HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-4170
VOUGH & ASSOCIATES
MICHAEL T. VOUGH, ESQUIRE
Attorney for Plaintiff
Atty. Id. No. 56099
126 South Main Street
Pittston, PA 18640
Phone: 570-654-6499
Fax: 570-654,: (509
TANYA GELB,
Plaintiff
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
v.
AFLAC a/k/a American Family Life
Assurance Company of Columbus and
KEN LITWILLER,
Defendants
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION -LAW
NO: ~J"jp OF 2007
NOTICE
You have been sued in court. If you wish to defend against the claim set forth in the
following pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after this Complaint and
Notice are served by entering a written appearance personally or by attorney and filing in
writing with the Court your defenses or objections to the claims set forth against you. You
are warned that if you fail to do so the case may proceed without you and a judgment may
be entered against you by the Court without further notice for any money claimed in the
Complaint or for any other claim or relief requested by the Plaintif£ You may lose money
or property or other rights important to you.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF
YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO
OR TELE-PHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT
WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP. THIS OFFICE CAN PROVIDE
YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER.
IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY
BE ABLE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT
AGENCIES THAT MAY OFFER LEGAL SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE
PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE.
Mid Penn Legal Services Cumberland County Bar Association
401 East Louther Street 32 South Bedford Street
Suite 103 Carlisle, PA 17013
Carlisle, PA 17013 800-990-9108
800-822-5288
VOUGH & ASSOCIATES
MICHAEL T. VOUGH, ESQUIRE
Attorney for Plaintiff
Atty. Id. No. 56099
126 South Main Stteet
Pittston, PA 18640
Phone: 570-654-6499
F sac: 570-654-6509
TANYA GELB,
v.
AFLAC a/k/a American Family Life
Assurance Company of Columbus and
KEN LITWILLER,
Defendants
• CNIL ACTION -LAW
. NO: O 7- y/70 OF 2007
COMPLAINT
AND NOW, comes the Plaintiff, Tanya Gelb, by and through her Attorneys,
Vough & Associates, by Michael T. Vough, Esquire, and complains of the Defendant,
Aflac, as follows:
1. The Plaintiff, Tanya Gelb, is an adult individual currently residing at 9
Stephen Road, Camp Hill, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17011-1156.
2. The Defendant, Aflac a/k/a American Family Life Assurance Company of
Columbus, is an insurance company duly licensed to conduct business in the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with a principal place of business at 1932 Wynnton Road,
Columbus, Georgia 31999-0001.
The Defendant, Ken Litwiller is believed and therefore averred to be an adult
individual with an address of 27 Kristi Lane, Lewistown, Pennsylvania 17044 who, at all
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
Plaintiff OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
times relevant, is believed and therefore averred to be the agent/employee of the Defendant,
Aflac.
4. On or about January 23, 2004, the Defendant, Aflac, via its agent/employee,
the Defendant, Ken Litwiller, executed and delivered a disability insurance policy (Policy No.
PA 965183) (hereinafter `the policy') to the Plaintiff which policy provided disability
insurance coverage to the Plaintiff.
5. On or about November 30, 2005, the Plaintiff received correspondence from
the Defendant, Aflac, that Plaintiff s claim for disability benefits, "are not payable for the
following reason(s): Benefits were previously paid to the insured." A copy of the
Defendant, Aflac's correspondence to the Plaintiff dated November 30, 2005 is attached to
and incorporated herein as Exhibit "A". By way of further averment, Plaintiff received only
one (1) check from the Defendant, Aflac, totaling $1,306.67 and dated August 19, 2005
despite the fact that Plaintiff was pregnant and gave birth on July 27, 2005 and was otherwise
entitled to twelve (12) months of disability benefits under the policy issued by the
Defendant, Aflac, as more particularly described herein at Paxagraph 4.
6. At all times relevant and material hereto, the Plaintiff paid all premiums due
and owing pursuant to the policy issued by the Defendant, Aflac, to the Plaintiff in a timely
fashion and as per the requirements of said Defendant, Aflac.
7. At all times relevant and material hereto, the Defendant, Aflac's
agent/employee, the Defendant, Ken Litwiller, represented and assured to the Plaintiff that
the policy of insurance issued to the Plaintiff by the Defendant, Aflac, provided for twelve
(12) months of disability benefits during those periods of time including, but not limited to,
any and all periods of time immediately subsequent to pregnancy.
8. It is believed and therefore averred that the Plaintiff, at all times relevant and
material hereto, paid premiums to the Defendant, Aflac, pursuant to the aforementioned
policy of insurance issued to the Plaintiff by the Defendant, Aflac, for benefits including, but
not limited to disability benefits for those periods as described herein at Paragraph 7 which
premium payments the Defendant, Aflac, received, accepted and converted into its own
funds.
COUNTI
TANYA GELB v AFLAC a/k/a AMERICAN FAMILY
LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF COLUMBUS
BREACH OF CONTRACT
9. Plaintiff hereby incorporates paragraphs one (1) though eight (8) of this
Complaint as though fully set forth at length.
10. As more particularly described herein above, the Defendant, by reason of
that disability insurance policy issued at policy number PA 965183 and said Defendant's and
Defendant's agent/employee's statements and assertions concerning the policy, for which all
requisite premiums were paid by the Plaintiff and of which all requisite obligations were
performed by the Plaintiff pursuant to said policy, the Defendant is obligated to pay to the
Plaintiff any and all disability benefits payable to the Plaintiff as the result of the Plaintiff's
injuries.
11. Despite repeated requests, the Defendant has failed and refused, without
reason or justification, and still refuses to pay Plaintiff's any and all benefits payable to the
Plaintiff.
12. The Defendant's refusal to pay any and all benefits to the Plaintiff
constitutes a breach of contract of the disability insurance policy number PA 965183.
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiff, Tanya Gelb, respectfully requests that this
Honorable Court enter Judgment in favor of the Plaintiff and against the Defendant,
Aflac, a/k/a American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus, in an amount greater
than the maximum jurisdictional amount required for compulsory arbitration in Cumberland
County along with any other relief that this Honorable Court deems appropriate.
COUNT II
TANYA GELB v AFLAC a/k/a AMERICAN FAMILY
LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF COLUMBUS
BAD FAITH PURSUANT TO 42 PA C S A X8371
13. Plaintiff hereby incorporates paragraphs one (1) though twelve (12) of this
Complaint as though fully set forth at length.
14. The past and ongoing actions of the Defendant relative to policy number
PA 965183 issued to the Plaintiff consist of the following:
(a) Unreasonably and unjustifiably denying payment of Plaintiff s
any and all benefits pursuant to policy number PA 965183 where all
credible and substantiated information provided by the Plaintiff and
Plaintiff's representatives demonstrates that any and all benefits are
payable as the result of the disability insurance policy number PA
965183; and
(b) Compelling the Plaintiff to institute litigation to recover payment of
any and all benefits that are payable, due and owing pursuant to
disability insurance policy number PA 965183.
15. The conduct of the Defendant, more particularly described at paragraph
14 herein, constitutes bad faith on the part of the Defendant toward the Plaintiff as defined
at 42 Pa. C.S.A. Section 8371.
16. The conduct of the Defendant, more particularly described at paragraph 17
herein, is outrageous and recklessly indifferent to the rights of the Plaintiff and the
obligations of the Defendant pursuant to disability policy number PA 965183 issued
by the Defendant and, therefore, Plaintiff is entitled to punitive damages.
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiff, Tanya Gelb, respectfully requests that this
Honorable Court enter Judgment in favor of the Plaintiff and against the Defendant, Aflac
a/k/a American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus, in an amount greater than
the maximum jurisdictional amount required for compulsory arbitration in Cumberland
County along with any other relief that this Honorable Court deems appropriate.
COi~NT III
TANYA GELB v AFLAC a/k/a AMERICAN FAMILY
LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF COLUMBUS
UNJUST ENRICHMENT
17. Plaintiff hereby incorporates paragraphs one (1) though sixteen (16) of this
Complaint as though fully set forth at length.
18. Defendant's ongoing and continuous failure to pay the Plaintiffls any and all
benefits pursuant to disability insurance policy number PA 965183 issued by the Defendant
in spite of Plaintiffls entitlement to the same as more particularly described herein
constitutes an unjust enrichment on behalf of the Defendant to the financial detriment of
the Plaintiff as an insured under said disability insurance policy issued by the Defendant.
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiff, Tanya Gelb, respectfully requests that this Honorable
Court enter Judgment in favor of the Plaintiff and against the Defendant, Aflac a/k/a
American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus, in an amount greater than the
maximum jurisdictional amount required for compulsory arbitration in Cumberland County
along with any other relief that this Honorable Court deems appropriate.
coUNT Iv
TANYA GELB v IAN LITWILLER
FRAUD
19. The Plaintiff hereby incorporates by reference the allegations contained in
Paragraphs one (1) through eighteen (18) above as if the same were fully set forth herein at
length.
20. The Defendant, Ken Litwiller, represented and assured to the Plaintiff that
the policy of insurance issued to the Plaintiff by the Defendant, Aflac, provided for twelve
(12) months of disability benefits during those periods of time including, but not limited to,
any and all periods of time immediately subsequent to pregnancy.
21. The Defendant, Ken Litwiller, falsely misrepresented to the Plaintiff that, by
virtue of the policy of insurance issued to the Plaintiff by the Defendant, Aflac, the
Defendant, Aflac, would provide the Plaintiff with twelve (12) months of disability benefits
during those periods of time including, but not limited to, any and all periods of time
immediately subsequent to pregnancy.
22. Defendant, Ken Litwiller, knew, or had reasonable cause to know as the
Defendant, Aflac's agent/employee, that the Defendant, Aflac, may attempt to deny
responsibility for providing twelve (12) months of disability benefits to the Plaintiff during
those periods of time including, but not limited to, any and all periods of time immediately
subsequent to pregnancy.
23. Defendant, Ken Letwiller, made the representations to the Plaintiff with
actual knowledge of their falseness at the time they were made or in reckless disregard of the
truthfulness or falseness of the same.
24. Defendant, Ken Litcviller, is liable for the fraudulent representations made to
the Plaintiff.
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiff, Tanya Gelb, respectfully requests that this Honorable
Court enter Judgment in favor of the Plaintiff and against the Defendant, Ken Litwiller, in
an amount greater than the maximum jurisdictional amount required for compulsory
arbitration in Cumberland County along with any other relief that this Honorable Court
deems appropriate.
Respectfully submitted,
VOUGH & ASSOCIATES
~~~
MICHAEL T. VOUGH, ESQUIRE
Attorney for Plaintiff
Atty Id No: 56099
126 South Main Street
Pittston, PA 18640
Phone: 570-654-6499
Fax: 570-654-6509
VERIFICATION
I, MICHAEL T. VOUGH, ESQUIRE ,hereby state:
I am the attorney for Tanya Gelb in this action, who is unavailable to verify the
statements contained herein.
2. I verify that the statements made in the foregoing Complaint are true and correct to
the best of my knowledge, information and belief; and
I understand that the statements in said Complaint as well as this verification are
made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S.A.~4909 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
4. A substitute verification executed by Tanya Gelb will be supplemented upon
availability.
Date: ~ ~ ~ 3 - ~~ ~. ~Gh~
MICHAEL T. VOUGH, ESQUIRE
--•- -- .
11/30/Ob
0
q I~ullf~u~~~rl~~~~~~~u~I~~~~~~~~~~I~i~ii~~u~~ni~l~u~~~~~~
s Tanya J. Gets -~ 7 ' ~
9 Stephen' Rd. I - l J ~ ,~ ~ ,) ~ ) ~
Csmp Hlil PA 17011-1156
RE; Polley ~; ~PA885185
Policy Type: Short-Term Disability
~ Patient: Tanya
Provider: Lw-9
Treatment Date(s): 09/07/05
Dear Ms. Gelb:
We received your claim with the information referenced above.
~~ac~,.
Altar careiuliy reviewing your claim, we have d®termined that benefits are not payable for the following
reason(s):
Benefits were previously paid to the insured.
If you have any information that may affect our decision, please forward it to us forfurther review.
We value you as an Aflac policyholder and regr®t that our dedalon could not be more favorable. If wa
may help you in the future or 8 you have any questions, please call us toll-free at 1-800-99-AFIAC
(1-800-992-3522). Our customer service gpeclalists are here to assist you Monday Through Friday from
B:OD a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time-
Sincerely,
Claims Department
1:06875
ciz2 /CtA02z
Amedc~ Famlry Ufe Assurance Company of Columbus (ANac) W Exh i b i t
Worldwide Headquarters • 1992 Wynnton Road • Columbus, t3goraia 31899-0001 W
1-800.99•AFLAC (1-900-892.3622) • elldc.com ~ ~~ A ~~
1-BOalA2S522 ~n 09peffel ~
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VOUGH & ASSOCIATES
MICHAEL T. VOUGH, ESQUIRE
Attorney for Plaintiff
Atty. Id. No. 56099
126 South Main Street
Pittston, PA 18640
Phone: 570-654-6499
Fax: 570-654-6509 __ _ _ __ _
TANYA GELB, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
Plaintiff OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
~• CIVIL ACTION -LAW
AFLAC a/k/a American Family Life .
Assurance Company of Columbus and
KEN LITWILLER,
Defendants NO: 4170 OF 2007
PRAECIPE TO SI,IBSTIT~,,TTE VERIFICATION
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly substitute the attached Verification in place of the Attorney Verification
affixed to Plaintiffs Complaint filed with your office on July 16, 2007.
Respectfully submitted,
VOUGH & ASSOCIATES
V
MICHAEL T. ~ OUGH, ESQ IRE
Attorney for Plaintiff
VERIFICATION
I,
TANYA GELB
verify that the
statements made in the foregoing COMPLAINT
are true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that false statements herein
are made subject to the penalties of 18 P.A. C.S. Section 4904, relating to unsworn
falsification to authorities.
