Smith v. Aetna Life Insurance Co.

• Smith v. Aetna Life Insurance Co. (4th Cir., 2024)
  • Ruling: The court reversed a long-term disability (LTD) benefit denial, finding that Aetna had failed to conduct a full and fair review of the claim.
  • Reasoning: The insurer failed to adequately address or discuss contradictory evidence, particularly a report from a Social Security Administration (SSA) doctor that supported the claimant’s disability.
  • Significance: This ruling reinforced ERISA’s procedural requirements, emphasizing that plan administrators must comprehensively examine all relevant evidence and explain any disagreements with a claimant’s medical documentation. 
• If you need assistance navigating your claim for short term or long-term disability benefits under ERISA, or it is time to sue the insurance company, please do not hesitate to give Cody Allison & Associates, PLLC a call (844) LTD-CODY, (615) 234-6000. or send us an e-mail Cody@codyallison.com.  We provide representation nationwide and have successfully sued all the major insurance companies in many states. Our headquarters are located in Nashville, Tennessee.  We offer a free consultation and would love to speak with you.