Case Review Corner: How Brent Dorian Brehm Secured a Critical Victory for a Client with "Invisible" Illness
Winning never gets old.
Whatever brought you here, I hope we can make a difference.
If you are battling a long-term disability denial for a condition like long-COVID, CFS, fibromyalgia, or chronic headaches, take hope from the recent victory secured by Brent Dorian Brehm. Contact Dorian Law PC for a confidential consultation to discuss your rights and how our firm can help.
Dorian Law PC is proud to highlight a significant victory achieved by our founder, Brent Dorian Brehm, in the case of Ryan Waldron v. Unum Life Insurance Company of America. This pivotal decision from the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington showcases Brent Dorian Brehm's unwavering commitment to fighting for individuals facing wrongful disability benefit denials, particularly when those disabilities stem from conditions often misunderstood or dismissed due to a lack of definitive objective tests, such as long-COVID, ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, and chronic headaches.
The Human Cost of Denial: Unum Rejects Claim Despite Client's Debilitating Post-Vaccine Symptoms
Ryan Waldron, a dedicated employee at James Hardie, experienced a significant decline in his health following a COVID-19 vaccination. Persistent and severe fatigue, debilitating headaches, pervasive brain fog, and disruptive sleep issues rendered him unable to perform the essential functions of his physically demanding job. Despite diligently seeking medical care and undergoing extensive diagnostic testing, his application for long-term disability benefits from Unum Life Insurance Company of America was denied, leaving him and his family facing uncertainty. Recognizing the injustice, Mr. Waldron turned to the best LTD attorney for help.
The Court Steps In: Examining Unum's Decision with a Critical Eye
While the specific legal standard of review may not be the primary concern for most readers, it's important to know that the court thoroughly examined Unum's decision-making process and the evidence presented. This allowed Brent Dorian Brehm to effectively advocate for Mr. Waldron's right to benefits.
Why This Victory Matters: Recognizing the Validity of "Invisible" Illnesses
Judge Cartwright's ruling in favor of Ryan Waldron hinged on a crucial understanding: disability is not always visible or easily measured by standard medical tests. The court's reasoning highlighted several key aspects:
The court acknowledged the established legal principle that for conditions like CFS, fibromyalgia, long-COVID, and chronic headaches, the primary evidence of disability often comes from the individual's reported symptoms and the clinical judgment of their treating physicians.
The court gave significant weight to the consistent accounts of Mr. Waldron's debilitating symptoms as documented by his numerous medical providers.
The court found that Unum's apparent insistence on objective evidence, where such evidence is often limited or non-existent for these types of conditions, was an unreasonable approach to evaluating Mr. Waldron's claim.
A Strategic Approach to Justice: How Brent Dorian Brehm Built a Compelling Case
Brent Dorian Brehm meticulously presented the medical evidence, emphasizing the consistency and severity of Mr. Waldron's subjective complaints and the professional opinions of his treating doctors.
He effectively distinguished abnormalities in the facts and prevented Unum’s attorneys from advancing improper arguments based on inaccurate presentations of the facts.
He strategically highlighted legal precedents that support the validity of subjective evidence in disability claims, ensuring the court understood the established legal framework for such cases.
Key Takeaways for Disability Claimants: Your Experience and Your Doctor's Opinion Are Crucial
This victory demonstrates that even when facing a denial for a condition that lacks definitive objective tests, your voice and the professional judgment of your treating physicians are powerful forms of evidence. It underscores the importance of:
Seeking consistent medical care and openly communicating all your symptoms to your doctors.
Keeping detailed records of how your condition impacts your ability to perform daily activities and work.
Understanding that insurance companies cannot arbitrarily dismiss your claim simply because your illness isn't easily visible on standard tests.
Seeking experienced legal counsel like Brent Dorian Brehm to advocate for your rights.
For Legal Professionals: Brent Dorian Brehm's Victory Offers Key Insights on De Novo Review and "Invisible" Disabilities in ERISA Litigation
The triumph in Waldron v. Unum provides valuable lessons for legal practitioners handling ERISA long-term disability claims under the de novo standard of review. This case underscores the court's independent role in these reviews, as highlighted in Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. v. Bruch. Moreover, the decision emphasizes the critical need to effectively present evidence of "invisible" disabilities, where objective findings may be limited. The court's reliance on cases such as Salomaa v. Honda Long Term Disability Plan and Abrams v. Unum Life Ins. Co. of Am. demonstrates that a well-documented record of subjective symptoms, supported by treating physician opinions, can indeed overcome an insurer's denial. The decision serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of thorough preparation and a nuanced understanding of ERISA law when representing claimants with complex medical conditions.
Conclusion: Justice Prevails in Hard-Fought Disability Battle
The successful resolution of Waldron v. Unum, under the expert guidance of Brent Dorian Brehm, which he briefed while at his prior firm, exemplifies our firm's values and our founder's long-standing commitment to securing justice for those facing wrongful denials of ERISA disability benefits. This case affirms that subjective symptoms, often associated with challenging conditions, can form the basis of a valid disability claim when presented effectively under the de novo standard of review.
Don't let a disability denial based on the lack of objective findings discourage you. As demonstrated by Brent Dorian Brehm's recent victory, subjective symptoms are valid and can lead to a successful claim. Reach out to Dorian Law PC for expert legal guidance from our experienced team.