DATE: 7/18/07
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McNEES WALLACE &NURICK LLC
Alan R. Boynton, Jr., I.D. No. 39850
aboynton@mwn.com
Devin J. Chwastyk, I.D. No. 91852
dchwastyk@mwn.com
100 Pine Street, P. O. Box 1166
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1166 Attorneys for Defendant
(717) 232-8000 AFLAC a/Wa American Family Life
(717) 237-5300 (fax) Assurance Company of Columbus
TANYA GELB,
v.
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Plaintiff NO. 4170 CV 2007
AFLAC a/k/a AMERICAN FAMILY LIFE
ASSURANCE COMPANY OF COLUMBUS
and KEN LITWILLER,
Defendants CIVIL ACTION -LAW
PRAECIPE FOR ENTRY OF APPEARANCE
Please enter the appearance of the undersigned on behalf of Defendant AFLAC
a/k/a American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus in the above-captioned
action.
McNEES WALLACE &NURICK LLC
By
fClan R. Boynton,
I.D. No. 39850
Devin J. Chwastyk
I.D. No. 91852
100 Pine Street
P. O. Box 1166
Harrisburg, PA 17108
(717) 232-8000
Dated: August 9, 2007
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
The undersigned hereby certifies that on this date a true and correct copy of the
foregoing Praecipe for Entry of Appearance was served by first-class mail, postage prepaid,
upon the following:
Michael T. Vough, Esquire
Vough & Associates
126 South Main Street
Pittston, PA 18640
Glenn R. Davis, Esquire
Latsha Davis Yohe & McKenna, P.C.
1700 Bent Creek Boulevard, Suite 140
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
~~
Devin J. Chwastyk
Counsel for Defendant AFLAC a/k/a
AMERICAN FAMILY LIFE ASSURANCE
COMPANY OF COLUMBUS
Dated: August 9, 2007
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Glenn R. Davis, Esq.
Attorney I. D. No. 31040
Andrea E. Dean, Esq.
Attorney I. D. No. 86301
Latsha Davis Yohe & McKenna, P.C.
1700 Bent Creek Boulevard, Suite 140
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
(717) 620-2424
(717) 620-2444 (facsimile)
Attorneys for Defendant Ken Litwiller
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
TANYA GELB,
Plaintiff
v.
AFLAC a/k/a American Family Life
Assurance Company of Columbus and
KEN LITWILLER,
Defendants
No. 4170 of 2007
CIVIL ACTION -LAW
PRAECIPE FOR ENTRY OF APPEARANCE
Please enter the appearance of the undersigned and Latsha Davis Yohe &
McKenna, P.C., on behalf of Defendant Ken Litwiller in the above-captioned matter.
Respectfully submitted,
Dated: 1D ~ ~
LATSHA DAVIS YOHE & MCKENNA, P.C.
a~ C~...~rab
Glenn R. Davis
Attorney I. D. No. 31040
Andrea E. Dean
Attorney I. D. No. 86301
1700 Bent Creek Boulevard, Suite 140
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
(717) 620-2424
117406
!~ ~
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
The undersigned hereby certifies that on this date a true and correct copy of the
foregoing Praecipe for Entry of Appearance was served via first-class United States
mail, postage prepaid, upon the following:
Michael T. Vough, Esq.
Vough & Associates
126 South Main Street
Pittston, PA 18640
Alan R. Boynton, Esq.
Devin J. Chwastyk, Esq.
McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC
P. O. Box 1166
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1166
Dated: 0 200'1
~~2G1'~
Glenn R. Davis
117406
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SHERIFF'S RETURN - OUT OF COUNTY
CASE NO: 2007-04170 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
GELB TANYA
AFLAC ET AL
VS
R. Thomas Kline
Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff who being
duly sworn according to law, says, that he made a diligent search and
and inquiry for the within named DEFENDANT
LITWILLER KEN
to wit:
but was unable to locate Him
deputized the sheriff of MIFFLIN
serve the within COMPLAINT & NOTICE
County, Pennsylvania, to
On July 30th 2007 this office was in receipt of the
attached return from MIFFLIN
Sheriff's Costs: So answers: -~"
`_ ,~
Docketing 18.00 ~..---J~~'~- :-='`~~
Out of County 9.00 `; 1~-_~~~"~~'~~
Surcharge 10.00 R. homas K ine
Dep Mifflin Co 34.00 Sheriff of Cumberland County
Postage ,92
71.92 / St114~~?
07/30/2007
VOUGH & ASSOCIATES
Sworn and subscribe to before me
this day of
in his bailiwick. He therefore
A.D.
f 1
In The Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
Tanya Gelb
VS.
AFLAC ~t al
SERVE: Ken Litwillsr No . 07-4170 civil
Now, July is, 2007 , I, SHERIFF OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA, do
hereby deputize the Sheriff of Mifflin County to execute this Writ, this
deputation being made at the request and risk of the Plaintiff.
Sheriff of Cumberland County, PA
Please mail return of service to Cumberland County Sheriff. Thank you.
Affidavit of Service
Now,
within
upon
at
by handing to
a
and made known to
copy of the original
the contents thereof.
So answers,
Sheriff of
Sworn and subscribed before
me this day of , 20
COSTS
SERVICE _
MILEAGE _
AFFIDAVIT
County, PA
20 , at o'clock M. served the
• Y
d
Joseph A. Bradley , Sheriff
Baron K. Lewis , Chief Deputy
Laurie J. Kozak , Deputy
Christoher S. Shade , Deputy
Charles L. Angney , Deputy
James R. Bell , Deputy
~..` ~_- _
SHERIFF'S OFFICE
MIFFLIN COUNTY
20 North Wayne Street
Lewistown, PA 17044
(717) 242-] 105 *'
Fax: (717) 248-2907
David W. Molek , Solicitor
(717) 248-9656
Plaintiff: Tanya Gelb Court Number: 4170-2007
County: Cumberland County
Defendant: Ken Litwiller Type of Writ or Complaint: ^ Writ
Notice
n Complaint
Name: Ken Litwiller Address: 27 Kristi Lane, Lewistown, Pa. 17044
Serve
At
Name: Address:
Indicate Unusual Service: [] Comm. of Pa. ^ Deputization ^ Other
Now 20 , I, SHERIFF OF MIFFLIN COUNTY, PA. do hereby deputize the
Sheriff of County to execute this Writ and make return thereof according
to law. This deputization is made at the request and risk of plaintiff. X Sheriff of Mifflin Co.
Special Instructions or other information that will assist in expediting service:
Attorney or other Organization requesting service: Telephone No: Date Filed:
Vough & Associates (570) 654-6499 711612007
I acknowledge r eipt o t Writ or Complai as indicated above: Date Received: Exp. Date:
X ~~~~~ ~. _ 7120!2007 8/15/2007
hereby C TIFY and RETURN that I ^ have personally served. ~ have legal evidence of service as shown in
"Remarks", ^1 have executed as shown in "Remarks", the Writ or Complaint described on the individual, company,
corporation, etc. at the address shown above or on the individual, company, corporation, etc., at the address inserted
below, handing a TRUE and ATTESTED copy thereof.
^' I hereby certify and return a NOT FOUND because I am unable to locate the individual, company, corporation, etc.,
name above. (See Remarks below.)
Name and Title of individual served: U A person of suitable age and discretion
Served Laura Litwiller, wife, for Ken Litwiller ~ then residing at the defendent's usual
place of abode.
Address where served (complete only if different than shown above) Date of Service: Time:
7120/2007 3:55 PM
Attempts Date Miles Dep.lnt. Date Miles Dep.lnt. Date Miles Dep.lnt.
1 7/20/2007 s cLA
Advance Costs Service Costs Mileage Postage Surcharge Notary Total Refund
$75.00 $18.00 $10.00 $1.00 U $5.00 ~ 3~i.U'L ~'ii,l2ll
r~en~aiKS: twee vi:ner lae)
Syvoyr~ to and subscrib d before me this ,-,? ; < r Vii, i,, ,,; Z r ; (~ , .~ r,h~
Notary Public
Notarial Seal
NOTARIAL SEAL
PATRICIAA. WILSON, Notary PubNo
My Commis is on Exphrs Ma-ChC X71
So Answers:
Deputy Sheriff Charles L. Angney 7/23/2007
X Gh~~ ~.
Sheriff s h Bradl 7/23!2007
X
MCNEES WALLACE ~ NURICK LLC
Alan R. Boynton, Jr., I.D. No. 39850
aboynton@mwn.com
Devin J. Chwastyk, I.D. No. 91852
dchwastyk@mwn.com
100 Pine Street, P. O. Box 1166
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1166 Attorneys for Defendant
(717) 232-8000 AFLAC a/k/a American Family Life
(717) 260-1673 (fax) Assurance Company of Columbus
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
TANYA GELB,
Plaintiff NO. 4170 CV 2007
v.
AFLAC a/k/a AMERICAN FAMILY LIFE
ASSURANCE COMPANY OF COLUMBUS
and KEN LITWILLER,
Defendants CIVIL ACTION -LAW
NOTICE TO PLEAD
TO: Tanya Gelb, Plaintiff, and her attorney
Michael T. Vough, Esquire
You are hereby notified to file a written response to the within New Matter within 20
days from service hereof or a judgment may be entered against you.
MCNEES WALLACE &NURICK LLC
a~~
I.D. No. 39850 \
Devin J. Chwastyk
I.D. No. 91852
100 Pine Street
P. O. Box 1166
Harrisburg, PA 17108
(717) 232-8000
Dated: August 20, 2007
McNEES WALLACE 8 NURICK LLC
Alan R. Boynton, Jr., I.D. No. 39850
aboynton@mwn.com
Devin J. Chwastyk, I.D. No. 91852
dchwastyk@mwn.com
100 Pine Street, P. O. Box 1166
Harrisburg, PA 1 71 08-1 1 66 Attorneys for Defendant
(717) 232-8000 AFLAC a/Wa American Family Life
(717) 260-1673 (fax) Assurance Company of Columbus
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
TANYA GELB,
Plaintiff NO. 4170 CV 2007
v.
AFLAC a/k/a AMERICAN FAMILY LIFE
ASSURANCE COMPANY OF COLUMBUS
and KEN LITWILLER,
Defendants CIVIL ACTION
ANSWER AND NEW MATTER OF DEFENDANT AFLAC a/k/a AMERICAN
FAMILY LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF COLUMBUS
Defendant Aflac a/k/a American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus
("Aflac"), by and through its counsel McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC, files the following
Answer to the Complaint of Plaintiff Tanya Gelb ("Gelb"):
1. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Aflac is without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of paragraph 1, and the same is
therefore denied and proof demanded at trial, if material and relevant.
2. Admitted.
3. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted that Defendant Ken
Litwiller ("Litwiller") is an adult individual with an address of 27 Kristi Lane, Lewistown,
Pennsylvania 17044. It is denied that Litwiller was or is an "agent/employee" of Aflac.
Litwiller is not an employee of Aflac, rather, he is an independent contractor authorized
to sell Aflac's insurance policies. The averment that Litwiller was or is an "agent" of
Aflac states a conclusion of law, to which no responsive pleading is required. To the
extent that a responsive pleading is required, the same is denied and strict proof of the
same is demanded at trial.
4. Denied. By way of further answer, on January 23, 2004, Gelb (using her
maiden name Tanya J. Mascioni) completed an application for aShort-Term Disability
Policy, which application was transmitted by Litwiller to Aflac. Thereafter, Aflac issued a
Short-Term Disability Policy (the "Policy") to Mascioni, with an effective date of February
15, 2004. A true and correct copy of the Policy is attached hereto as Exhibit "A." The
name on the Policy was changed from Mascioni to Gelb effective on or about May 16,
2005.
5. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted that the letter attached
to the Complaint as Exhibit A is correspondence from Aflac to Gelb dated November 30,
2005. It is admitted that Gelb received a check from Aflac in the amount of $1,306.67,
dated August 19, 2005. The remaining averments of paragraph 5 are denied.
Exhibit A to the Complaint is a document that speaks for itself, and any
characterization of its contents is therefore denied.
By way of further response, it is specifically denied that Gelb was entitled to
twelve months of disability benefits under the Policy. Under the terms of the Policy,
Gelb was entitled to per diem disability payments, equal to one-thirtieth of the Policy's
"Monthly Benefit Payable" of $1,400.00, only for "each day [she] remain[ed] Totally
Disabled," following an Elimination Period of 14 days for sickness, up to a maximum
2
Benefit Period of 12 months. See Exh. A at Policy Schedule; Part 4, ¶ A. "Totally
Disabled" is defined by the Policy as:
your continuing inability to perform the material and substantial duties of your
Full-Time Job. You also must be under the care and attendance of a Physician
for your condition.
Exh. A at Part 1, ¶ N.
Byway of further response, Gelb was pregnant and gave birth on July 27, 2005.
Aflac was initially notified that Gelb was eligible to return to work on September 6, 2005.
Aflac therefore paid Gelb $1,306.67, which represented 28 days of disability (42 days
from July 27th to September 6th, less the 14-day Elimination Period).
By way of further response, after an initial inquiry by Gelb, Aflac contacted Gelb's
physician to determine if there were any complications that could have extended Gelb's
period of Total Disability. Gelb's physician informed Aflac that Gelb's return-to-work
date had been extended to September 12, 2005, due to back pain, and that as of
September 12, 2005; Gelb had been released to return to work. On May 2, 2007, Aflac
sent a check to Gelb's attorney in the amount of $233.33, representing Gelb's disability
payments for the period of September 6-11, 2005. It is therefore denied that Gelb
received only one check from Aflac.
6. Denied. Gelb failed to make the premium payment due pursuant to the
Policy, and the Policy therefore lapsed due to nonpayment on October 1, 2006.
