 2015.

Deborah served as a Benefits Coordinator. She was forced to begin working reduced hours in September 2014; eventually she had to completely stop working on Oct. 15, 2014. Her boss described her as a valued member of the team who would hopefully be able to return to work, but her disabilities prevented that from happening, she claims.

Deborah says she suffers from Lyme disease, which causes her cognitive impairment, arthritis, severe joint and tissue pain, swelling, blurry vision, chronic fatigue syndrome, among a host of other health complications.

These problems collectively caused Deborah’s condition to deteriorate to the point she could no longer perform the high-level functions of her demanding position, according to her Unum disability claim lawsuit.

Unum Disability Claim Lawsuit Allegations

As part of Deborah’s employment with MBA, she was offered long-term disability coverage through the Maine Financial Institutions Employee Benefits Trust Plan funded by a policy issued by Unum.

In February 2015, after her Lyme disease progressed to the point Deborah had difficulty with cognitive function, her physician opined that she was disabled and could no longer perform her daily occupational tasks.

After a series of back and forth events between Unum physicians and Deborah regarding her Lyme disease diagnosis, Unum denied her disability benefits.

Deborah appealed the denial including evidence from her rheumatologist showing osteoarthritis and a hip x-ray showing advanced degeneration, along with her physician’s and chiropractor’s conclusions she was unfit to resume her previous job.

Still, she claims, Unum’s reviewing doctor determined without even seeing Deborah that her symptoms did not support the diagnosis of Lyme disease.

In fact, Deborah says that an Unum employee even discouraged her from submitting additional evidence regarding physical therapy and X-rays because any medical information or records occurring after November 2014 were irrelevant to her condition.

Unum continued to deny Deborah’s claim for disability benefits. She has subsequently exhausted all appeals, forcing her to take Unum to court as the next step in her appeal.

Disability Claim Denial and Bad Faith

Insurance companies hold a legal duty to their policyholders to act in good faith and fair dealing. Unfair disability insurance claim denial is an example of a way in which Unum has allegedly failed to uphold its duty as an insurer and has resulted in countless Unum disability claim lawsuits throughout the nation.

If you believe Unum has wrongly denied your rightful long term disability benefits, you have a right to take action. An attorney with experience in long term disability denial can assist you in your fight to reclaim the benefits and compensation you are entitled to.

Deborah’s Unum Disability Claim Lawsuit is Case No. 1:17-cv-00016 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, Chattanooga Division.