Wayne Co. man says insurer owes disability benefits

WAYNE -- A Dunlow resident says his insurance company is refusing to pay short- and long-term disability benefits in a claim that has properly been filed, despite his repeated requests for payment.

Melvin Ervin Messer filed a lawsuit July 29 in Wayne Circuit Court against Metropolitan Life Insurance Company.

According to the complaint, Messer was involved in an accident July 29, 2012 from which he developed post traumatic stress disorder, adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression. These conditions have left the plaintiff unable to work and he filed a claim for disability benefits under his policy with the defendant, the filing states.

The lawsuit says Messer has made multiple requests of the defendant to pay the benefits, which have been denied.

Messer is seeking a judgment for the short- and long-term benefits he is owed, attorneys fees, damages and pre- and post-judgment interest.

He is represented by attorney Donald R. Jarrell of Wayne. The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Darrell Pratt.

Wayne Circuit Court case 14-C-161