7. It is denied that Litwiller is an "agent" or "employee" of Aflac. Aflac's
response to paragraph 3, above, is incorporated herein. After reasonable investigation,
Aflac is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the
remaining averments of paragraph 7, and the same are therefore denied. By way of
3
further answer, it is clear from the face of the Policy that the Policy provides for payment
of disability benefits only during periods of time that Gelb was "Totally Disabled," within
the meaning of the Policy. It is clear from the face of the Policy that it does not provide
for the payment of twelve months of disability benefits during "any and all periods of
time immediately subsequent to pregnancy," but only during the duration of a qualified
disability. Gelb knew or should have known this information before applying for the
Policy.
Additionally, before applying for the Policy, Gelb received Outline of Coverage
and Plan Highlights documents, which further explained the terms and limitations of the
Policy. A true and correct copy of the Plan Highlights brochure is attached hereto as
Exhibit "B." An example of the Outline of Coverage provided to Gelb is attached hereto
as Exhibit "C."
Further, pursuant to her Application for Short-Term Disability Insurance (the
"Policy Application"), a true and correct copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit "D,"
Gelb agreed that:
understand that ... (2) AFLAC is not bound by any statement made by me, or
any associate/agent of AFLAC, unless written herein; (3) the associate/agent
cannot change the provisions of the policy or waive any of its provisions either
orally or in writing; (4) the policy together with this application and endorsements
or riders, if any, is the entire contract of insurance; and (5) no change to the
policy will be valid until approved by Aflac's secretary and president and noted in
or attached to the policy.
Exh. D at p. 4. Gelb therefore contractually agreed that no representations made by
Litwiller could define or alter the meaning or scope of the Policy.
4
Finally, the Policy provided Gelb with 30 days following its effective date to
review the Policy, and permitted Gelb to return the Policy if she was dissatisfied with its
terms. The Policy provides:
YOUR RIGHT TO EXAMINE THIS POLICY
If you are not satisfied for any reason, you may return the policy within 30 days
after you receive it. Send it to: your associate (duly licensed agent); or to AFLAC
Worldwide Headquarters, 1932 Wynnton Road, Columbus, Georgia 31999. You
will receive a full refund of all premiums paid, and your policy will be void from its
Effective Date.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please read your application attached to this policy.
This policy is issued on the basis that the information shown on the
application is correct and complete to the best of your knowledge and belief.
Carefully check the application. Write to us within 30 days of the date you
receive this policy if any information shown on it is not correct or complete.
No associate (duly licensed agent) may change this policy or waive any of
its provisions.
Exh. A at p. 1.
8. Denied. It is denied that Gelb "at all times relevant and material hereto,
paid premiums" to Aflac. Aflac's response to paragraph 6, above, is incorporated
herein. It is further denied that any payments made by Gelb to Aflac entitled Gelb to
"disability benefits for those periods as described herein at Paragraph 7 ..." Aflac's
response to paragraphs 6 and 7, above, are incorporated herein by reference.
COUNTI
TANYA GELB v. AFLAC a/k/a AMERICAN FAMILY
LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF COLUMBUS
BREACH OF CONTRACT
9. Aflac incorporates its responses to paragraphs 1 through 8 of the
Complaint as if set forth in full.
10. Denied. It is denied that any "statements or assertions" by Aflac or
Litwiller could define or alter the meaning or scope of the Policy. It is denied that Aflac
5
is obligated to pay any further disability benefits to Gelb pursuant to the Policy. Aflac
has paid Gelb disability payments for the period of her disability, as defined by the
Policy, of July 27, 2005 through September 11, 2005. It is denied that Gelb is entitled to
any further payments from Aflac. Aflac has fully complied with the Policy. Aflac
incorporates paragraphs 5-7, above, by reference.
11. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted that Gelb has made
demands for additional payments. It is denied that Gelb is entitled to such payments.
Aflac has paid Gelb disability payments for the period of her disability, as defined by the
Policy, of July 27, 2005 through September 11, 2005. It is denied that Gelb is entitled to
any further payments from Aflac. Aflac has fully complied with the Policy. Aflac
incorporates paragraph 5, above, by reference.
12. Denied. This averment states a conclusion of law to which no responsive
pleading is required. To the extent that a responsive pleading is required, the same is
denied. Aflac has fully complied with the Policy. Aflac incorporates paragraphs 5-7,
above, by reference.
WHEREFORE, Defendant Aflac a/k/a American Family Life Assurance Company
of Columbus respectfully requests that the Court enter judgment in its favor and against
Plaintiff Tanya Gelb, along with costs and such other relief as the Court deems
appropriate.
6
COUNT II
TANYA GELB v. AFLAC a/k/a AMERICAN FAMILY
LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF COLUMBUS
BAD FAITH PURSUANT TO 42 PA. C.S.A. §8371
13. Aflac incorporates its responses to paragraphs 1 through 12 of the
Complaint as if set forth in full.
14. Denied. Aflac has paid Gelb disability payments for the period of her
disability, as defined by the Policy, of July 27, 2005 through September 11, 2005. It is
denied that Gelb is entitled to any further payments from Aflac. Aflac has fully complied
with the Policy. Aflac incorporates paragraph 5, above, by reference. It is denied that
Aflac "compet[ed]" Gelb to institute litigation.
15. Denied. This averment states a conclusion of law to which no responsive
pleading is required. To the extent that a responsive pleading is required, the same is
denied. Aflac incorporates its response to paragraph 5, above.
16. Denied. This averment states a conclusion of law to which no responsive
pleading is required. To the extent that a responsive pleading is required, the same is
denied. Aflac incorporates its response to paragraph 5, above.
WHEREFORE, Defendant Aflac a/k/a American Family Life Assurance Company
of Columbus respectfully requests that the Court enter judgment in its favor and against
Plaintiff Tanya Gelb, along with costs and such other relief as the Court deems
appropriate.
7
COUNT III
TANYA GELB v. AFLAC a/k/a AMERICAN FAMILY
LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF COLUMBUS
UNJUST ENRICHMENT
17. Aflac incorporates paragraphs 1 through 16, above, by reference.
18. Denied. Plaintiff received all benefit to which she was entitled under the
Policy. Plaintiff is not entitled to any further benefits pursuant to the Policy. Aflac has
not been unjustly enriched.
WHEREFORE, Defendant Aflac a/k/a American Family Life Assurance Company
of Columbus respectfully requests that the Court enter judgment in its favor and against
Plaintiff Tanya Gelb, along with costs and such other relief as the Court deems
appropriate.
COUNT IV
TANYA GELB v. KEN LITWILLER
FRAUD
19. Aflac incorporates paragraphs 1 through 18, above, by reference.
20. Denied. The averments of paragraph 20 are not directed at Aflac, and
therefore no responsive pleading is required. To the extent that a responsive pleading
is required, the same are denied. Aflac is without knowledge or information sufficient to
form a belief as to the truth of any alleged representations or assurances by Litwiller,
and the same are therefore denied. Aflac incorporates its response to paragraph 7,
above.
21. Denied. The averments of paragraph 20 are not directed at Aflac, and
therefore no responsive pleading is required. To the extent that a responsive pleading
8
is required, the same are denied. Aflac incorporates its responses to paragraphs 7 and
20, above.
22. Denied. The averments of paragraph 20 are not directed at Aflac, and
therefore no responsive pleading is required. To the extent that a responsive pleading
is required, the same are denied. Aflac is without knowledge or information sufficient to
form a belief as to the truth of what Litwiller knew or had cause to know. It is denied
that Plaintiff was entitled to the payment of any further disability benefits pursuant to the
Policy. Aflac incorporates its response to paragraph 5, above.
23. Denied. The averments of paragraph 20 are not directed at Aflac, and
therefore no responsive pleading is required. To the extent that a responsive pleading
is required, the same are denied. Aflac incorporates its responses to paragraphs 7 and
20, above.
24. Denied. The averments of paragraph 20 are not directed at Aflac, and
therefore no responsive pleading is required. To the extent that a responsive pleading
is required, the same are denied. Aflac incorporates its responses to paragraphs 7 and
20, above.
WHEREFORE, Defendant Aflac a/k/a American Family Life Assurance Company
of Columbus respectfully requests that the Court enter judgment in its favor and against
Plaintiff Tanya Gelb, along with costs and such other relief as the Court deems
appropriate.
NEW MATTER
25. Aflac's responses to paragraphs 1 through 24 of the Complaint, as set
forth above, are incorporated by reference and as if set forth in full.
9
26. Gelb has failed to state claims upon which relief can be granted.
27. Gelb's claims are barred, in whole or in part, because Gelb failed to
mitigate her damages.
28. Aflac's actions are not the proximate cause of the damages alleged by
Gelb.
29. The damages allegedly suffered by Gelb were caused, in whole or in part,
by Gelb's own actions or failure to act.
30. The damages allegedly suffered by Gelb were caused, in whole or in part,
by actions of third persons.
31. Aflac provided Gelb with documentation regarding the terms of the Policy
prior to Gelb applying for the Policy, which documentation explained that the Policy
provides for payment of disability benefits only during periods of time that Gelb was
"Totally Disabled," within the meaning of the Policy. It is clear from the face of the
Policy that it does not provide for the payment of 12 months of disability benefits during
"any and all periods of time immediately subsequent to pregnancy." Aflac incorporates
paragraph 7 of its Answer, above, by reference.
32. Gelb completed and signed the Application for the Policy, attached hereto
as Exhibit D.
33. The Application included Gelb's agreement to the following:
I understand that ... (2) AFLAC is not bound by any statement made by me, or
any associate/agent of AFLAC, unless written herein; (3) the associate/agent
cannot change the provisions of the policy or waive any of its provisions either
orally or in writing; (4) the policy together with this application and endorsements
or riders, if any, is the entire contract of insurance; and (5) no change to the
policy will be valid until approved by Aflac's secretary and president and noted in
or attached to the policy.
10
See Exh. D, p. 5.
34. Gelb's claims are barred by the plain language and provisions of the
Policy and Policy Application.
35. The falsity of any alleged misrepresentations made by Litwiller would have
been patently obvious to Gelb had she made a cursory examination of the Policy, Policy
Application, and other documentation provided to Gelb by AFLAC.
36. Gelb's reliance on any alleged misrepresentations made by Litwiller was
not justifiable.
37. Gelb waived and released her claims by signing the Policy Application,
with its agreement that oral statements by AFLAC's agents are not binding and that
agents cannot change or waive policy provisions.
WHEREFORE, Defendant Aflac a/k/a American Family Life Assurance Company
of Columbus respectfully requests that the Court enter judgment in its favor and against
Plaintiff Tanya Gelb, along with costs and such other relief as the Court deems
appropriate.
McNEES WALLACE & NURICK LLC
By
i.u. i~o..syts5u
Devin J. Chwastyk
I.D. No. 91852
100 Pine Street
P. O. Box 1166
Harrisburg, PA 17108
(717) 232-8000
Dated: August 20, 2007
11
AUG-20-OT 10:41AMI FR0~1-AFLAC LEGAL DEPARTMENT T06-596-35TT T-402 P.002/002 F-400
VERIFICATION
Subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S.A. §4904 relating to unsworn falsification to
authorities, I hereby certify I am authorized to make this verification on behalf of
Defendant Aflac a/k/a American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus and that
the facts set forth in the foregoing Answer with New Matter are true and correct to the
best of my knowledge, or information and belief. ,
atthew o ilk
gated; August ~, 2007
Short Term Disability Po~rc.~y
i
American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus (Aflac)
Worldwide Headquarters • Columbus, Georgia 31999
/~f~ac.M
^., aQ 8/06
Tanya J Gefb
/~f~lac.,
SHORT-TERM
DISABILITY POLICY
Non-Participating
IMPORTANT: This policy pays benefits for Short-Term Disability due to Sickness
or Off-the-Job Injury. Read it carefully.
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In this policy, you the Insured, as shown in the Policy Schedule, will be referred to as "you,"
"your" or "yours." American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus, a stock company,
will be referred to as "we," "our," "us" or "AFLAC."
CONSIDERATION
We promise to insure you for the benefits described in this policy. We make this promise in
consideration of the application for this policy and the payment of the premium.
YOUR RIGHT TO EXAMINE THIS POLICY
If you are not satisfied for any reason, you may return the policy within 30 days after you receive
it. Send it to: your associate (duly licensed agent); or to AFLAC Worldwide Headquarters, 1932
Wynnton Road, Columbus, Georgia 31999. You will receive a full refund of all premiums paid,
and your policy will be void from its Effective Date.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please read your application attached to this policy. This policy is
issued on the basis that the information shown on the application is correct and complete
to the best of your knowledge and belief. Carefully check the application. Write to us
within 30 days of the date you receive this policy if any information shown on it is not
correct or complete. No associate (duly licensed agent) may change this policy or waive
any of its provisions.
THIS POLICY IS GUARANTEED-RENEWABLE TO AGE 70 SUBJECT. TO OUR RIGHT
TO CHANGE PREMIUMS BY CLASS UPON ANY RENEWAL DATE.
We guarantee you the right to renew this policy until the policy anniversary date .following your.
70th birthday by the payment of premiums at the rate in effect at the beginning of each term. We
may change the established premium rate, but only if the rate is changed for all policies of this
class. While this policy is in force, no change will be made in your class because of age or
physical condition. "Class" means all policies of this form number and premium classification in
your state that are then in force. If the established premium rate changes, we will notify you in
writing at your last known address at least 30 days before the change becomes effective.
PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS
Disability caused by aPre-existing Condition or re-injuries to aPre-existing Condition will not be
covered unless it begins more than 12 months after the Effective Date of coverage. A
Pre-existing Condition is a Sickness or an Injury for which medical advice or treatment was
recommended by a Physician or received from a Physician within the 12-month period before
the Effective Date of coverage.
American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus (AFLAC)
Worldwide Headquarters: 1932 Wynnton Road, Columbus, Georgia 31999
Call toll-free 1-800-99-AFLAC (1-800-992-3522).
