Actuary is denied long term disability benefits by Standard Insurance Company and files a lawsuit against the insurer

Employed as an Actuary for some 20 years by Milliman, Inc. Deborah G., through her Illinois disability attorney filed a lawsuit against Standard Insurance Company for the insurer’s failure to provide her with her entitled disability benefits. Considered an employee benefits plan, Deborah G.’s Standard Life disability benefits were denied to her after she was forced to cease working due to a fractured hip, which caused her to suffer from severe pain as well as fatigue, low stamina, insomnia, daytime somnolence and complications caused from diabetes.

Claimant and her Illinois disability attorney’s case against Standard

Deborah G. filed a disability claim and was initially awarded disability benefits from Standard through May 23, 2010 in the amount of $10,737.65 per month. As of May 23, 2010, Deborah G.’s disability benefits were terminated even though her condition had not improved and, in fact, had worsened. Despite the Actuary’s inability to work, Standard discontinued her disability benefits and denied all her appeals.

With no other avenues available, Deborah G. and her Illinois disability attorney filed a lawsuit against Standard in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois Eastern District under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and 29 U.S.C. § 1144(b)(2)(A). According to evidence submitted to Standard, Deborah G. meets all requirements to be entitled to her disability benefits. And, per the terms and conditions of her Standard policy, Deborah G. is entitled to the continuation of her long term disability benefits.

Relief Sought from Standard by Claimant
Consequently, Deborah G. and her Illinois disability attorney have appealed to the District Court for the Court to enter a judgment in Grant’s favor and award her:

Payment of long-term disability benefits from Standard per her contractual agreement with the insurer
Prejudgment interest on all disability benefits that Grant has accrued prior to the date of judgment;
Continued disability payment per the terms and conditions of Grant’s disability plan;
Attorney’s fees; and
Any other “relief to which she may be entitled, as well as the cost of suit.”