SHERMAN, Texas (Legal Newsline) – A Van Zandt County, Texas father has filed a suit against his insurers over their denial of coverage for his daughter's in-patient treatment.
James Gillis filed a complaint on Feb. 16 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Sherman Division against United Health Group Inc.; United Healthcare Services Inc.; and United Behavioral Health, operating as OptumHealth Behavioral Solutions, alleging breach of fiduciary duty.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges the defendants agreed to provide his 15-year-old daughter mental health and substance abuse coverage under a policy issued to the plaintiff. The plaintiff alleges the defendants later denied coverage and every appeal. He alleges he cashed out his 401(k) to pay for treatment for his daughter at an in-patient treatment facility and she was discharged after 70 days when the plaintiff ran out of money. The suit states his daughter died Dec. 11, 2016, after huffing computer cleaning spray.
The plaintiff holds the defendants responsible because the defendants allegedly improperly denied and deliberately misled the beneficiaries about the terms of the plan.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment for damages, costs and expenses for action and such other and further relief as is just and proper. He is represented by Peyton J. Healey of Powers Taylor LLP in Dallas, Texas.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Sherman Division case number 4:18-cv-00108-ALM-KPJ