Woman with Spinal Condition Sues Aetna Life Insurance, Claiming ERISA Violation

A plan beneficiary is suing Aetna Life Insurance Co., Computer Sciences Corporation Long Term Disability Plan and Does 1-10, insurer, citing alleged violation of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).

Chrystal Smith filed a complaint on July 30, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, against the defendants alleging that they violated ERISA through non-payment of plan benefits.

According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that on May 1, 2018, she suffered economic damages from defendant’s decision to deny her long-term disability benefits without reasonable grounds, and despite plaintiff remaining disabled to date as defined by the plan and confirmed by her orthopedic surgeon with evidence of an electrical study showing lumbar spine impairment and continued pain.  (read more)