Wendy Haut is a software sales executive who contracted COVID-19 in September 2020. Due to her “aggressive” illness, Haut was on oxygen and steroids for months. Since recovering from her initial illness, Haut says she has been suffering from post-COVID syndrome, struggling with such symptoms as balance difficulties, brain fog and cognitive dysfunction, fatigue, incontinence, asthma, and a persistent cough, none of which were present prior to her illness. 

Her symptoms, she claims, have rendered her unable to go grocery shopping or perform many of her previous daily activities, including work. She filed for disability benefits through the Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company, but her claim was denied in May 2021. Haut appealed the decision, but the appeal was denied, as well. 

Now Haut is suing Reliance Standard Life Insurance Co. for those benefits. Her complaint, filed with the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, is one of the first federal lawsuits seeking disability benefits under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, based solely on post-COVID syndrome. 

While attorneys anticipate an increase in these types of cases, they warn potential litigants not to expect quick results. Beneficiaries face deadline extensions from the Labor Department, challenges obtaining medical records, and increased telework with their insurers prior to seeking satisfaction through a court.  

You can view Haut’s claim at  Haut v. Reliance Standard Life Ins. Co.

*Wille, J. (2022, Jan. 12). Covid ‘Long Hauler’ Sues After Denial of Long-Term Disability. Bloomberg Law. https://news.bloomberglaw.com/coronavirus/covid-long-hauler-sues-reliance-standard-for-disability-pay 

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