Stephanie Morris, a Virginia widow, faced a heartrending and frustrating legal battle against Lincoln National Life Insurance Company following the death of her husband, Stephen. Diagnosed with leukemia, Stephen passed away in 2015. His employer’s life insurance policies, underwritten by Lincoln, became Stephanie’s hope for financial stability.
However, Lincoln denied her claim, arguing Stephen wasn’t “actively at work” and was “totally disabled” when the policies took effect. Stephanie’s fight, steeped in the complexities of insurance law and the interpretation of policy terms, wasn’t just a quest for benefits—it was a struggle for dignity and fairness.
Stephanie came to Ben Glass Law and, although the case was lost in the lower court, Mr. Glass won the case in the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. (You can listen to his arguments in the Court of Appeals, below!)
Her journey through the legal system illustrates a stark reality: how individuals can be overwhelmed by corporate interpretations of policies. In a world where legal battles often feel impersonal, Stephanie’s story echoes the resilience and determination of those who stand up against formidable odds for their rights. Her case, a blend of personal tragedy and legal complexity, highlights the need for clarity and empathy in the insurance industry.
By the way, if you are considering hiring an experienced long-term disability attorney to handle your claim, make sure you watch this video first!