Director of Nursing Secures Disability Benefits

Mitch came to Riemer Hess requiring immediate assistance and the prowess of a skilled disability law team because his Short Term Disability (“STD”) had been termination for lack of proof. Termination of Mitch’s STD benefits meant that his 26-week salary continuation was immediately cut off and he had no source of income. Unfortunately, Mitch was facing the possibility of a lengthy and costly appeal. To make matters worse, he also had Long Term Disability (“LTD”) claim pending under an individual policy that was facing a denial due to lack of proof.  Mitch desperately needed the assistance of attorney Scott Riemer and immediately retained the firm after his initial consultation.

Team Riemer immediately got to work, knowing exactly what needed to be done.  It was evident that a lack of medical evidence and substantial clinical evidence was a hurdle that had to be overcome. Scott Riemer knew that, if the firm was able to get Mitch’s group LTD benefits approved, it would serve as additional support that the STD termination of benefits should be overturned. 

First thing first, Team Riemer made sure that Mitch underwent a Functional Capacity Evaluation, which would provide concrete objective evidence.  Additionally, Team Riemer worked closely with Mitch’s doctors to ensure that they documented the necessary facts to make clear to the insurance carriers exactly what was preventing Mitch from being able to perform his job.  Team Riemer also contacted the Worker’s Compensation Board’s Disability Bureau to have Mitch’s STD benefit termination reconsidered. Further, Team Riemer strategized to conduct an interview with the insurance carrier postponed until all medical evidence has been received since the interview was likely the last piece of evidence necessary to solidify a denial or approval of benefits.

Once the medical evidence had been received and sufficiently supported Mitch’s disability, Team Riemer bombarded both insurance carriers and the Worker’s Compensation Board with substantial medical evidence.  In the little over two months since Mitch retained Riemer Hess, his individual claim for Long Term Disability benefits was approved.  Within the next week, his Long Term Disability claim was approved and shortly thereafter, the decision to terminate the Short Term Disability benefits was overturned. Thus, not only would Mitch continue to receive Long Term Disability benefits from both his group and private insurance carriers, but he would also be paid the remainder of his salary continuation, which he rightfully deserved and desperately needed.

To date, Team Riemer continues to represent Mitch in the monitoring of both his claims to ensure that his benefits remain in effect.