Legal Case Summary

Day v. AT&T Disability Income Plan


Date Argued: Tue Aug 30 2011
Case Number: 10-16479
Docket Number: 7845169
Judges:Fisher, Rawlinson, Cjj Timlin (C. Cal.), Dj
Duration: 33 minutes
Court Name: Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

Case Summary

**Case Summary: Day v. AT&T Disability Income Plan (Docket Number: 7845169)** **Court:** United States District Court **Citation:** Case No. 7845169 **Parties Involved:** - Plaintiff: Day (the claimant) - Defendant: AT&T Disability Income Plan (the plan administrator) **Background:** The case involves the denial of long-term disability benefits claimed by the plaintiff, Day, under the AT&T Disability Income Plan. Day contends that he is entitled to benefits due to an inability to work caused by a medical condition. **Legal Issues:** The primary legal issues include: 1. Whether AT&T's decision to deny Day's claim for disability benefits was arbitrary and capricious. 2. Whether the plan's interpretations of disability criteria were properly applied in light of the medical evidence. **Facts:** - Day had been employed by AT&T and had contributed to the company's disability income plan. - Following his medical diagnosis, Day filed for long-term disability benefits, citing limitations that prevented him from performing his job duties. - The plan administrator reviewed the medical records and other evidence submitted by Day and ultimately denied the claim based on a determination that Day did not meet the plan’s definition of "disabled". **Arguments:** - **Plaintiff's Argument:** Day argued that the evidence demonstrated his inability to work, and that the denial of benefits was unfounded. He claimed that the plan administrator failed to adequately consider all relevant medical documentation and did not provide a reasoned analysis for the denial. - **Defendant's Argument:** AT&T Disability Income Plan argued that the decision to deny benefits was based on a thorough review of the medical evidence and consistent with the plan's definitions. They maintained that Day's medical condition did not substantiate the claim of total disability as outlined in the plan. **Ruling:** The court examined the evidence presented by both parties, the established criteria in AT&T's Disability Income Plan, and the procedural aspects of the claims review process. The court ultimately ruled on whether the plan administrator acted within its discretion. **Conclusion:** The court’s ruling addressed the legality of the claim denial and any procedural irregularities in the handling of Day’s claim. The case highlights the complexities involved in ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act) cases concerning disability claims, particularly in evaluating the adequacy of medical evidence and the discretion afforded to plan administrators. **Significance:** This case serves as a key reference for individuals navigating disputes involving employer-sponsored disability income plans. It reinforces the importance of thorough documentation in support of disability claims and the potential challenges in overcoming a plan's denial of benefits. (Note: This summary is fictitious and based on the provided case title and docket number. If you require details specific to the actual case, please provide additional context or data.)

Day v. AT&T Disability Income Plan


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