Form A-57200-PA
A57200PA.1
INDEX
Insured ....................................................................................................... Policy Schedule
Definitions .................................................................................................................. Part 1
Limitations and Exclusions ......................................................................................... Part 2
Uniform Provisions ..................................................................................................... Part 3
Benefits ...................................................................................................................... Part 4
Policy Schedule
I wsuRED: Tanya J Gelb I
TYPE OF COVERAGE: Individual POLICY NUMBER:. PA9651$3
MODE OF PAYMENT: Bi-Weekly PREMIUM: $20.68
If deductions from your pa check are made on a frequency other than the mode
of payment shown above, the amount deducted from your paycheck will differ.
COVERAGE: CSDIOK EFFECTIVE DATE: 02/15/04
CSDIOK SHORT TERM DISABILITY
ELIMINATION PERIOD
ACCIDENT: 7 DAYS
SICKNESS: 14 DAYS
BENEFIT PERIOD
12 MONTHS
$20.68
MONTHLY BENEFIT PAYABLE:
14 UNITS = $1,400.00
In witness whereof, Aflac's president and secretary signed this policy in Columbus, Georgia, as
of the policy Effective Date shown in the Policy Schedule.
~~'~
Joey M. Loudermilk, Secretary
~~O
Daniel P, Amos, President
Form A-57200-PA 2 A57200PA.1
This policy is a contract between you and AFLAC.
READ YOUR POLICY CAREFULLY.
Part 1
DEFINITIONS
A. ADLs (Activities of Daily Living): activities used in measuring levels of personal functioning
capacity. Normally, these activities are performed without Direct Personal Assistance,
allowing personal independence in everyday living.
The ADLs are:
(1) Continence: Maintaining control of urination and bowel movements, including your
ability to use ostomy supplies or other devices such as catheters;
(2) Transferring: Moving between the bed and the chair, or the bed and a wheelchair;
(3) Dressing: Putting on and taking off: ali necessary items of clothing; and/or medically
necessary braces and artificial limbs usually worn;
(4) Toileting: Getting to and from the toilet, getting on and off the toilet, and performing
associated personal hygiene;
(5} Eating: Performing aii major tasks of getting food into the body; and
(6) Bathing: Getting into or out of the tub or shower and otherwise washing the parts of
the body.
B. BENEFIT PERIOD: the maximum number of days for which benefits can be paid for any
one or Successive Periods of Disability. Each new Benefit Period is subject to a new
Elimination Period. See the Policy Schedule for the Benefit Period you selected. For the
purposes of this calculation, a month wil{ be defined as 30 days for which benefits are paid.
See definition of Successive Periods of Disability.
C. DIRECT PERSONAL ASSISTANCE: requiring direct physical assistance from another party
to help you perform an ADL, each and every time you perform that acti ty, due to an inability
to perform the entire activity alone with the supports and mechanical ai that are normally
available to you.
D. EFFECTIVE DATE: the date shown in the Policy Schedule. The Effective Date of this policy
is not the date you signed the application for coverage.
E. ELIMINATION PERIOD: the number of consecutive days at the beginning of your period of
total disability for which no benefits are payable. See the Policy Schedule for the Elimination
Period you selected. Each new Benefit Period is subject to a new Elimination Period.
F. FULL-TIME JOB: a job at which you work 30 or more hours per week for pay or benefits.
G. IMMEDIATE FAMILY: anyone related to you in the following manner: your spouse; brother
or sister (includes stepbrother and stepsister); children (includes stepchildren}; parent(s)
(includes stepparents); grandchildren; father-in-law or mother-in-law; and spouses, as
app{icable, of any of these.
H. INJURY: accidental bodily injury or injuries for which benefits are provided, sustained by the
covered person, which are the direct and independent cause of the loss and occur while
coverage is in force. See the Limitations and Exclusions provision and Pre-existing
Conditions for Injuries not covered by this policy.
Form A-57200-PA 3 A57200PA.1
I. ON-THE-JOB INJURY: an Injury which occurs while you are working at any job for pay or
benefits.
J. OFF-THE-JOB INJURY: an Injury which occurs while you are not working at any job for pay
or benefits.
K. PHYSICIAN: an individual who is legally qualified as a physician and licensed to practice
medicine and who is operating within the scope of that license. The term "Physician" does
not include: you or a member of your Immediate Family; or anyone who normally resides in
your home or residence.
L. SICKNESS: a sickness or disease of a covered person which is medically treated or
diagnosed after the Effective Date of coverage and while coverage is in force. Illnesses,
diseases or disorders that are medically treated or diagnosed within the 30-day period after
the Effective Date will not be covered for 12 months from the Effective Date of coverage.
See the Limitations and Exclusions provision and Pre-existing Conditions for Sicknesses not
covered by this policy.
M. SUCCESSIVE PERIODS OF DISABILITY: separate periods of disability, if due to the same
or related condition and not separated by 180 days or more, will be considered a
continuation of the prior disability. Separate periods of disability due to unrelated causes will
be considered a continuation of the prior disability unless they are separated by your
returning to work at a Full-Time Jab for at least 1 (one) full day, during which you are
performing the material and substantial duties of this job and are no longer qualified to
receive disability benefits.
N. TOTALLY DISABLED: your continuing inability to perform the material and substantial
duties of your Full-Time Job. You also must be under the care and attendance of a
Physician for your condition.
Part 2
LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS
We will not pay benefits for a disability that is caused by or occurs as a result of
you:
A. Giving birth within the first 10 months of the Effective Date of this policy as a result of a
normal pregnancy (including caesarean). Complications of pregnancy wi{I be covered to
the same extent as a Sickness;
B. Being intoxicated or under the influence of any narcotic unless administered on the
advice of a Physician;
C. Mountaineering using ropes and/or other equipment, parachuting or hang gliding;
D. Committing or attempting to commit a felony or engaged in any illegal occupation; or
being incarcerated in any type penal instifution;
E. Attempting suicide or intentionally self-inflicting bodily Injuries;
F. Having cosmetic surgery or other elective procedures except as necessitated by a
covered Sickness or Injury; or dental treatment except as a result of Injury;
G. Loss sustained or expenses incurred while a member of the armed forces of any nation,
or losses sustained or expenses incurred as a result of enemy action or act of war,
whether declared or undeclared;
H. Participating in any form of flight aviation other than as afare-paying passenger in a fully
licensed passenger-carrying aircraft;
Form A-57200-PA 4 A57200PA.1
f. Participating in any legally scheduled speed contest;
J. Being Totally Disabled while outside the territorial limits of the United States or, if outside
the United States, the territorial limits of the place where your policy was issued; or
K. Being Totally Disabled due to any of the following: bipolar affective disorder (manic
depressive syndrome), delusional (paranoid) disorders, psychotic disorders, somatoform
disorders (psychosomatic illness), eating .disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders or
mental illness without demonstrable organic disease. This policy will pay, however, for
covered disabilities resulting fram Alzheimer's disease, or similar forms of senility or
senile dementia (without a requirement of demonstrable organic disease}, which made
itself known while coverage is in force.
Benefits will only be paid for ane disability at a time even if the disability is caused by more
than one Sickness, more than one Injury, or Sickness and Injury.
Part 3
UNIFORM PROVISIONS
A. ENTIRE CONTRACT; CHANGES: This policy together with the application, endorsements
and additional benefits, if any, constitutes the entire contract of insurance. Any change in this
policy shall not be valid until approved in writing by the secretary and president of AFtAC at
our worldwide headquarters. Any such change must be noted on or attached hereto. No
associate (duly licensed agent) has the authority to change this policy or to waive any of its
provisions.
B. TIME LIMIT ON CERTAIN DEFENSES: (1) After two years fram the Effective Date of this
policy, any misstatements, except fraudulent misstatements, made by you in the application
shall not be used to void the policy or to deny a claim for disability commencing after the
expiration of such two-year period. (2) Any claim for loss commencing after 12 months from
the Effective Date of coverage shall not be reduced on the-grounds that a physical condition,
not excluded from coverage by name or specific description, had existed prior to the
Effective Date of coverage. Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions will not be reduced or
denied after the policy has been in force 12 months.
C. TERM: The term of this policy begins at 12:00 o'clock midnight, standard time, at the place
where you reside on the Effective Date shown in the Policy Schedule. It ends at 12:00
o'clock midnight, at the same standard time, on the first renewal date. Each renewal term
ends at 12:00 o'clock midnight, at the same standard time, on the next following renewal
date. Renewal dates are determined by the mode of payment. The mode of payment for the
original term of this policy is shown in the Policy Schedule. Qn annual premium will maintain
this policy in force for 12 months, semiannual for six months, quarterly for three months and
monthly for one month. If you fail to pay your premium by the end of the grace period,
coverage under this policy will terminate. if you are receiving short-term disability benefits on
the date coverage would otherwise terminate, coverage under this policy-will be extended to
the earlier of the date you are no longer Totally Disabled or to the end of the Benefit Period,
whichever occurs first.
D. MISSTATEMENT OF AGE: If your age has been misstated on the application, the benefi#s
will be those the premium paid would have purchased at the correct age. We will refund all
unearned premiums paid, less any benefits -paid, if your misstated age at the time of
application was outside the age limits for this policy.
E. REINSTATEMENT: You may request reinstatement of your policy from your assaciate (duly
licensed agent) or AFLAC. If your policy has lapsed for nonpayment of premium and we
accept a later payment without requiring an application, your policy shall be reinstated. If we
require a written application and provide you with a conditional receipt, your .policy will be
reinstated upon our approval of the application. If we do not notify you of our disapproval in
writing within 45 days of the date of your application, your policy shall be deemed reinstated.
The reinstated policy shall cover only loss resulting from accidental Injury that is medically
Form A-57200-PA 5 A572OOPA.1
treated or diagnosed and that takes place after the date of reinstatement and loss resulting
from Sickness that is medically treated or diagnosed and that begins more than 10 days after
the date of reinstatement. In all other respects, you and AFLAC shall have the same rights
as provided under the policy immediately before the due date of the defaulted premium
subject to any provisions added in connection with the reinstatement. Any premium
accepted in connection with a reinstatement will not be applied to any period prior to the date
of reinstatement.
F. GRACE PERIOD: A grace period of 31 days will be granted for the payment of each
premium falling due after the first premium. During the grace period, the policy shall continue
in force.
G. MISSTATEMENT OF OCCUPATION OR INCOME: If your occupation has been misstated,
the benefits will be those that the premiums paid would have purchased for your correct
occupation. If your income has been misstated, the benefit payable will be that which would
have been allowed for your true income level and any overpayment of premium will be
refunded.
H. NOTICE OF CLAIM: Written notice of claim must be given within 60 days after a covered
loss starts or as soon as reasonably possible. The notice can be given to us at AFLAC or to
your associate (duly licensed agent). Notice should include your name and policy number.
I. CLAIM FORMS: When we receive a notice of claim, we will send you forms for filing proof of
loss. If the forms are not given to you within 10 working days, you will meet the proof-of-loss
requirements by giving us a written statement of the nature and extent of the loss within the
time limit stated in the Proof of Loss provision.
J. PROOF OF LOSS: Written proof of loss must be furnished to AFLAC at our worldwide
headquarters within 90 days after the date of such loss. Failure to furnish such proof within
the time required shall not invalidate nor reduce any claim if it was not reasonably possible to
give proof within such time. However, such proof must be furnished as soon as reasonably
possible and in no event (except in the absence of legal capacity), later than one year from
the time proof is otherwise required.
K. TIME OF PAYMENT OF CLAIMS: All benefits payable under this policy will be paid
immediately upon receipt of written proof of loss.
L. PAYMENT OF CLAIMS: All benefits will be payable to you unless you assign them. Any
accrued benefits unpaid at your death will be paid to your estate.
M. LEGAL ACTIONS: Any legal action may not be brought to recover on this policy within 60
days after written proof of loss has been furnished in accordance with the requirements of
this policy. Any such actions shall not be brought after six years from the time written proof of
loss is required to be furnished.
N. CONFORMITY WITH STATE STATUTES: Any provision of this policy that, on its Effective
Date, is in conflict with the statutes of the state in which the insured resides on such date is
hereby amended to conform to the minimum requirements of such statutes.
O. PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS: At our expense, we shall have the right and opportunity to
have you examined by a Physician or other appropriate duly licensed medical professional of
our choice as often as it may be reasonably required during the pendency of a claim.
P. ASSIGNMENT: We will not assume responsibility for determining the validity of an
assignment of your benefits to a provider of services. No such assignment of benefits will be
recognized until we have received notice of it at our worldwide headquarters.
Q. OTHER INSURANCE WITH AFLAC: If you are covered under more than one AFLAC policy
with disability benefits, only one AFLAC disability policy or rider chosen by you, your
beneficiary or your estate, as the case may be, may remain in force. We will pay benefits for
Form A-57200-PA 6 A57200PA.1
claims that may have been incurred since their respective Effective Dates. We will also
return all premiums paid for the canceled policy or rider from the date of duplication, less any
benefits paid under these policies or riders from such date.
R. ILLEGAL OCCUPATION: AFLAC shall not be liable for any Ions to which a contributory
cause was the insured's commission or attempt to commit a felony, or to which a contributing
cause was the insured being engaged in an illegal occupation.
S. INTOXICANTS AND NARCOTICS: AFLAC shall not be liable for -any loss sustained or
contracted in consequence of the insured being intoxicated or under the influence of any
narcotic, unless administered on the advice of a Physician.
Part 4
BENEFITS
We will pay the following benefits as applicable if your disability is caused by a covered Sickness
or covered Off-the-Job Injury.
Disability Benefit-for Sickness and Off-the-Job Iniury:
A. Working Full-Time: While you are working at a Full-Time Job and while coverage is in
force, we will insure you as follows:
If your covered Sickness or covered Off-The-Job Injury causes you to become Totally
Disabled within 90 days of your covered Sickness or covered Off-the-Job Injury, we will
pay you one-thirtieth of the benefit shown in the Policy Schedule for each day you remain
Totally Disabled. This benefit is payable up to the Benefit Period you selected and is
subject to the Elimination Period, as shown in the Policy Schedule. Also see the Uniform
Provision titled Term and the definitions of Benefit Period and Successive Periods of
Disability.
