MIAMI—A former employee of Permian Mud Service Inc. claims an insurance company wrongly denied his disability claim.
William Daggett filed a federal claim on Jan. 13 in the U.S. District Court of the Southern District of Florida against Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company, alleging violation of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).
According to the claim, Daggett became disabled on Dec. 18, 2012 while working at Permian Mud. At the time, the company was insured by the defendant with coverage that included long-term disability benefits. Shortly after becoming disabled, the plaintiff filed a claim with the defendant, and the payments were initially approved and paid through March 25, 2015.
In a letter dated Feb. 17, 2015, the defendant allegedly advised Daggett that he would no longer be eligible for benefits beyond March, and his claim would be terminated. The plaintiff alleges he presented a timely request of appeal, but he received a letter dated Sept. 17, 2015 that informed him that the decision to end payments was final. The plaintiff claims that he has been under medical care and in compliance with all required administrative remedies for his disabled state, contesting that the defendant wrongfully terminated his claim.
Daggett seeks due payments of disability benefits, reinstatement to the disability plan, pre- and post-judgment interest, and attorneys’ fees. He is represented by Rachel Alters and Gregory Michael Dell of Attorneys Dell and Schaefer.
U.S. District Court of the Southern District of Florida Case number 1:16-cv-20167-MGC