Welcome to the Riemer Hess Quarterly Report. This report is intended to cover the Firm’s most relevant highlights of 2023 Q4. Below you’ll find news updates, recent educational outreach performed by the firm, and client success stories from this quarter.
Our firm recently enhanced our legal research capabilities by upgrading to a version of Westlaw that integrates AI-assisted research options. This significant advancement allows for more efficient, precise, and comprehensive analysis of legal matters. Westlaw itself is a renowned legal research platform, offering extensive access to a vast array of legal resources including case law, statutes, regulations, and legal journals. With AI’s assistance, we can swiftly navigate complex legal scenarios, find relevant case law, and stay abreast of the latest legal trends. This ensures our clients receive the most informed and effective representation possible.
We are proud to announce that Partner Jennifer L. Hess and Associate Ryan J. McIntyre’s article, “Assessing the 2018 ERISA LTD Claims Regulations; Five Years Later,” has been accepted for publication by the American Bar Association (“ABA”). This marks a significant achievement, reflecting our firm’s commitment to thought leadership in the field of ERISA long term disability claims.
The acceptance of this article by the ABA, a leading organization in the legal profession, underscores our dedication to not only understanding but also shaping the discourse in long term disability law. Ms. Hess and Mr. McIntyre’s work exemplifies our firm’s role in educating and informing our peers about critical developments in LTD claims. Through such contributions, we continue to foster a deeper understanding of LTD issues among legal professionals, thereby enhancing the quality and efficacy of legal representation for those in need.
We’re pleased to share that Partner Jennifer Hess’ article, “Tackling Defenses in TBI Disability Claims,” has been accepted for publication in Trial magazine, a respected publication of the American Association for Justice (“AAJ”). This prestigious organization, established in 1946, advocates for a fair and effective justice system, supporting plaintiff’s lawyers in the U.S. The AAJ is dedicated to assisting attorneys in securing justice for individuals harmed by negligence or misconduct. Jennifer’s article underscores our firm’s commitment to legal excellence and empathy, particularly in the complex area of TBI disability claims. It reflects our continuous effort to contribute meaningful insights to the legal community, supporting both attorneys and those they represent in seeking justice.
In Q4, Riemer Hess proudly launched the “Riemer Hess Client Connect” newsletter, a significant initiative aimed at enhancing our communication and support for our valued clients. This exclusive newsletter, tailored specifically for our clients, represents our commitment to their well-being and success. It features anonymously shared insights from fellow clients, practical tips for navigating the complexities of the claim process, recommended resources for empowerment, and inspiring success stories. This initiative reflects our dedication to not only provide legal support but also to foster a supportive community among our clients.
In Q4, Riemer Hess undertook a significant pro bono case, representing “Jane,” a courageous young woman confronting stage IV colon cancer.
Jane’s resilience was evident as she balanced her demanding job while undergoing intense biweekly chemotherapy sessions at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. However, maintaining her work schedule during such aggressive treatment significantly jeopardized her health and well-being. The situation became more critical when Jane’s medical team advised incorporating radiation therapy into her regimen, necessitating daily hospital visits. Faced with this daunting scenario and lacking a support system, Jane found herself in an incredibly challenging position.
Feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of the LTD claim process, compounded by her escalating treatment needs, Jane reached out to Riemer Hess for assistance. Our team promptly responded, providing compassionate and expert guidance through every step of the process. We successfully navigated the intricacies of her Short Term Disability (“STD”) claim, leading to the approval of her benefits for the maximum duration. Currently, we are diligently preparing her Long Term Disability (“LTD”) application.
Our involvement in Jane’s case underscores our commitment to empathetic and expert legal assistance, especially for those facing life-altering health challenges. At Riemer Hess, we pride ourselves on not just being legal advisors but also advocates who stand by our clients in their most trying times.
The matter is being handled by Associate Samantha Wladich and Paralegal Michele Wagner.
On December 18, 2023, our Associate Attorney Ryan McIntyre successfully presented a live CLE webinar titled “ERISA Long Term Disability Essentials for Social Security Disability Attorneys” via myLawCLE. In this insightful session, Mr. McIntyre provided a detailed overview of ERISA Long Term Disability insurance policies and their relation to Social Security Disability claims, emphasizing the differences in their claims and appeals processes. The webinar, which was also simultaneously published by the Federal Bar Association, highlighted Riemer Hess’s dedication to legal education and the firm’s expertise in bridging complex areas of disability law.
“Sally,” a marketing executive, faced daunting health challenges with her worsening neck condition, causing pain and hampering her ability to work on a computer. Despite undergoing treatments like physical therapy and exploring various medical opinions, her condition, diagnosed as severe cervical stenosis, showed little improvement.
Riemer Hess stepped in with a strategic plan to address Sally’s complex situation. We arranged for a Functional Capacity Evaluation (“FCE”) and strongly recommended that she undergo Electromyography (“EMG”) testing because we suspected radiculopathy – a nerve condition causing pain, numbness, or weakness – impacting her upper extremities.
The results of the EMG confirmed our suspicions, revealing significant radiculopathy. This critical piece of medical evidence provided a solid foundation for her long term disability claim. Sally, initially apprehensive about the impact of her health on her career, found renewed hope and confidence in our thorough and empathetic legal support.
Thanks to our strategic approach and expert guidance, we successfully filed and won Sally’s claim – highlighting the power of precise medical diagnosis and legal expertise in navigating complex health-related challenges. Her story exemplifies the resilience in the face of adversity and the importance of specialized legal support in overcoming health barriers.
The matter was handled by Associate Ryan McIntyre and Paralegal Michele Wagner.