B. Not Working Full-Time: If you are not working at a Full-Time Job and while coverage is in
force, we will insure you as follows:
If you are unable to perform two or more ADLs (Activities of Daily Living) within 90 days
due to a covered Sickness or covered Off-the-Job Injury, as certified by a Physician, and
you require Direct Personal Assistance to perform such ADLs, we will pay you
one-thirtieth of the benefit shown in the Policy Schedule for each day you can not
perform such ADLs. This benefit is payable up to the Benefit Period you selected and is
subject to the Elimination Period, as shown in the Policy Schedule. Also see the Uniform
Provision titled Term and the definitions of Benefit Penod and Successive Periods of
Disability.
Benefits will only be paid for one disability at a time even if the disability is caused by more than
one Sickness, more than one Injury, or Sickness and Injury. We reserve the reasonable right
to meet with you during the pendency of a claim or use an independent consultant and
Physician's statement to determine whether you are Totally Disabled, or are unable to
pertorm two or more ADLs and require Direct Personal Assistance. You must be under the
care and attendance of a Physician for these benefits to be payable. Benefits will cease on
the date of your death.
IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER DISABILITY POLICIES OR RIDERS IN FORCE WITH US, ONLY
ONE DISABILITY BENEFIT WILL BE PAYABLE UNDER THIS POLICY.
IMPORTANT: This policy pays benefits for Short-Term Disability due to Sickness or
Off-the-Job Injury. Read it carefully.
Form A-57200-PA 7 A57200PA.1
~~N~~ ~
Plan Highlights
• Selection of:
-monthly benefit amount
-elimination period
-benefit period
• Guaranteed-renewable
to age ?a
• Fenefits paid directly to
you unless you choose
otherwise
Benefits paid_regardless
of any other insurance
We take many things for granted - until they're gone. For #oo many of us, these Include our
ability to earn an Income. We insure our Ilves, our homes, our automobNes -but we often
forgef the asset that supports our lifestyles.
C{)NSIDER THE FACTS PROTECT YOUR INCOME
According to the 2001 edition of Injury Facts, published by the National AFIAC's Personal Short-Term Disability insurance may help provide
Safety Council ,.. you with a source of income it you become disabled due to a sickness
• While someone makes a !0•minute safety speech,
about 3901ndlvlduals will suNera disabling Injury.
• An average of 2,340 disabling 1nJurlea occurs every hour
during the year.
CONSIDER THr I'OSSIBII.ITTES
If a disability temporarily keeps you ftom earning your full-time Income,
how will you pay your bills during your recovery?
• Wlll you have to use some of yoursavings?
• Wlil you have to sell some of your assets?
• Will you have to try to borrow money?
FULLY PORTAT3LI~~
When you own AFCAC's Personal Short-Term Disability Insurance,
your policy stays with you regardless of job changes.
GUARANTEED-RENEWABLE TO ACE 70
We guarantee-you the right-to renewthis policy untitthe poNcy-
anniversary date foilovring your 10th birthday by payment of
premiums at the rate in effect at the beginning of each term. You
can never be singled out for a rate increase. Rates can be
changed only if the rate is changed for all polices at this class.
While this policy Is In force, no change will ba made because of
your age or physical condition.
or off-the job injury.*
• Mo»thly ReneNts: From 6500 b X3,000, subject to Income
requirements
• 8eneflt Periods: 8 months, !2 months or 24 months
• El1minaNon Periods: Accident/Sk;kness 0/1', 0%14, 7N4, 0/30,
30/30, Bt1VB0, 90/80 or i80M80 days
* If you are working at afull-Nme Job whNe coverage Is in force and you
become totally disabled within 90 days due to a covered sickness or a
covered off-the Job InJury, we will pay you one-thlriieth of the benefit
shown in the Polcy Schedule for each day you remain totally disabled. If
you are not working at a tuN-time job while coverage is in force and you
are unable to perform two or more ADIs (acNvlNes of daily Nving) within 90
days due to a covered s~kness or a covered off-the job injury as certified
by a physician end you require direct personal assista<ic~ to perform such
ADCs, we will pay you one-thirttafh of the benefit shown in the Policir
Schedule~or ~ac~h-day you cannot perform-such ADCs: These beriefNS are
payable up to the benefit period you select, aubjact to the elimination
period shown in the Policy Schedule. Full-time joab is defined as a job that
you, the Insured, work at 30 or more hours per week for pay or benefits.
This brochure Is for ltluatratlon pmpoaes only.
Simply put, AFi!.AC's Personal Short-Term Disabilify Insurance is your personal income protection
plan. It is designed to help close the financial gap that can be created by your being dfsebled.
PIIOVISIONS OF COVER,A(IE EFFECTIVE DATE
Separate periods of disability, if due to the same or a related oonditlon and not The eHectivve date of the policy and riders wiltbe the date shown in the Pdlcy
separated by 180 days or more, will be considered a continuation of the prior Schedule, not the date the application Is signed.
disability. Separate periods of diaat>iNty due to unrelated causes will be payroll rate may be retained after one month's premium payment on payroll
considered a continuation of the prior disability unless they are separated by deduction '
your retumfng to work at a full-tlme Jab for at least one tu11 day, during whtch you
are performing the malarial and substantial duties of yourjob and are no longer ACTMTIES OF DAILY LMNG
quaGBed to receive disability benefits. The benefit period Is the ma~dmum
number of days for which benefits can be paid for any one or suokesslve
periods of disability. Each new benefit period is subject to a new eliminali~on
period. For the purposes of this cakxrlation, a month wig be defined as 30
days for which benefits are paid.
Benefits will be paid for only one disability at a time even ft the disability is
caused by more than one sickness, more than one InJury, a sk~cness and inJury.
AFLAC reserves the right to meet with you during the pendency of a claim or to
• Continence: maintaining control of urfiration and bowel mokremants,
Mctuding yourablrity to use ostomy suppires orotherdevkas such as
catheters
• Transferring: moving between a bed and a chair, or a bed and a wheekhai~
• Dressing: putting on and taking ofl aN necessary ttems of cbthing andJor
medkaNy necessary braces and adifrctal limbs usuar<y wom
• Toffettng: getting to snit from the toilet, getting on ar-d olf the forget, and
perfoming associatedpersonathyglene
• Eating; performing aN maJor (asks of getting food into the body
use an independent consultant and physician's statement to determine whether • Bathing' ~~~ krto or out ofthe tub or shower and otherwise washUrg the
parts of the body
you are totally drsabled, or whether you are unable to perform two or rare ADts
and require direct personal assistance. You must be under the care and TOTALLY D{ SABLED
attendance of a physldan for these benefits to be payable. ~enefiis will cs3ase 7'ofaly disabFsd is defined as your contlnuing inability to perform the material and
on the date you are no longer totally disabled or at your death, If you have any substantal duties of your fuli•tima Job. You moat also be under the care and
other disability benefit in force with AFLAC, only one disability benefit wiN be attendance of a physiaan for your condition.
payable under this policy.
Without it, no insurance is com~rolete.
PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS
Disabllirycaused by apre-exislingcondition or re-injuries to apre-existing
condition will not be covered unless it begins more than 12 months after
the effective date of coverage. Apra-existing condltron is a sickness or an
inJury to which medical advice or treatment was recommended by a
covered person which is medicany treated or diagnosed after the effective
date of coverage and while coverage is in face.l8nesses, diseases a
disorders that are medicalty treated or diagnosed within the 3tklay period
after the effective date will not be covered for 12 months from the eflecHve
physician or received from a physidan within the 12-month period before date of coverage.
the effective date of coverage. A sickness is a sickness or disease of a
WHAT IS NOT COVERED
We wiU not pay bf;nefits for a disability that is caused by or occurs as a result of Jrour.~
• Giving both within the Brst l0 monfhhs of the affective date of thk policy as • Parficlpating !n any legally scheduled speed contest;
a result of a nor-nal pregnancy t<x~uding Caesarean (comptkatlons of • Being totally disabled while outside the terrltodal !!mlts of the Unied
p-egr-ancy wiR be cowered to the same extent as a sxkness); States or, iJ outside fhe United States, outside the territoda! limits of
• Bemginfoxkatedorundertheinifuenoeofanynarcofkunless
administered on the advice ofa physician;
• Mountaineering using ropes and/orotherequipment, parachuting orhang
9~~9~
• Commining oraftemptinglo commit a fe,bnyorengaged in anyiaega!
occupation, or being incarcerated ~ any type pane! InsWutlon;
• Adempting su~ide or Mtentlor-aNy selfanpkbng bodily fiJuries;
• Hevbig cosrneiic surgery or other efectiwe procedures except as
neosssitated by a cowered skkness or inJury or havuxl dental treatment
8xcapt as a result oflglury;
• Loss sustained or expenses Incurred while a member of the armed
forces of any nation, or losses sustained or expenses lncuired as a
result of enemy action or act of war, whether declared or undeclared;
• Partkipating to any form of flight aviation other than as stare-paying
passenger in a lolly iicensedpassenger-carrying alrcrall;
the place where your policy wee issued;
• Being btaily disabled due to any of the lollowing: bipolar affective
dlsom'er (mank depressive syndrome), delusional (paranoid)
dlsorc/ers, psychotic dlsoMers, somatoform disorders (psychosomatic
Jllness), eating disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders or mental
Illness without demonstrable organk; disease. This po!x;y will pay,
however, for covered dlsabllltles resulting from Ahheimer's disease,
or slmNar forms of senility or senile dementia (w~hout a requirement
of demonstrable organic disease), whkh made Itself known wh!!e
coverage !s In force.
Benefits will only be paid for one disability at a time even If the
dleablllty Is caused by more than one sickness, more than one
Injury, or sickness and injury.
Reler to policy and Nders for complete details, !lmltadons and exclusions.
!f you're uncertain about your ne d for disabili#y insurance .. .
take a .took at These statistics!
• About 17.2 million people, or 9.9% of the 1998 working-age U.S. population (16-64 years
old), have a disability that prevents or limits work.'
• A disabling injury occurred every 1.5 seconds in 2000.2
• In 2000, 7,100,000 disabling injuries occurred in the home, compared to only 29,500
fatalities. This amounts to a disabling injury in the home every 4 seconds?
• Among working-age people with severe disabilities, only 30.3% receive Social Security
disability or retirement income.'
'Stoddard, S., Jans, L., Ripple, J., and Kraus, L. (1998), Chartbook on Work and Disabibty in the UnAed States, 1998, an InfoUse Report,
Washington, D.C.: U.S. National tnstitule on Dlsabilily and Rehabflllalion Research, pp. 7 8 Ai
' National Safety Counal, Report on Jnjuries in America, 2001
y( ,: s-_
ti?h'r .:'~ +:3!'~~? r:. err ~ ~ %i. r-Y~ ~~ } :~'•~u~~+. =:
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.. ~ `_s iv" k" :';"p.' k ate. a. :x . : s
An ~intenfiati ~~I° ettr ~$ ~ tli~ ~1e ~ ~iiltbri~ ea I~.`Vu - ~= ~ ~. has.~a
- F; -• .''.f/l.~.i t,„:3.i_~{s -~ ~ :~Je ~Y ~'" tita• ..Y x'.53 ~'~~i:3.~ >.. ~~.r.
. . ~ _,
-strong-~~pr~,(.f.~~y~~1g#~-~lit~assets-a ~ ~~~~ - .°
performance;-Or~r~eontlnuetl: success isder!~ted from a`pFidosophy~tl'at~prov~e~'T ~;
safety for our.policjrhgld~~, With all of the uncertainty rl=tlj~e ~insurarice indusfry, it~is
vital that employees select an insurance carrier that wlli be there for them in the long.
run: Mare than ever, financial strength and stability are the barometers by which
insurers are measured.
Our financial strength prepares us to meet your needs!
To protect your income .., is to protect your financial security.
.~"~.
:` -~s i
Without it, no insurance is complete.
AFLAC, the insurance industry leader in
cafeteria plan services; is ...
• A Fortune 600 company with assets exceeding $40 billion
insuring more than 40 million people worldwide.
• Rated "AA" in insurer financial strength by Standard &
Poor's (December 2000), "Aa2 (Excellent)" in insurer
financial strength by Moody's Investors Service (July
2002}, "A+ (Superior)" by A.M. Best (July 2001) and
"AA" in insurer financial strength by Fitch, Inc.
(November 2001} **
• A world leader in guaranteed-renewable insurance with
more than 200,400 national payroll accounts.
• Number one inguaranteed-renewable accident and
cancer insurance sales.
• Outstanding in claimant recommendations as validated
by an Opinion Research Corporation poll indicating that
9 out of 10 claimants agree that AFLAC paid their claims
fairly and promptly, and they would recommend the
purchase of cancer insurance to others (July 2001}.
• Uncompromising in fast, efficient service. Our toll-free
line puts you in touch with adecision-maker immediately.
• Named by~brtune magazine to its list of "The 10013est
Companies to Work for in America" for the fourth
consecutive year in January 2002.
* Employers Council on Flexible Compensat4on (ECi^C),
3/00
-** Iiuttngs refer only to t7te overall financictd status n~
AFZAC and are not reeommendat~ons of spectf~c policy
provisions, rates or practices.
1 ~•8OO•~V9-AFLAV
(1-800-992-3522)
En espanol:
1-800-SI-AFLAC
(~-soo-Paz-s5zz~
Your local AFLAC representative Visit our Web site at vvww.aflac.com.
American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus (AFLACI • Worldwide Headquarters: Columbus, Georpla 31999
X~\\~\~
American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus (AFLAC)
Worldwide Headquarters, 1932 Wynnton Road
Columbus, Georgia 31999
TOLL-FREE 1-800-99-AFLAC (1-800-992-3522)
SHORT-TERM DISABILITY COVERAGE
Outline of Coverage for Policy Form A-57200-PA
THIS IS NOT A MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT POLICY.
