Man sues Teachers Retirement System for multiple denied disability appeals

BATON ROUGE – An Ascension Parish man is suing a political subdivision of the State of Louisiana after he was denied disability after multiple appeals.

Timothy Spinosa filed suit against the Teachers' Retirement System of Louisiana in the 19th Judicial Court on Aug. 6.

Spinosa claims he was denied disability after being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress syndrome. While the plaintiff was employed as a physical and health education teacher at Mohican Education Center he claims he was assaulted, battered, physically harassed, sexually harassed and threatened with his life by multiple students.

Mohican Education Center was a school for physically and behavioral disabled students, but has been shut down since the claimed incidences.

Spinosa allegedly took a leave of absence from the education center at the beginning of the 2009-2010 school year. He filed for disability benefits on Aug. 19, 2011, claiming he was unable to work due to his injuries and diagnosis, the suit claims.

The defendant is accused of refusing the plaintiff's disability claim even though the objective medical evidence supports Spinosa's disability, denying benefits for own financial benefit and knowingly causing harm to plaintiff.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for severe panic attacks, sleeping disorders, lack of appetite and depression. Spinosa claims he is entitled to past, present and future disability benefits, with interest under the terms of the Teachers' Retirement System of Louisiana.

The plaintiff is represented by Reid S. Uzee of Gennusa, Piacun and Ruli of Metairie.

The case has been assigned to Division A Judge Todd Hernandez.

Case no. 614259.