Igor Gunn v. Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company, Paine Webber Long Term Disability Plan, Paine Webber Medical Plan, Paine Webber Life Insurance Plans, Paine Webber Pension/Retirement Plan
Published: May 16, 2009 | Result Date: Jan. 9, 2009 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: 2:04-cv-01852-FMC-MAN Bench Decision – $68,944
Court
USDC Central
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Corinne Chandler
(Kantor & Kantor LLP)
Glenn R. Kantor
(Kantor & Kantor LLP)
Defendant
Kevin P. McNamara
(Traub, Lieberman, Straus & Shrewsberry LLP)
Facts
Igor Gunn worked for UBS/Paine Webber. In 2001, Reliance Standard Life Insurance Co., which administered Paine Webber's long-term disability plan, approved Gunn's claim for benefits. It informed Gunn that he would receive benefits beyond 24 months only if he was totally disabled. Prior to the expiration of his benefits, Reliance conducted an investigation into Gunn's medical condition. Although Gunn's doctors informed Reliance that Gunn was totally disabled, Reliance concluded that Gunn could return to work. It then terminated Gunn's long-term benefits. Gunn sued Reliance and the Paine Webber Long Term Disability Plan for violating ERISA.
Contentions
PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Gunn claimed that termination of his benefits amounted to an abuse of discretion.
DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
The defense contended that Reliance made an impartial decision to terminate Gunn's benefits.
Result
The court awarded Gunn $68,944.
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