LAFAYETTE – An Acadia Parish man says his employer’s insurance carrier, CIGNA, is refusing to pay long-term disability benefits he claims is owed.
Kyle A. Harless filed a lawsuit Jan. 5 in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana against Life Insurance Co. of North America (also known as CIGNA), alleging breach of contract.
According to the complaint, Harless worked for Franks International LLC as a machinist until June 1, 2014, when several illnesses began preventing him from working. Harless says he suffers from joint pain, tremors, ulcers and other digestive complaints, all allegedly due to fibromyalgia, Lyme disease and porphyria, a chemical imbalance that causes neurological disturbances.
The suit says Harless was covered as an employee of Franks and is entitled to 60 percent of his monthly earnings, or $1,385 per month beginning from June 1, 2014. He alleges that CIGNA has denied these benefits.
Harless seeks payment of the disability benefits promised under the policy, plus interest and court costs. He is represented by attorney Christopher A. Edwards of the Edwards Law Firm in Lafayette.
U.S. District Court for the Western District Case number 6:16-cv-00006