CHARLESTON – A woman is suing UnitedHealth Group and Standard Insurance Company after she claims she is disabled and the insurance company terminated her benefits.
Suzette Harrison was a registered nurse for UHG for approximately 20 years and was working as a full-time supervisor of case management for UHG when she became disabled, according to a complaint originally filed in Kanawha Circuit Court and removed to federal court.
Harrison claims in October 2013, she became unable to work due to symptoms caused by leg and buttock pain, nerve root and plexus disorder, post-laminectomy syndrome and lumbar radiculopathy, which left her unable to perform the material and substantial duties of her occupation.
A therapist concluded in January 2014 that Harrison’s physical exertion capability was below sedentary and in April 2014, she underwent surgery to place a spinal cord neuro-stimulation system in her back to reduce her pain, according to the suit.
Harrison claims after the surgery, she suffered severe back spasms and muscle spasms in her feet and legs.
Due to her medical conditions, Harrison received short-term disability benefits from Oct. 8, 2013, to April 5, 2014, according to the suit. She was continuously disabled during the long-term disability policy’s elimination period and own occupation period.
Harrison claims in May 2014, she was awarded Social Security Disability Insurance benefits based on her medical conditions and was also awarded long-term disability benefits.
On Dec. 11, 2015, Harrison’s long-term disability benefits were terminated and she appealed the denial, according to the suit.
Harrison claims Standard upheld its denial. Standard has failed to carefully consider the decision of the Social Security Administration that Harrison is disabled and to properly explain why it disagreed with SSA’s decision.
Standard has also failed to properly consider the side-effects of Harrison’s medication on her ability to work, as well as her numerous co-morbid conditions in reviewing her disability claim, according to the suit.
Harrison claims Standard has failed to properly explain why it disagreed with the three prior determinations in the matter which found her disabled.
Harrison is seeking compensatory damages with pre-judgment interest. She is being represented by Ethan Vessels of Field, Dehmlow & Vessels.
The defendants are represented by Brian D. Morrison of Bailey & Wyant; and Jacqueline J. Herring of Smith Von Schleicher + Associates.
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia case number: 2:16-cv-11406