LOS ANGELES — A benefits plan holder is suing North America Life, alleging breach of contract and violating the Employee Retirement Income Security Act.
Barbara Allen-Thomas filed a complaint Aug. 25 in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California against Life Insurance Company of North America, alleging the insurance firm wrongfully denied the plaintiff's claim for disability benefits.
According to the complaint, Allen-Thomas became disabled due to acute cervical strain in 2011 and underwent an MRI. The suit says she applied for disability benefits but was denied.
The plaintiff alleges North America Life refused to pay her benefits despite having sufficient evidence to support her disability claim.
Allen-Thomas seeks benefits due, plus interest, legal fees and all other relief the court deems just. She is represented by attorneys Phillip S. Bather of Darras Law in Ontario, California.
U.S. District Court for the Central District of California case number 2:17-cv-06309