| Multiple Sclerosis incapacitates a District Sales Manager |
"Alison" was the District Sales Manager for a major insurance company. After working for almost 30 years for this company and achieving significant professional success, she was denied long term disability benefits under both a group policy and an individual policy issued by her employer. In addition to the heartbreaking effects of her own illness, Alison had to deal with the cruel fact that the very company to which she had devoted almost three decades of her life did not feel that she 'deserved' long term disability benefits. Indeed, the insurance company denied Alison's claim solely on the basis of a hired doctor's opinion that Alison was capable of "sedentary" work. How could Alison's own employer forget that her job was in no sense of the word "sedentary?"
Alison hired Riemer & Associates to appeal her denial. The Firm gathered all of Alison's available medical evidence, obtained detailed reports from Alison's treating physicians supporting her disability, and prepared a comprehensive appeal letter attacking each reason raised by the insurance company in its denial, including its erroneous conclusion that Alison's job was "sedentary." The insurance company reversed itself, paid Alison all past benefits owed, and placed Alison on long term disability with full benefits. Riemer & Associates continues to work with Alison to ensure that her benefits are not interrupted.
| HIV ravages a Senior Chemist |
"David" was a senior chemist at a chemical company. David suffered from HIV and the side effects of his medications including diarrhea, fatigue and cognitive problems. Despite the support of his treating physician, the insurance company denied his claim on the ground that there was no "objective" proof that he was disabled from his "sedentary" occupation. The insurance company also asserted that David "only" had HIV and not AIDS.
David was referred to Riemer & Associates by his financial advisor. In preparation for his appeal, the Firm sent David for neuropsychological testing in order to quantify his cognitive deficits. We also gathered substantial medical literature documenting the disabling symptoms of HIV and its required medications. Lastly, we gathered proof from David's colleagues establishing that David's position was not at all sedentary. David worked at a chemical plant and constantly had to climb ladders and use heavy equipment. Moreover, his occupation required significant cognitive abilities. Upon receiving Riemer & Associates' detailed and thorough appeal, the insurance company reversed itself, paid David all past benefits owed, and placed David on full long term disability benefits. David continues to receive benefits without interruption.
| Chronic Fatigue Syndrome debilitates a Mergers & Acquisitions Attorney |
"Bill" was a successful mergers and acquisitions attorney with a major law firm. Bill suffered from debilitating fatigue and cognitive deficits as a result of chronic fatigue syndrome. The insurance company denied his claim on the sole ground that Bill stated in his application form that he was "exercising lightly three or four times a week." The insurer claimed that this was inconsistent with his claim of disability.
When Bill received the insurance company's frivolous denial, he knew he needed expert help and could no longer represent himself. Bill hired Riemer & Associates to submit a comprehensive appeal. The appeal included neuropsychological testing, and abnormal findings on a tilt table test, sleep study, brain SPECT scan, spinal tap, and blood work. Upon receiving the Firm's detailed and thorough appeal, the insurance company reversed itself, paid Bill all past benefits owed, and placed Bill on benefit. Riemer & Associates continues to work with Bill to ensure that his benefits are not interrupted.
| Lyme Disease impairs a Sales Trader |
"Todd" was a sales trader at a major investment bank. Todd suffered severe cognitive deficits as a result of Lyme Disease. Todd continued to work as long as he could despite the deficits, but was forced to go out on disability when he made several incorrect trades that cost his employer thousands of dollars. The insurance company denied Todd's claim, asserting that he submitted insufficient objective evidence of disability.
Todd was referred to Riemer & Associates by a prominent employment attorney.
The Firm prepared a comprehensive appeal, including neuropsychological testing and an abnormal brain SPECT scan. The Firm also included a compelling video statement from Todd which clearly showed how Lyme Disease has dramatically affected his cognitive abilities and speech patterns. The insurance company reversed itself, paid Todd all past benefits owed, and placed Todd on long term disability benefits. Riemer & Associates continues to work with Todd to ensure that his benefits are not interrupted.
| Back Injury debilitates a Department Store Manager |
"Leslie" was a manager at a major department store who suffered a crippling back injury, which required her to endure eight painful back operations. Leslie's insurance company denied her claim in spite of the fact that her job required her to be on her feet most of the day as well as continually bend. This denial was based solely on language in one of her doctor's treatment notes stating that she was "feeling better."
In order to challenge this denial, Riemer & Associates obtained additional reports from Leslie's treating physicians, clarified that the improvement described in the treatment notes as only temporary, and prepared a detailed statement for Leslie describing the exertion requirements of her occupation. The insurance company reversed itself, paid Leslie all past benefits owed, and placed Leslie on disability benefits. Riemer & Associates continues to work with Leslie to ensure that her benefits are not interrupted.
