Walsh v. Long Term Disability Coverage for All Employees Located in United States of DeVry, Inc.

**Worker Loses Disability Benefits Case Against DeVry** This case involved an employee named Walsh who worked for DeVry, Inc. and was seeking long-term disability benefits through her employer's insurance plan provided by Prudential. Walsh claimed she was disabled and unable to work, but the insurance company denied her benefits claim. Walsh sued both DeVry and Prudential, arguing that she was wrongfully denied disability coverage that she was entitled to under her employee benefits plan. The case centered on whether Walsh met the plan's definition of being disabled. The court ruled against Walsh and in favor of the defendants. The judge found that Walsh did not qualify as disabled under the terms of her employer's benefit plan because she was still capable of performing desk work with minor accommodations. The court granted summary judgment for Prudential, meaning Walsh's case was dismissed without going to trial. **What this means for workers:** This case highlights how difficult it can be to win disability benefit claims. Insurance companies and courts apply strict definitions of disability, and being able to perform any type of work—even with limitations—may disqualify you from benefits. Workers should carefully review their disability plan terms and gather strong medical evidence before filing claims.