Cynthia Maskol (Partner-Baltimore) obtained summary judgment in United States District Court for Maryland on behalf of Unum Life Insurance Company in a case involving a dispute over entitlement to a disability benefit governed by ERISA law. In this case, the Court agreed that Unum's decision − that the insured had failed to meet her burden of proving that she continued to be disabled, as defined by the insurance contract − was both reasonable and supported by substantial evidence. In addition, the Court specifically rejected plaintiff's arguments and held that the age of an insured is irrelevant where there is no evidence that she looked for work but found none available due to her age, and that the Court properly limits its consideration to facts in the administrative record for the plaintiff's claim and not findings from other claims or cases.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.