A Louisiana resident is embroiled in a legal battle over denied disability benefits, bringing attention to the struggles faced by individuals seeking rightful claims under insurance policies. Daniel Goodly filed a complaint on April 7, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana against Symetra Life Insurance Company. The lawsuit underscores a critical issue surrounding the denial of long-term disability benefits under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).
Daniel Goodly, who resides in Oberlin, Louisiana, and works as a filing/packaging operator at Ventura Foods, LLC, claims that his medical condition has rendered him unable to perform his job duties or any occupation on a full-time basis. Despite being covered under an ERISA plan and insured through a group policy issued by Symetra Life Insurance Company, Goodly's claim for disability benefits was denied. According to court documents, Goodly suffers from severe pain and numbness affecting various parts of his body, dizziness, and headaches—conditions that his doctor and an FCE examiner have confirmed prevent him from returning to work.
Goodly alleges that Symetra's denial of his benefits is based on "insubstantial evidence" and constitutes an arbitrary abuse of discretion. He argues that Symetra has an inherent conflict of interest since it would have to pay benefits from its own assets if his claim were approved. The complaint states that Symetra's decision-making process is flawed due to this conflict and calls into question their adherence to ERISA mandates requiring plan administrators to act in the best interests of participants and beneficiaries.
The plaintiff seeks judgment against Symetra for all past and future benefits owed under the plan along with pre- and post-judgment interest. Additionally, he requests compensation for reasonable attorney fees and other related costs incurred due to the denial of his claim. This case highlights ongoing issues within insurance companies' handling of disability claims and emphasizes the importance of judicial oversight in ensuring fair treatment for policyholders.
Representing Daniel Goodly is attorney Reagan L. Toledano from Toledano Law located in New Orleans. The case is presided over by judges at the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana under Case ID 2:25-cv-00668.