SMDA was hired by a physician to try and convince a disability insurance company to overturn its decision to terminate their claim for disability benefits. The client had been working as an Emergency Department physician at a rural hospital when they developed a very unusual neurological condition that resulted in…
SMDA was able to negotiate a favorable settlement for a Deloitte manager’s claim for Permanent and Total Disability benefits after a tortuous claim process. The injured client retained SMDA after an unsuccessful application for benefits. Her disability benefit claim was significantly hampered because she waited several years to hire a…
We have started getting calls for disability claims related to the Covid-19 pandemic. Most LTD insurance policies have an elimination period of either 90 or 180 days which mandate that you be continuously disabled for this period of time in order to be eligible for long term benefits. The duration…
At Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C., one of our areas of expertise is representing and fighting for those who have been injured as a result of a motor vehicle collision, whether that be against your own personal insurance company or the person whose negligence caused the collision in…
In compliance with the governor’s order regarding shelter in place and stay safe at home policies, the firm has implemented the following policies consistent with Executive Order 2020-21. Pursuant to Section 4 paragraph (b) the firm has identified its essential employees necessary to conduct minimal business transactions, like banking, payroll…
We are closely tracking the rapidly evolving public health and community concerns related to the new coronavirus or COVID-19. Rest assured that we are taking all available steps to remain accessible to our clients as we continue to act in accordance with their best interests during this difficult time. Please…
SMDA recently convinced disability insurer Lincoln National Life Insurance Company to overturn its decision denying disability benefits for a client who was working as a Computer Support Technician. The client had developed serious orthopedic problems which resulted in significant functional limitations. SMDA filed a comprehensive administrative appeal demonstrating the client’s…
Registered Nurses have an incredibly demanding occupation. As a result we have seen many prospective RN’s who have suffered some form of orthopedic problems which unsurprisingly prevent them from continuing to provide direct patient care. SMDA successfully appealed Cigna’s decision denying Long Term Disability Insurance benefits to our client who…
The attorneys at SMDA recently convinced long term disability insurer, Cigna to reverse its decision to deny an Oakwood Hospital employee disability insurance benefits when the claim transitioned to the “any occupation” standard. As with most LTD insurance policies this Cigna policy paid benefits for 24 months if the claimant…
The 5th Circuit Court of appeals recently reversed a ruling for a worker suffering from Reynaud’s Disease, which is a condition preventing the claimant from working in a cold environment. Unfortunately, the claimant worked at a chicken processing plant as a Hazard Analysis coordinator. Her job duties required that she…