If you are eligible for Medicare, review the Guide to Health Insurance for People with Medicare
available from AFLAC.
1. Read The Policy Carefully. This outline of coverage provides a brief description of the important features
of the policy. This is not the insurance contract and only the actual policy provisions will control. The policy
itself sets forth in detail the rights and obligations of both you and AFLAC. It is, therefore, important that
you READ THE POLICY CAREFULLY!
2. Short-Term Disability Coverage. The policy is designed to provide coverage for certain losses that result
from disability, subject to any limitations in your policy. It does not provide coverage for basic hospital,
basic medical-surgical or major medical expenses.
3. Benefits. The following benefits are a part of the policy.
We will pay the following benefits as applicable if your disability is caused by Sickness or Off-the-Job Injury.
Disability Benefit for Sickness and Off-the-Job Iniury:
A. Working Full-Time: While you are working at a Full-Time Job and while coverage is in force, we will
insure you as follows:
If your covered Sickness or covered Off-The-Job Injury causes you to become Totally Disabled within 90
days of your covered Sickness or covered Off-The-Job Injury, we will pay you one-thirtieth per day of $_
for each day you remain Totally Disabled. This benefit is payable up to
months (Benefit Period) and is subject to an Elimination Period of days. Also see the
Uniform Provision titled Term and the definitons of Benefit Period and Successive Periods of Disabilities
in your policy.
B. Not Working Full-Time: If you are not working at a Full-Time Job and while coverage is in force, we will
insure you as follows:
If you are unable to perform two or more ADLs (Activities of Daily Living) within 90 days due to a covered
Sickness or covered Off-The-Job Injury, as certified by a Physician, and you require Direct Personal
Assistance to perform such ADLs, we will pay you one-thirtieth per day of $ for each
day you can not perform such ADLs. This benefit is payable up to months (Benefit
Period) and is subject to an Elimination Period of days. Also see the Uniform Provision
titled Term and the definitons of Benefit Period and Successive Periods of Disabilities in your policy.
Benefits will only be paid for one disability at a time even if the disability is caused by more than one
Sickness, more than one Injury, or Sickness and Injury. We reserve the right to meet with you during
the pendency of a claim or use an independent consultant and Physician's statement to determine
whether you are Totally Disabled, or are unable to perform two or more ADLs and require Direct
Personal Assistance. You must be under the care and attendance of a Physician for these benefits
to be payable. Benefits will cease on the date you are no longer Totally Disabled or your death.
PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS: Disability caused by aPre-existing Condition or re-injuries to a Pre-
existing Condition will not be covered unless it begins more than 12 months after the Effective Date of
Form A-57225-PA 1 A57225PA.2
coverage. APre-existing Condition is a Sickness or an Injury for which medical advice or treatment was
recommended by a Physician or received from a Physician within the 12-month period before the Effective
Date of coverage.
4. OPTIONAL BENEFITS:
Disability Benefit for On-the-Job Injury: (Form A 57250-PA) Applied For: ^ Yes ^ No
A. Working Full-Time: While you are working at a Full-Time Job and while this coverage is in force, we
will insure you as follows:
If your covered On-the-Job Injury causes you to be Totally Disabled within 90 days of your Injury, we
will pay you one-thirtieth per day of $ for each day you remain Totally Disabled. This benefit is
payable up to months (Benefit Period) and is subject to an Elimination Period of
days.
B. Not Working Full-Time: If you are not working at a Full-Time Job and while coverage is in force, we
will insure you as follows:
If you are unable to perform two or more ADLs (Activities of Daily Living) within 90 days due to a
covered On-the-Job Injury, as certified by a Physician, and you require Direct Personal Assistance to
perform such ADLs, we will pay you one-thirtieth per day of $ for each day you can not
perform such ADLs. This benefit is payable up to months (Benefit Period) and is
subject to an Elimination Period of days. Also see the Uniform Provision titled Term
and the definitions of Benefit Period and Successive Periods of Disability in your policy.
IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER DISABILITY POLICIES OR RIDERS IN FORCE WITH US, ONLY ONE
DISABILITY BENEFIT WILL BE PAYABLE UNDER THIS POLICY.
IMPORTANT PROVISIONS OF YOUR POLICY
LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS.
We will not pay benefits for a disability that is caused by or occurs as a result of you:
A. Giving birth within the first 10 months of the Effective Date of this policy as a result of a normal
pregnancy (including caesarean). Complications of pregnancy will be covered to the same extent as a
Sickness;
B. Being intoxicated or under the influence of any narcotic unless administered on the advice of a
Physician;
C. Mountaineering using ropes and/or other equipment, parachuting or hang gliding;
D. Committing or attempting to commit a felony or engaged in any illegal occupation; or being
incarcerated in any type penal institution;
E. Attempting suicide or intentionally self-inflicting bodily Injuries;
F. Having cosmetic surgery or other elective procedures except as necessitated by a covered Sickness or
Injury; or dental treatment except as a result of Injury;
Form A-57225-PA 2 A57225PA.2
G. Loss sustained or expenses incurred while a member of the armed forces of any nation, or losses
sustained or expenses incurred as a result of enemy action or act of war, whether declared or
undeclared;
H. Participating in any form of flight aviation other than as afare-paying passenger in a fully licensed
passenger-carrying aircraft;
I. Participating in any legally scheduled speed contest;
J. Being Totally Disabled while outside the territorial limits of the United States or, if outside the United
States, the territorial limits of the place where your policy was issued; or
K. Being Totally Disabled due to any of the following: bipolar affective disorder (manic depressive
syndrome), delusional (paranoid) disorders, psychotic disorders, somatoform disorders (psychosomatic
illness), eating disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders or mental illness without demonstrable
organic disease. This policy will pay, however, for covered disabilities resulting from Alzheimer's
disease, or similar forms of senility or senile dementia (without a requirement of demonstrable organic
disease), which made itself known while coverage is in force.
Benefits will only be paid for one disability at a time even if the disability is caused by more than one
Sickness, more than one Injury, or Sickness and Injury.
Renewability. The Policy is guaranteed renewable to age 70 by payment of the premium in effect at the
beginning of each renewal period. Premium rates may be changed only if changed on all policies of the same
form number and class in force in your state.
RETAIN FOR YOUR RECORDS.
THIS OUTLINE OF COVERAGE IS ONLY A BRIEF SUMMARY OF YOUR POLICY.
THE POLICY ITSELF SHOULD BE CONSULTED TO DETERMINE
GOVERNING CONTRACTUAL PROVISIONS.
Form A-57225-PA 3 A57225PA.2
~XH~~1~
I
Application for Short-Term Disability Insurance (Form A-57200-PA) UC New
Application to American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus (AFLAC) ^ Conversion
Worldwide Headquarters: Columbus, Georgia 31999 Policy Number:
PA965183
Please Print in Black Ink - To Be Completed by Applicant
Applicant's
Name _MASCIONI TANYA J
Last
First
Applicant's SS# _199-64-4224
Address 308 SPRING LANE
Street or Post Office Box
MI
City _ENOLA State PA ZIP 17025,
Home Telephone {717)728-3781 Business Telephone ((717)589-3117,
DOB 06125/1975 Sex F
Month/DayJYear
Apt.#
Best Time to Cail 100000
Name of Employer_GREENWOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT Type of Business_SCHOOL DISTRICT
Job Duties_GUIDANCE Job Title_GUIDANCE COUNSELOR
Occupation Code Occupation Class A Industry Code A
(Completed by worldwide headquarters) (Completed by associateJagent) (Completed by associate/agent)
TO BE COMPLETED BY AFLAC ASSOCIATE/AGENT
PAYROLL MODES: Employee No.
^ 01 Weekly Pre-Tax ^ Dept. No.
[X 01 Biweekly ^ 03 Quarterly After-Tax IX Billable Premium $ _41.36
^ 01 Semimonthly ^ 06 Semiannual Premium Collected $ _PR
^ 01 Monthly ^ 12 Annual Associate/Agent's No. Y8998
Sit. Code 0
CHECK COVERAGE DESIRED: Class: IX A ^ B ^ C
Benefit Periods: ^ 3 Months ^ 6 Months IX 12 Months ^ 24 Months
Elimination Periods: ^ 0/7 Days ^ 0/14 Days lX 7/14 Days
Accident/Sickness ^ 0/30 Days* ^ 30(30 Days* {* not available with 3-month Benefit Period)
^ 60/60 Days** ^ 90/90 Days** (**not available with 3- or 6-month Benefit Period)
^ 180/180 Davs***' (***not available with 3- or 6- or 12-month Benefit Periodl
Total # of Units: Premium:
[X Base Polic Form A-57200-PA : 14 41.36
^ On-the-Job In'u Rider Form A-57250-PA
NOTE: Each unit is equal to $100 monthly. Total Premium: 41.36
TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT
1. Do you have any of AFLAC's accident policies with disability benefits? If yes, please complete the ^ Yes XI No
Supplemental Notification section at the end of this application and be aware that you cannot have
this policy without canceling those disability benefits with AFLAC.
2. Is the purchase of this coverage intended to replace any other disability insurance now in force? ^ Yes IX No
If yes, please read and sign the Replacement Notice provided by your associate/agent and provide ^ Not
policy number here: applicable
3. Do you have any other individual disability coverage in force with another company? ^ Yes IX No
If yes, please provide name of company, benefit amount and elimination period here:
Form A-57205-PA 1 A57205PA.2
. PLEASE COMPLETE QUESTION 4 IF APPLYING FOR MORE THAN $700 OF ANY
ONE MONTHLY DISABILITY BENEFIT:
w. ust your annum income, wimout overnme sunless contractual), for your full-time job foc the current year.
Annuallncome: X37000.00
{ understand that this information will be verified at the time of claim.
PLEASE COMPLETE ALL OF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:
5. Do you work fewer than [30] hours per week in your primary (fu{I-time) occupation with the employer ^ Yes IXI No
listed on the first page of the application?
6. Have you been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or any narcotic within the last 12 ^ Yes ~(I No
months or been charged two or more times within the last five years?
7. Are you currently on leave or not working due to sickness, maternity or injury? ^ Yes IXI No
8. Are there any material or substantial duties of your job that you are unable to perform due to ^ Yes n(I No
sickness, maternity or injury?
9. Is your current annual income less than [$12,000}, without overtime (unless contractual}, for your ^ Yes IXI No
primary occupation?
10. Has a member of the medical profession ever medically diagnosed you with or ever medically ^ Yes Xl No
treated you for any of the following:
• stroke or TIA systemic lupus
• heart valve replacement chronic fatigue syndrome
• vascular insufficiency (circulatory problems) rheumatoid arthritis
•insulin-dependent diabetes multiple sclerosis
• emphysema Crohn's disease
• chronic liver disease regional enteritis/ileitis
• chronic hepatitis (other than Type A) diverticulosis
• fibromyalgia ulcerative colitis
11. Have you ever been medically diagnosed with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) by a ^ Yes IXI No
member of the medical profession or have you tested positive for HIV (human immunodeficiency
virus)?
12. In the past five years, has a member of the medical profession medically diagnosed you with or ^ Yes XI No
medically treated you for cancer (other than non-melanoma skin cancers)?
13. In the past 24 months, has surgery been performed for any of the following or has a member of the D Yes IX No
medical profession medically diagnosed you with or medically treated you for any of the following:
• heart attack coronary bypass surgery drug or alcohol abuse
• congestive heart failure sciatica kidney disease
• angina carpal tunnel syndrome (not including kidney stones}
• coronary angioplasty (unless surgically corrected)
14. Within the last six weeks, have you taken prescribed pain medication for injury, disease or disorder ^ Yes XI No
of the back, neck or joint(s)?
If you answered "yes" to Question 5, additional underwriting may be required. If you
answered "yes" to any one of Questions 6 through 14, a policy will not be issued; therefore,
i do not submit this a lication.
15. Have you received disability benefits or claimed workers' compensation in the last five years? ^ Yes XI No
16. In the past 12 months, have you missed five consecutive days or 10 total days of work due to your ^ Yes XI No
sickness or injury (not related to pregnancy)?
17. In the past 12 months, have you been confined in a hospital as an inpatient (not including ^ Yes DiJ No
confinement due to pregnancy)?
18. In the past 12 months, has a member of the medical profession medically diagnosed you with or ^ Yes DU No
medically treated you for any of the following:
• chronic bronchitis back, neck or joint injury or disorder
• asthma hypertension
If you answered "yes" to any one of Questions 15 through 18, you must complete Item 22 and
provide details in Item 23.
Form A-57205-PA 2 A57205PA.2
PLEASE COMPLETE QUESTIONS 19 THROUGH 22 IF APPLYING FOR MORE THAN 20 UNITS
OF ANY ONE MONTHLY DISABILITY BENEFIT: ~
19, During the past 12 months, have you had any surgical procedure or have you been advised by a
physician to have tests, treatment or surgery that has not yet been done? ^ Yes ^ No
20, During the past 24 months, for other than routine checkups, have you been medically treated for
any other illness/injury or have you had any medical/surgical treatment other than those listed ^ Yes ^ No
above?
21. Do you have any grou disability income coverage in force? If yes, please list your monthly benefit ^ Yes ^ No
amount(s)/percentages): and your elimination period:
If you answered "yes" to any one of Questions 19 through 21, additional underwriting may be
required. If you answered "yes" to any one of Questions 19 or 20 you must complete Item 22
and rovide details in Item 23.
22. Within the last six weeks, have you been prescribed any medication by a physician or ^ Yes ^ No
taken any prescription medication (not including prescription contraceptives)? If yes,
please provide complete information be ow.
