Insured sues to waive disability premiums

A St. Clair County woman is suing Lincoln Financial Group for failing to pay long-term disability benefits.

Yolanda Bozeman filed the lawsuit against The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, doing business as Lincoln Financial Group, Aug. 6 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

According to the complaint, Bozeman began working for Life Skills Foundation in late 2004 and became eligible for long-term disability insurance from Lincoln Financial in July 2005.

Bozeman says she was involved in a serious car crash in May 2008. Unable to work because of her injuries, Bozeman says she began receiving long-term disability benefits in August 2008. Bozeman says she continued receiving those benefits until July 2009.

Bozeman argues Lincoln Group has failed to waive the cost of her life insurance premiums, in accordance with terms of the disability policy. She says that refusal constitutes a breach of contract and "vexation and unreasonable action" by the insurance company. Bozeman says the defendant's refusal to waive the premiums is costing her more than $1200 each month.

Bozeman is asking the Court to award her damages and penalties of at least $100,000 along with attorney fees and court costs.

Attorneys Mark C. Scoggins and Anthony P. Gilbreth are representing Bozeman.

St. Clair County Circuit Court Case No. 10-L-402.