When Principal Life Insurance Company unfairly terminated our client’s long-term disability (LTD) benefits in early in 2025, we stepped in to fight back.
Client Background and Initial Approval
Our client became unable to work a few years prior due to serious medical conditions, including:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Ganglion cysts
- Mononeuropathy
- Chronic regional pain syndrome
- Lesions of the sensory branch of the radial nerve
- Dupuytren’s disease
- Other exertional and non-exertional impairments
She was right-hand dominant and relied on strong opioid medications to manage constant pain. Principal Life initially approved her LTD claim, paying benefits for the entire Own Occupation period under the policy.
Unfair Termination of Benefits
In early 2025, Principal Life abruptly terminated her benefits. The denial was based on a paper review by Dr. Wesley Chan, an occupational medicine physician who never examined or spoke with the client. Dr. Chan opined that she could occasionally perform various lifting, keyboarding and fine and gross manipulation with her hands.
He did opine that she should never perform power grasping.
Importantly, and to compare, the claimant’s own treating doctors had clearly stated she should never engage in fine manipulation due to her severe upper extremity limitations.
Worse still, Principal Life relied on a consultation with a staff nurse and an outdated labor market survey. None of this evidence was provided to the client for review before benefits were terminated, denying her a full and fair review of her claim.
Our Timely and Strategic Appeal
The Ortiz Law Firm took on the case just 13 days before the appeal deadline in July 2025. We acted quickly, gathering updated medical records and labor statistics highlighting the essential nature of fine manipulation in her past work and similar occupations.
Principal Life responded by scheduling an Independent Medical Examination (IME). That move backfired. The IME confirmed our client’s severe limitations. The final result was a positive outcome. The claimant’s LTD benefits were reinstated, and she was back on claim.
Get Help with Your Denied Disability Claim
If your long-term disability benefits are unfairly denied, don’t give up. The Ortiz Law Firm knows how to build strong appeals and hold insurance companies accountable. Call us today at (888) 321-8131 to see how we can help you fight back and get the benefits you deserve.
