Geiger v Zurich: defining "own occupation" in a long term disability claim

In this case the claimant worked as a writer/editor, a role considered sedentary and requiring him to sit almost continuously, with only occasional physical movements such as bending, twisting, or stooping and Zurich American Insurance Company, the claimant's insurance provider who denied his claim had concluded that the documentation did not conclusively show he was unable to fulfill his job duties as defined by the terms of the disability insurance policy. The claimant suffered from moderate pulmonary hypertension, moderate to severe pulmonic regurgitation, and a severe heart condition that necessitated heart catheterization and open-heart surgery for aortic valve replacement. Following his surgery, further assessments revealed a mechanical aortic valve replacement, mitral valve repair, and the absence of symptomatic reoccurrence of atrial fibrillation or flutter. Notably, his cardiologist highlighted the claimant's extensive cardiac history and the need for high doses of a diuretic, factors that significantly hindered his ability to work. The claimant then appealed, arguing that Zurich American Insurance Company had mistakenly evaluated the medical evidence related to his heart condition and treatments, including the heart catheterization and open-heart surgery. This is the oral argument in the 4th circuit court of appealsThese public domain recordings are brought to you by Ben Glass Law, a national long term disability and life insurance firm headquartered in Fairfax, VA.By making these recordings into a "podcast," we've made the listening easier for claimants, attorneys and claims adjusters alike. If long term disability or life insurance benefits have been denied, we'd love to review your denial letter and give you a strategy for moving forward. This is a free service and you can go here to begin submitting your denial letter.