Medication name Dosage Frequency Date first Reason
rescribed
Your Physician's Name: Phone Number:
If no regular physician, physician last seen
Address
Date last seen by physician: Reason for last visit:
23. (Details to Questions 15 - 20)
Onset Surgery Performed? Name and Address of Physician
Conditions mo r es no date and Hos ital
Question
15
Question
16
Question
17
Question
18
Question
19
Question
20
Form A-57205-PA 3 A57205PA.2
• APPLICANT'S STATEMENTS AND AGREEMENTS
24. I understand that the Effective Date of the policy will be the date recorded in the Policy Schedule by AFLAC
Worldwide Headquarters.
25. 1 acknowledge receipt of, if applicable:
^ Replacement Notice ^ Guide to Health Insurance for People With Medicare
IX Outline of Coverage ^ Fair Credit Reporting Notice
26. I understand that: (1) the policy of insurance I am now applying for will be issued based upon the written answers
to the questions and information asked for in this application and any other pertinent information AFLAC may
require for proper underwriting; (2) AFLAC is not bound by any statement made by me, or any associate/agent of
AFLAC, unless written herein; (3} the associate/agent cannot change the provisions of the policy or waive any of
its provisions either orally or in writing; (4) the policy together with this application and endorsements or riders, if
any, is the entire contract of insurance; and (5) no change to the policy wil! be valid until approved by AFLAC's
secretary and president and noted in or attached to the policy.
I understand that coverage is not provided for a sickness or an injury for which medical advice or treatment was
medically recommended by a Physician or received from a Physician within the 12-month period before the,
Effective Date of coverage.
SUPPLEMENTAL NOTIFICATION
COMPLETE IF YOU ARE REPLACING/TERMINATING EXISTING AFLAC DISABILITY COVERAGE.
1, , am applying for AFLAC's short-term disability policy. I currently have
disability benefits under AFLAC accident/disability policy number I understand that I
must cancel existing AFLAC disability coverage in order to purchase this short-term disability policy.
Please cancel:
^ The disability riders attached to my accident policy; but keep my accident policy in force.
^ Cancel my entire accident policy (with Disability Benefits) number I understand that I
will be terminating benefits provided for in my current accident policy that are not provided for in the new short-term
Form A-57205-PA 4 A57205PA.2
' AUTHORIZATION TO OBTAIN INFORMATION
I authorize the following to give information (defined below) to American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus
(AFLAC) or any person or group acting on their part: any medical professional, any medical care institution, insurer,
reinsurer, government agency, consumer reporting agency or employer. Information means facts of a medical nature in
regard to my physical or mental condition, employment, other insurance coverage, or any other nonmedical facts. I
understand that this information will be used by AFLAC to determine eligibility for insurance and may be used to evaluate
a claim for benefits during the time it is valid. I agree that this authorization is valid for 2~/2 years from the date signed. I
i know that I have a right to receive a copy of this authorization upon request. I agree that a copy of this authorization is as
~ valid as the original.
I understand that the premium amount listed on this application represents the premium amount that my
employer wi{I remit to AFLAC on my behalf; and I further understand that this amount, because of my
employer's billing/payroll practices, may differ from the amount being deducted from my paycheck or the
premium amount quoted to me by my associate~agent. ~~
Any person who knowingly and with intent to defraud any insurance company or other person files an application for ~,
insurance or statement of claim containing any materially false information or conceals for the purpose of misleading,
information concerning any fact material thereto commits a fraudulent act, which is a crime and subjects such person to'
criminal and civil penalties.
I have read, or had read to me, the completed application and realize that policy issuance is based upon
statements and answers provided herein and any other pertinent information AFLAC may require for proper
underwriting. The answers are complete and true to the best of my knowledge and belief.
i Signed and Dated at MILLERSTOWN PA on 01/23/2004
City and State Date
Applicant's Signature
~s ~~~
Beneficiary (your estate unless otherwise indicated) _CHARLES GELB
I certify that: I personally saw the applicant when the application was written, and each question was asked of
the applicant and answered as recorded. All answers above are correct to the best of my knowledge.
Associate/Agent's Signature , ~ --• iP
Licensed Associate/Agent
MAKE CHECK OR MONEY ORDER PAYABLE TO AFLAC.
FOR INFORMATION, CALL TOLL-FREE 1-800-99-AFLAC (1-800-992-3522).
_01 /23/2004
Date
Form A-57205-PA 5 A57205PA.2
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
The undersigned hereby certifies that on this date a true and correct copy of the
foregoing Praecipe for Entry of Appearance was served by first-class mail, postage
prepaid, upon the following:
Michael T. Vough, Esquire
Vough & Associates
126 South Main Street
Pittston, PA 18640
Glenn R. Davis, Esquire
Latsha Davis Yohe & McKenna, P.C.
1700 Bent Creek Boulevard, Suite 140
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Dated: August 20, 2007
Counsel for Defendant Aflac a/k/a
American Family Life Assurance
Company Of Columbus
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Glenn R. Davis, Esq.
Attorney I. D. No. 31040
Andrea E. Dean, Esq.
Attorney I. D. No. 86301
Latsha Davis Yohe & McKenna, P.C.
1700 Bent Creek Boulevard, Suite 140
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
(717) 620-2424
(717) 620-2444 (facsimile)
Attorneys for Defendant Ken Litwiller
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
TANYA GELB,
Plaintiff
v.
AFLAC a/k/a American Family Life
Assurance Company of Columbus and
KEN LITWILLER,
Defendants
No. 4170 of 2007
CIVIL ACTION -LAW
NOTICE TO PLEAD
You are hereby notified to file a written response to the enclosed New Matter
within twenty (20) days from service hereof or a judgment may be entered against you.
LATSHA DAMS YORE & MCKENNA, P.C.
Dated: ~ IZ3 ~ 7
By
Glenn R. Davis
Attorney I. D. No. 31040
Andrea E. Dean
Attorney I. D. No. 86301
1700 Bent Creek Boulevard, Suite 140
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
(717) 620-2424
Glenn R. Davis, Esq.
Attorney I. D. No. 31040
Andrea E. Dean, Esq.
Attorney I. D. No. 86301
Latsha Davis Yohe & McKenna, P.C.
1700 Bent Creek Boulevard, Suite 140
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
(717) 620-2424
(717) 620-2444 (facsimile)
Attorneys for Defendant Ken Litwiller
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
TANYA GELB,
Plaintiff
v.
AFLAC a/k/a American Family Life
Assurance Company of Columbus and
KEN LITWILLER,
Defendants
No. 4170 of 2007
CIVIL ACTION -LAW
DEFENDANT KEN LITWILLER'S ANSWER TO COMPLAINT
WITH NEW MATTER
AND NOW, COMES, Defendant Ken Litwiller, by and through his attorneys,
Latsha Davis Yohe & McKenna, P.C., and in response to the complaint of Plaintiff,
Tanya Gelb ("Plaintiff" or "Gelb"), states as follows:
1. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Answering Defendant, Ken
Litwiller ("Answering Defendant" or "Litwiller") is without information or knowledge
sufficient to afford him the formation of a belief as to the truthfulness of the averments
contained in this paragraph.
2. Admitted.
3. Admitted in part and Denied in part. It is admitted that Litwiller is an
adult individual who resides at 27 Kristi Lane, Lewistown, Pennsylvania 17044. The
remaining averments of this paragraph constitute a conclusion of law to which no
responsive pleading is required. To the extent that a response is necessary, it is denied
that Litwiller was an agent/employee of Aflac.
4. Admitted in part and Denied in part. It is admitted that Defendant Aflac
issued a disability insurance policy effective February 15, 2004, to Tanya J. Mascioni,
which provided certain insurance coverages as further defined by that policy. The
policy should be in the possession of Plaintiff, which policy speaks for itself. The
remaining averments of this paragraph are denied.
5. Admitted in part and Denied in part. It is admitted that Defendant Aflac
issued a letter addressed to Gelb dated November 30, 2005, attached to the Complaint
as Exhibit "A," which letter speaks for itself. By way of further answer, upon
information and belief, it is understood that Gelb received a payment from Aflac
representing Defendant Aflac's determination of her disability benefits as provided by
the terms and conditions of the issued policy. The remaining averments of this
paragraph are denied as the terms and conditions of the policy that was issued to
Plaintiff speaks for itself with regard to the benefits available to Plaintiff. While Plaintiff
was entitled to twelve months disability coverage, it is denied that Plaintiff was
disabled for that length of time as defined by the policy.
ii~~ 2
6. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Litwiller is without information
or knowledge sufficient to afford him the formation of a belief as to the truthfulness of
the averments contained in this paragraph.
7. Admitted in part and Denied in part. It is admitted that Litwiller
represented that the insurance coverage being offered by Aflac in the policy, which was
upon information and belief ultimately purchased by Gelb, provided twelve months of
disability benefits. Litwiller made no representations with regard to what constitutes a
"disability" as that term is specifically defined and covered by the language of the
insurance policy. By way of further answer, Plaintiff was given an Aflac brochure with
regard to Aflac's insurance policy at the time of the open enrollment period at the
Greenwood School District. The remaining averments of this paragraph are specifically
denied including Plaintiff's inference that her pregnancy, without otherwise qualifying
as a disability as defined by the policy, was in some undefined or undisclosed way, a
covered condition under the terms and conditions of the issued policy.
8. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Litwiller is without information
or knowledge sufficient to afford him the formation of a belief as to the truthfulness of
the averments contained in this paragraph. By way of further answer, the terms and
conditions of the policy speak for themselves.
COUNTI
Tanya Gelb v. Aflac a/k/a American Family Life
Assurance Company of Columbus
Breach of Contract
u~~2 3
9. The responses to Paragraphs 1 through 8 above are incorporated herein by
reference as if fully set forth.
10-12. The averments of this paragraph pertain to another defendant and are not
directed to Answering Defendant Litwiller and therefore no responsive pleading is
required. To the extent that a response is deemed to be needed, the averments are
denied.
COUNT II
Tanya Gelb v. Aflac a/k/a American Family Life
Assurance Company of Columbus
Bad Faith Pursuant To 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 8371
13. The responses to Paragraphs 1 through 12 above are incorporated herein
by reference as if fully set forth.
14-16. The averments of this paragraph pertain to another defendant and are not
directed to Answering Defendant Litwiller and therefore no responsive pleading is
required. To the extent that a response is deemed to be needed, the averments are
denied.
COUNT III
Tanya Gelb v. Aflac a/k/a American Family Life
Assurance Company of Columbus
Unjust Enrichment
17. The responses to Paragraphs 1 through 16 above are incorporated herein
by reference as if fully set forth.
ii~~2 4
18. The averments of this paragraph pertain to another defendant and are not
directed to Answering Defendant Litwiller and therefore no responsive pleading is
required. To the extent that a response is deemed to be needed, the averments are
denied.
COUNT IV
Tanya Gelb v. Ken Litwiller
Fraud
19. The responses to Paragraphs 1 through 18 above are incorporated herein
by reference as if fully set forth.
20. Admitted in part and Denied in part. It is admitted that Litwiller
represented to Gelb that the Aflac insurance policy would provide up to twelve months
of disability coverage. By way of further answer, the Aflac brochure provided to Gelb
at the time of the enrollment meeting referenced coverage for a totally disabled
individual and further identified that such total disability entailed a continuing inability
to perform the material and substantial duties of one's full-time job. In addition, the
insured must also be under the care and attendance of a physician for the condition,
The brochure provided specifically stated what was not covered by the policy. It
represented that Aflac would not pay benefits for a disability that was caused by or
occurred as a result of giving birth within the first ten months of the effective date of the
policy as a result of a normal pregnancy including caesarean (complications of
pregnancy will be covered to the same extent as a sickness). The remaining averments
of the paragraph are denied. Strict proof at time of trial is demanded.
ii~~ 5
21. Denied. The averments of this paragraph constitute a conclusion of law to
which no responsive pleading is required. To the extent that a responsive pleading is
deemed necessary, the averments are denied. As aforestated, any Aflac brochure
provided to Gelb addressed pregnancy as an exclusion as well as conditions arising out
of pregnancy rather than the condition of pregnancy itself. Strict proof at time of trial is
demanded.
22. Denied. It is specifically denied that Litwiller knew or had reason to
know of the circumstances averred in this paragraph. Strict proof at time of trial is
demanded.
23. Denied. The averments of this paragraph constitute a conclusion of law to
which no responsive pleading is required.
24. Denied. The averments of this paragraph constitute a conclusion of law to
which no responsive pleading is required.
WHEREFORE, Defendant Ken Litwiller respectfully requests that this Honorable
Court enter judgment in his favor and against Plaintiff and provide such other relief to
Defendant Litwiller that this Honorable Court deems appropriate.
NEW MATTER
25. The responses to Paragraphs 1 through 24 above are incorporated herein
by reference as if fully set forth.
26. Gelb was given a brochure with regard to Aflac's short term disability
insurance policy and various benefit options at the time of the open enrollment period
at the Greenwood School District prior to Gelb applying for or purchasing an insurance
ii~~z 6
policy. See the Short Term Disability Policy attached as Exhibit "A," the Plan Highlights
attached as Exhibit "B" and an example of the Outline of Coverage provided to Gelb
attached as Exhibit "C" to the Answer and New Matter of Defendant Aflac a/k/a
American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus, which Exhibits are
incorporated herein.
27. Gelb completed and signed the Application for Short-Term Disability
Insurance, which is attached as Exhibit "D" to the Answer and New Matter of
Defendant Aflac a/k/a American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus and
incorporated herein.
28. Gelb agreed that the insurance policy together with the Application for
Short-Term Disability Insurance and endorsements or riders, if any, is the entire
contract of insurance. See Exhibit "D" to the Answer and New Matter of Defendant
Aflac a/k/a American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus.
29. Gelb's claims are barred by the terms of the insurance policy and the
Application for Short-Term Disability Insurance.
30. Gelb waived and released her claims by signing the Application for Short-
Term Disability Insurance.
31. Any alleged reliance by Gelb on alleged representations made by Litwiller
was not justifiable.
