Unum Wrongfully Terminated Disabled Lawyer’s Disability Claim of Depression and Anxiety Despite Improvement in His Condition
This Unum lawsuit and appeal in federal court is a great victory for all Unum disability claimants. This case supports all claimants that are disabled and claim that they cannot return to work as the requirements of their job will aggravate their symptoms and make them unable to work.
Mark was a personal injury litigation attorney, when he began struggling with symptoms of severe depression and anxiety. His symptoms reached a point that he was hospitalized and forced to discontinue his profession as a lawyer and the practice of law. Provident initially approved and paid his claim for 18 years, from 2000 to 2018.
In 2018, Unum began a medical review of his disability claim after receiving an update from Mark’s treating doctor that indicated that his symptoms had improved, that he had been able to discontinue his anti-depression medication and that he was able to remain stable with psychotherapy. His doctor also noted that he should not engage in any high stress activity or work. Unum obtained opinions from two psychiatric physician consultants who found that the medical records showed improvement and there was no longer evidence supporting that he was no longer capable of working as an attorney. Mark appealed but Unum denied his appeals despite receiving reports from Mark’s treating psychiatrist concluding that he could not return to work as a personal injury litigation attorney and affidavits from three attorneys describing the stressful nature and duties involved with being a litigation attorney.
Mark sued Unum in federal court and Unum counter-claimed seeking repayment of the 18 years of benefits that it had paid him from 2000 to 2018. The district court agreed with Unum that Mark was no longer disabled and could return to work as a litigation attorney but did not find that Mark was required to repay Unum the years of benefits he had previously received. Mark appealed the decision to the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals.
On appeal the court overturned the lowers court’s decision finding that although the reports and affidavits repeatedly suggested that Mark’s mental health had been improving since he stopped working as a personal injury litigation attorney, improvements in his health did not necessarily mean he could return working as a full-time personal injury attorney, especially since progress was likely attributable to his nearly two-decade abstention from practicing law.
Resources to Help You Win Disability Benefits
Submit a Strong Unum Appeal Package
We work with you, your doctors, and other experts to submit a very strong Unum appeal.
Sue Unum
We have filed thousands of disability denial lawsuits in federal Courts nationwide against Unum.
Get Your Unum Disability Application Approved
Prevent a Unum Disability Benefit Denial
Negotiate a Unum Lump-Sum Settlement
Our goal is to negotiate the highest possible buyout of your long-term disability policy.
Policy Holder Rating
Unum is evil
Unum Closed My Case Today
Low payments
They closed my claim and I have been without income since they closed it
I feel like Unum is giving me the runaround!
Reply
Unum terminated my benefits with no warning
Reply
I've been trying to care care of my Unum benefits for over a year. They’ve been so rude
Reply
I've paid for STD for 20+ years. Now, I'm actually sick and can't get paid
Reply
Q: Unum payments offset
Q: Should I sign a release of information form sent by Genex on behalf of Unum ?
Q: 63 year old RN
Q: Is UNUM obligated to pay my children SSI amount with COLA increase to me after they turn 18 or the original award amount?
Q: ER physician Unum mental health claim for 40 years
Q: Requesting a Copy of my LTD ERISA Policy from UNUM
Q: I am now concerned if I am not able to return to work after 6 months Unum will stop paying me.
Q: Can receiving a Unum group LTD benefit settlement lower my SSDI benefit?
Is UNUM a Good Insurance Company?
How Long Does UNUM Long Term Disability Last?
Can You Sue UNUM?
How Does UNUM Define Disability?
Beware of Traveling While on Disability with Unum
If I Sue Unum for a Disability Insurance Denial, What Should I Anticipate?
Unum Disability Benefit Denial Trends, A Legal Perspective
A New Bait and Switch Tactic by Unum Disability Insurance Company
Transportation Manager with Brain Injury Wins Unum Disability Benefit Appeal
Louisiana State College Director Wins Unum LTD Appeal But Then Denied Again
Unum Approves LTD Benefits for Pharmacist with Eye Disorder
Billing Manager With Back Disorder Wins Unum Long Term Disability Denial Appeal
Unum Lifts Mental Health Limitation on Disability Claim
Unum Approves Long Term Disability Application to a Program Manager
After appeal filed by Attorney Jay Symonds, UNUM overturned previous denial of long term disability benefits for South Carolina Nurse
Unum Overturns Original Decision to Deny Benefits to Disabled Account Manager Following Appeal Submitted by Dell Disability Lawyers Appeals Team
Reviews from Our Clients






