In Stevens v. Liberty Mutual together with esteemed attorney, Mark D. DeBofsky, Esq. of DeBofsky & Associates, P.C. we continue our battle against Liberty to reverse their denial of disability benefits to a disabled bank employee. We won our motion for summary judgment in January, and the Court ordered that Liberty pay Mr. Stevens his short term disability benefits, plus our counsel fees. Our claim for Long Term Disability Benefits was remanded to Liberty to review the evidence and made another benefits determination. Instead of proceeding with the remand, Liberty appealed the entire decision to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.
Oral argument before the Court of Appeals on May 20, 2015 will center on whether the Court of Appeals has jurisdiction to hear Liberty’s appeal since the case is not concluded and the district court retains jurisdiction over the case.
Joseph Stevens suffers from ankylosing spondylitis, joint swelling, pain, fatigue, and cognitive issues. His case continues and will not be completed until we have a determination on the long term disability claim. Our success before the district court is available. Stevens v. Liberty. We will update the blog once the Third Circuit decides our case. Hopefully the result of tomorrow’s argument will change the law in the State of New Jersey. Contact us at Bonny G. Rafel, LLC, and let us fight for your disability.