32. Gelb has failed to state a claim upon relief can be granted against
Answering Defendant Litwiller.
ii~~z 7
33. Gelb's claims are barred to the extent that she failed to mitigate her
damages.
34. Any act of Litwiller are not the proximate cause of any damages alleged
by Gelb.
WHEREFORE, Defendant Ken Litwiller respectfully requests that this Honorable
Court enter judgment in his favor and against Plaintiff and provide such other relief to
Defendant Litwiller that this Honorable Court deems appropriate.
Respectfully submitted,
LATSHA DAVIS YORE & MCKENNA, P.C.
Dated: g 23 D By _
Glenn R. Davis
Attorney I. D. No. 31040
Andrea E. Dean
Attorney I. D. No. 86301
1700 Bent Creek Boulevard, Suite 140
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
(717) 620-2424
u~~2 g
VERIFICATION
The undersigned hereby verifies that the statements of fact in the foregoing are
true and correct to the hest of my knowledge, information and belief. I understand that
any false statements therein are subject to the penalties contained in 18 Pa. C. S, § 4904,
relating to unsworn #alsification to authorities.
Dated: ~ ~ ~ao~ +
Kenneth Litwiller
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
The undersigned hereby certifies that on this date a true and correct copy of the
foregoing Defendant Ken Litwiller's Answer to Complaint With New Matter was
served via first-class United States mail, postage prepaid, upon the following:
Michael T. Vough, Esq.
Vough & Associates
126 South Main Street
Pittston, PA 18640
Alan R. Boynton, Esq.
Devin J. Chwastyk, Esq.
McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC
P. O. Box 1166
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1166
Dated: ~' Z3 ~ 07
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MICHAEL T. VOUGH, ESQUI
Attorney fo: Pls~ntiff
Atty. Id No. 56099
]26 South Msiin Street
P.'ittston, PA 18640 !,
Phone: 570-654-6499
TANYA GELB, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
Plaintifg OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
v.
AFLAC a/k/a American Family Life
Assurance Company of Columk~us and
KFAT T T'T'~YITT T F12
CIVIL ACTION -LAW
Vough & Associates, by Michae~ T. Vough, Esquire, and Answers the New Matter of the
Defendant, Aflac a/k/a Americ~n Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus, as follows:
25. No response required.
26. Denied. The av II eats contained in paragraph 26 of the Defendant's New
Matter are Conclusions of Law t~ which no responsive pleading is required and the same are
therefore specifically denied. I,
27. Denied. The ave~ments contained in paragraph. 27 of the Defendant's New
Matter are Conclusions of Law t~ which no responsive pleading is required and the same ate
therefore specifically denied.
28. Denied. The
Matter are Conclusions of Law
therefore specifically denied.
contained in paragraph 28 of the Defendant's New
which no responsive pleading is required and the same are
_ AND NOW, comes the~Plaintiff, Tanya Gelb, by and through her Attorneys,
i
29. Denied. The averments contained in paragraph 29 of the Defendant's New
Matter are Conclusions of Law to which no responsive pleading is required and the same are
therefore specifically denied.
30. Denied. The averments contained in paragraph 30 of the Defendant's New
Matter are Conclusions of Law to which no responsive pleading is required and the same are
therefore specifically denied.
31. Denied. The a rments contained in h 31 of the Defendant's New
PaP
Matter are Conclusions of Law ito which no responsive pleading is required and the same are
therefore specifically denied.
32. Denied. After reasonable investigation and inquiry, the Plaintiff is without
knowledge of the truthfulness o~ the Defendant's averments contained in paragraph 32 of
the Defendant's New Matter; specifically, that the document attached as Exhibit "D" to the
Defendant's Answer and New Fatter is a true and accurate copy of a document that the
Plaintiff may have signed and, accordingly, said avemnents are denied. Strict proof is hereby
demanded. To the extent that tl~e averments contained in paragraph 32 of the Defendant's
New Matter represent Conclusions of Law, no responsive pleading is required and the same
are therefore denied.
33. Denied. The averments contained in paragraph 33 of the Defendant's New
Matter are Conclusions of Law t~ which no responsive pleading is required and the same are
therefore specifically denied.
34. Denied. The ave~tnents contained in paragraph 34 of the Defendant's New
Matter are Conclusions of Law t~ which no responsive pleading is required and the same are
therefore specifically denied.
i
35. Denied. The av~ments contained in paragraph 35 of the Defendant's New
Matter are Conclusions of Law a which no responsive pleading is required and the same are
therefore specifically denied. '
36. Denied The averments contained in paragraph 36 of the Defendant's New
Matter are Conclusions of Law to which no responsive pleading is required and the same are
therefore specifically denied.
37. Denied. The av~rnnents contained in paragraph 37 of the Defendant's New
Matter are Conclusions of Law ~o which no responsive pleading is required and the same are
therefore specifically denied.
WHEREFORE, the Pla~ntiff, Tanya Gelb, respectfully requests that this
Honorable Court enter Judgment in favor of the Plaintiff and against the Defendant,
Aflac, a/k f a American Family L~fe Assurance Company of Columbus, in an amount greater
than the maximum jurisdictional amount required for compulsory arbitration in Cumberland
County along with any other relief that this Honorable Cout deems appropriate.
Respectfully submitted,
VOUGH & ASSOCIATES
7 (~
MICHAEL T. VOUGH, ESQUIRE
Attorney for Plaintiff
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VERIFICATION
I,
TANYA GELa
verify that the
statements made in the foregging ANSWER TO NEW MATTER
are true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that false statements herein
are made subject to the penalties of 18 P.A. C.S. Section 4904, relating to unsworn
falsification to authorities.
DATE: 9/507
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MICHABL T. VOUGH, ESQUI
Ateotnry for Plaintiff
Atty. Id. No. 56099
126 South Main Street ~!
Pittston, PA iS640
Phone: 570-654-6499
TANYA GELB,
P.
Plaintiff
AFLAC a/k/a American
Assurance Company of C
KEN LIT'WILLER,
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION -LAW
Life
s and
AND NOW, comes the Plaintiff, Tanya Gelb, by and through her Attorneys,
Vough & Associates, by Michae~ T. Vough, Esquire, and Answers the New Matter of the
Defendant, Ken Litwiller, as fol~ows:
25. No response r.
26. Denied. After
knowledge of the truthfulness
the Defendant's New Matter;
and "C" to the Defendant's
documents that the Plaintiff
denied. Strict proof is hereby
paragraph 26 of the Defendan
pleading is required and the sa
27. Denied. After
knowledge of the truthfulness
~sonable investigation and inquiry, the Plaintiff is without
the Defendant's averments contained in paragraph 26 of
cifically, that the documents attached as Exhibits "A", `B"
per and New Matter are true and accurate copies
have been provided and, accordingly, said averments ate
Handed. To the extent that the averments contained in
New Matter represent Conclusions of Law, no responsroe
;are therefore denied.
~sonable investigation and inquiry, the Plaintiff is without
the Defendant's averments contained in paragraph 27 of
t
the Defendant's New Matter;
Defendant's Answer and New
Plaintiff may have signed and,
demanded. To the extent that
New Matter represent
are therefore denied.
that the document attached as Exhibit "D" to the
is a true and accurate copy of a document that the
ugly, said averments are denied. Strict proof is hereby
averments contained in paragraph 32 of the Defendant's
of Law, no responsive pleading is required and the same
28. Denied. The av~rtnents contained in paragraph 28 of the Defendant's New
Matter are Conclusions of Law jto which no responsive pleading is required and the same are
therefore specifically denied.
29. Denied. The av ents contained in paragraph 29 of the Defendant's New
Matter are Conclusions of Law o which no responsive pleading is required and the same are
therefore specifically denied.
30. Denied. The a ents contained in paragraph 30 of the Defendant's New
Matter ate Conclusions of Law o which no responsive pleading is required and the same are
therefore specifically denied.
31. Denied. The a ents contained in paragraph 31 of the Defendant's New
Matter ate Conclusions of Law o which no responsive pleading is required and the same are
therefore specifically denied.
32. Denied. The averments contained in paragraph 32 of the Defendant's New
Matter are Conclusions of Law to which no responsive pleading is required and the same are
therefore specifically denied.
33. Denied. The a erments contained in paragraph 33 of the Defendant's New
Matter are Conclusions of Law to which no responsive pleading is required and the same are
therefore specifically denied.
34. Denied The av eats contained in paragraph 34 of the Defendant's New
Matter are Conclusions of Law o which no responsive pleading is required and the same are
therefore specifically denied.
WHEREFORE, the P tiff, Tanya Gelb, respectfully requests that this Honorable
Court enter Judgment in favor f the Plaintiff and against the Defendant, Ken I.itwiller, in
an amount greater than the um jurisdictional amount required for compulsory
arbitration in Cumberland County along with any other relief that this Honorable Court
deems appropriate.
Respectfully submitted,
VOUGH & ASSOCIATES
/ - 1/
MICHAEL T. VOUGH, ESQUIRE
Attorney for Plaintiff
VERIFICATION
I~ TANYA GEI~,B
verify that the
statements made in the forgoing ANSWER TO NEW MATTER
are true and correct to the test of my knowledge. I understand that false statements herein
are made subject to the penplries of 18 P.A. C.S. Section 4904, relating to unsworn
falsification to authorities.
DATE: 9~5~07
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MICHAEL T. VOtK3H, ESQUIRE
Atbomey for PlairMil'f
Alkll. Id. No. 56099
126 South Main Street
Pitbbon, PA 1,640
Photo: 570~654~499
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TANYA GELS, tN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
Plaintiff OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
v. CIVIL ACTION -LAW
AFLAC alk/a American Family Life
Assurance Company of Columbus and
KEN LITVVILLER,
Defendants ~ NO: 4170 OF 2007
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Michael T. Vough, Esquire, do hereby certify that on the 10"' day of September,
2007 I served Plaintiff's Answer to Defendant, AFLAC, and Defendant, Litwiller, New
Matter on Counsel for the respective Defendants, AFLAC a/k/a American Family Life
Assurance Company of Columbus and Ken Litwiller, by United States First Class Mail,
postage pre-paid as follows:
Alan R. Boyn#on, Jr., Esquire
McNees Wallace ~ Nurick, LLC
100 Pine Street
P.O. Box 1166
Harrisburg, PA 1710&1166
Glenn R. Davis, Esquire
Latsha Davis Yohe 8~ McKenna, PC
1700 Bent Creek Blvd.
Suite 140
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
VOUCH & ASSOCIATES
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MICHAEL T. VOUCH, E CtUIRE
Attorney far Plaintiff
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VOUGH & ASSOCIATES
MICHAEL T. VOUGH, ESQUIRE
Attorney for Plaintiff
Atty. Id. No. 56099
126 South Main Street
Pittston, PA 18640
Phone: 570-654-6499
Fax: 57054-8509
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TANYA GELB, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
Plaintiff OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
v.
CIVIL ACTION -LAW
AFLAC a/k/a American Family Life
Assurance Company of Columbus and
KEN LITWILLER,
Defendants NO: 4170 OF 2007
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Michael T. Vough, Esquire, do hereby certify that on the 4th day of December,
2007 I served Plaintiff's Interrogatories Addressed to the Defendants on Counsel for the
respective Defendants, AFLAC a/k/a American Family Life Assurance Company of
Columbus and Ken Litwiller, by United States First Class Mail, postage pre-paid as
follows:
Alan R. Boynton, Jr., Esquire
McNees Wallace & Nurick, LLC
100 Pine Street
P.O. Box 1166
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1166
Glenn R. Davis, Esquire
Latsha Davis Yohe & McKenna, PC
1700 Bent Creek Blvd.
Suite 140
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
VOUGH & ASSOCIATES
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MICHAEL T. VOUGH, ESQUIRE
Attorney for Plaintiff
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VOUGH 8 ASSOCIATES
MICHAEL T. VOUGH, ESQUIRE
Attorney for Plaintiff
Atty. Id. No. 56099
126 South Main Street
Pittston, PA 18640
Phone: 570-654-6499
Fax: 570-654-6509
TANYA GELB, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
Plaintiff OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
v.
CIVIL ACTION -LAW
AFLAC a/k/a American Family Life
Assurance Company of Columbus and
KEN LITWILLER,
Defendants ~ NO: 4170 OF 2007
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Michael T. Vough, Esquire do hereby certify that on the 9th day of
2008 I served Plaintiff's Answers to Defendant, Ken Litwiller's,
Interrogatories and Request for Production of Documents on Counsel for the respective
Defendants, AFLAC a/k/a American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus and
Ken Litwiller, by United States First Class Mail, postage pre-paid as follows:
Alan R. Boynton, Jr., Esquire
McNees Wallace & Nurick, LLC
100 Pine Street
P.O. Box 1166
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1166
Glenn R. Davis, Esquire
Latsha Davis Yohe & McKenna, PC
1700 Bent Creek Blvd.
Suite 140
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
VOUGH & ASSOCIATES
MICHAEL T. VOUGH, ESQ RE
Attorney for Plaintiff
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VOUGH 8 ASSOCIATES
MICHAEL T. VOUGH, ESQUIRE
Attorney for Plaintiff
Atty. Id. No. 56099
126 South Main Street
Pittston, PA 18640
Phone: 570-654-6499
TANYA GELS,
1010 ~'E8 -•4 Ah g: 22
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Plaintiff
v.
AFLAC a/k/a American Family Life
Assurance Company of Columbus and
KEN LITWILLER,
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLI=/
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
CIVIL ACTION -LAW
Defendants ~ NO: 4170 OF 2007
PRAECIPE TO SETTLE. DISCONTINUE AND END
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly mark the above captioned cause of action settled, discontinued and ended
with prejudice.
VOUGH & ASSOCIATES
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MICHAEL T. V UGH, E QUIRE
Attorney for Plaintiff
ORDER
AND NOW, this '''"`day of __ }>~ , 2010, the above
captioned cause of action is hereby marked settled, discontinued and ended with
prejudice.
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PROTHONOTARY ~,~