MIAMI – A woman has filed suit against an Indiana-based insurance company seeking reinstatement of her disability benefits.
Melissa Stevens filed a complaint on July 13 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida against Principal Life Insurance Co. alleging violation of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that on Jan. 28, 2014, she became disabled because of sickness or injury and was initially paid disability plan benefits until it was terminated by the defendant on Oct. 9, 2015, effective January of this year. The plaintiff holds Principal Life Insurance Co. responsible because the defendant allegedly denied plaintiff's claim for disability benefits despite her still being disabled according to the terms of the plan.
The plaintiff seeks payment of disability benefits due to plaintiff, reinstatement to the plan and order that plaintiff is entitled to those benefits for as long as she remains disabled under the terms of the plan, all legal fees and interest, and any other relief as the court deems just. She is represented by Rachel Alters and Gregory M. Dell of Attorneys Dell and Schaefer, Chartered in Hollywood.
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida Case number 1:16-cv-23038-MGC