Disability attorney sues Aetna for failure to pay short term disability benefits to Huhtamaki Americas employee
A disability attorney recently filed a lawsuit in the District Court for the district of Maine against the Aetna Life Insurance Company (Aetna). In Bonnie Ramsdell vs Huhtamaki Americas, Inc and Aetna Life Insurance Company, the plaintiff, suffering with post traumatic stress disorder brought the disability lawsuit under the Employment Retirement Income and Security Act (ERISA) to recover short and long term disability benefits that were wrongfully denied by Aetna.
Aetna Denies Disability Benefits
The plaintiff Bonnie Ramsdell was employed by Huhtamaki Americas, Inc who is a manufacturer of specialty packaging and consumer food service products as part of the “Rough Finish Dry End Crew”. By virtue of her employment, the plaintiff was covered by the Huhtamaki’s Employee Short Term Disability Plan and Long Term Disability Group Policy. The short term policy provided a weekly benefit of 330.00 in the event that the insured is considered disabled within the disability definition of the plan.
Due to sexual harassment at the workplace, the plaintiff suffered from anxiety, depression, and post traumatic stress disorder (“PTSD”) and was taken out of work on February 18th 2010 until May 24th 2010 by her primary care physician. Despite ongoing treatment, the plaintiff’s primary care physician concluded on November 3rd 2010 that:
It is my clinical impression that Ms. Ransdell’s past and existing symptoms would prevent her from performing factory work. Additionally, I do think that Ms. Ramsdell is unable to work in a similar factory setting anywhere given the extent of her illness and symptoms that have continued.
Denial of Disability Benefits Claim
The plaintiff stated that she was denied her application for short term disability benefits by Aetna on April 2nd 2010. Her appeal was also to the April 2nd 2010 decision which was also denied by Aetna on July 21st 2010 on the grounds provided by the in-house physician review:
Although the claimant’s treating providers opine that the claimant is unable to perform her job duties even in a different work environment, it is my opinion the provided information suggests that the claimant’s emotional distress is circumscribed to her particular work environment and co workers from performing her specific job duties. While it is understandable the claimant would prefer not to return to her reported unpleasant work environment, the information does not substantiate the presence of a functional impairment from 2/18/10 through present.
On April 25th 2010, the plaintiff was informed by Aetna that it was declining further review of the plaintiff’s claim for short term and long term disability benefits and she had exhausted all her administrative remedies.
Disability Lawyer Sues Aetna for denial of Disability Benefits
According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff alleged that Aetna relied excessively on the medical conclusion made by the in-house medical consultant who failed to perform a face to face psychological evaluation and also failed to give weight to the plaintiff’s attending physicians.
The plaintiff also alleged that Aetna failed to comply with the provisions of ERISA by not “…providing a written description of additional material or information necessary for the Plaintiff to perfect the claim and an explanation of why such material or information is necessary…” in the written notice denying her claim for disability benefits.
The plaintiff argued that Aetna’s denial of her claims was erroneous, unreasonable, arbitrary and capricious, and an abuse of discretion. In addition, the plaintiff also contended that Aetna also erred in rejecting the plaintiff’s claim for long term disability benefits because it erroneously denied the Plaintiff’s short term disability benefits.
Relief Sought By The Plaintiff In The Lawsuit
As a result of Aetna’s actions, the plaintiff is seeking the following relief from the Court:
- A complete review of the plaintiff’s administrative record of her claim for short term and long term disability benefits.
- Render judgement against Aetna for damages in an amount determined to be reasonable.
- Declaration that the plaintiff is entitled to long term disability benefits
- An Award of attorneys’ fees & costs and interest
- Any further relief deem just and proper by the Court
Resources to Help You Win Disability Benefits
Submit a Strong Appeal Package
We work with you, your doctors, and other experts to submit a very strong appeal.
Sue Your Disability Insurance Company
We have filed thousands of disability denial lawsuits in federal Courts nationwide.
Get Your Disability Application Approved
Prevent a Disability Benefit Denial
Negotiate a Lump-Sum Settlement
Our goal is to negotiate the highest possible buyout of your long-term disability policy.
Policy Holder Rating
Aetna STD has been a nightmare since the beginning
Reply
Aetna leaves me at risk of losing my job and without compension
Aetna puts their clients through hell with their games
Reply
It's been over 3 months, and I've only received one payment from Aetna
Reply
Aetna people are thieves, crooks and liars.
Aetna is definitely committing a crime and they need to be stopped.
Reply
I hate Aetna
Reply
Aetna denied me and then I got fired from my job
Reply
Q: Can Aetna deny my application on the basis of pre-exisiting condition? Do they discriminate against the mentally ill?
Q: Are there any circumstances in which I can appeal LTD after the number of days Aetna gives you to appeal?
Q: Can Aetna deny my claim due to a "war exclusion" on my policy?
Q: What do I do if Aetna claims they haven't received my medical info?
Q: How can Aetna say I am not disabled when clearly I am?
Q: Is the 2nd appeal process worth it or a waste of my time?
Q: What can I do to stop Aetna from harassing me and realize that not all disabilities are the same?
Q: Can Aetna deny my claim for STD due to pregnancy because it was preexisting?
Does Social Security Approval Mean Disability Insurance Benefits Will Be Paid?
Does a disability insurance company need to consider the side effects of my medications?
Does the Mental Nervous Disorder Limitation in an ERISA Long Term Disability Plan Violate ADA Laws?
Is it legal to limit disability insurance benefits to 24 months for mental nervous claims?
Why Must Your Disability Insurance Lawyer Understand Your Disabling Condition?
Disability Benefit Denial Reason #5 – Your Medical Evidence is Weak
Disability Benefit Denial Reason #4 - Your Doctor Is Misled By the Disability Company
Disability Benefit Denial Reason #3 - Video & Social Media Surveillance
Aetna Overturns Denial of Long Term Disability Benefits for Quality Control Manager
Aetna Removes 24 Month Limitation for Mental Health Conditions
Aetna Overturns Denial of LTD for Former Employee of The Home Depot
Aetna Reinstates Benefits for Former SAP America Employee Suffering the Effects of a Head Injury
Aetna overturned previous denial of long term disability benefits for Georgia Assistant
Dell Disability Lawyers file Lawsuit in Federal Court against Aetna after it denied long-term disability benefits to former software Developer
After Aetna denied Ms. Garner's long-term disability claim, Ms. Garner filed suit against Aetna, and the Court overturned Aetna's decision and ordered it to pay Ms. Garner's disability benefits
Aetna Reinstates Disability Insurance Benefits to Home Depot Manager
Reviews from Our Clients






