Debra Medina is seeking damages in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California against Liberty Life Assurance Co. of Boston, the Norcal Record recently reported. Medina alleges in her claim that her long-term disability benefits were wrongfully denied. Furthermore, she alleges her employer violated the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).
Medina is disabled due to various co-morbid and disabling conditions. According to her complaint, she was still employed by Cadence at the time of her disability in 2013. Medina was still insured under her welfare benefit plan (which was still in full effect). Cadence and Liberty Life Assurance Co. of Boston cut Medina’s benefits in 2014. Medina filed her complaint in the District Court this year.
Liberty Life Assurance terminated Medina’s benefits despite the fact that she was disabled. In addition, the company allegedly upheld its denial contrary to reports filed by doctors who evaluated and treated the plaintiff. Medina claims she is holding Liberty Life responsible because it denied her due process of law and health benefits under her plan.