Leticia Salgado, a Los Angeles woman previously employed as a food service associate, alleges that her disability benefits were wrongfully terminated by Unum Life. Salgado file her complaint on October 7th, 2016 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California against Unum Life Insurance Co. of America. She alleges Unum Life violated the Employee Retirement Income Security Act.

Helpful Terms and Definitions:

Disability Benefits: Income received by an individual from a disability insurance policy. The income is distinct from any income due to a workers compensation plan.

Employee Retirement Income Security Act: The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) dates all the way back to 1974. It is a federal law setting minimum standards that apply to most voluntarily established pension and health plans in the private industry. The Act serves as a means of protection for individuals making use of these plans.

Leticia Salgado’s allegations included in the complaint begin in 2013. Salgado was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and soon thereafter she became disabled. According to the plaintiff’s claims, she was initially paid disability benefits. The benefits continued for two years, but at that point the disability benefits were terminated by Unum Life (the Defendants). Salgado, the plaintiff in the case, holds Unum Life Insurance Company of America responsible due to a breach of contract.

Salgado seeks long-term disability payment at the rate of $1,192 per month plus interest and any additional relief that the court feels is appropriate.

If you have questions or concerns regarding the wrongful termination of benefits, please get in touch with one of the experienced southern California employment law attorneys at Blumenthal, Nordrehaug & Bhowmik.