Dorothy Hancock v. Montgomery Ward Long Term Disability Trust, an Illinois Corporation

Plaintiff-appellant Dorothy Hancock (“Hancock”) appeals the grant of summary judgment against her in this action to recover contractual benefits under an employee benefit plan administered by defendant-appellee Montgomery Ward Long Term Disability Trust (“Trust”). Hancock had also sought extracontractual damages allegedly caused by the Trust’s denial of benefits. We affirm.

FACTS AND PROCEEDINGS BELOW

Hancock is a former employee of Montgomery Ward. In 1978 she began receiving medical treatments for back pain. She left work that same year and never returned. She alleges total disability from an arthritic disorder diagnosed as ankylosing spondylitis that causes severe pain in her back, shoulders, wrists, hips, and knees.

While an employee at Montgomery Ward, Hancock participated in the Montgomery Ward Long Term Disability Plan (“plan”). The Trust was established to receive contributions from employees and pay benefits to disabled employees. Disability benefits are paid under a two-tier system. Benefits are paid up to twenty-four months to employees unable to return to their former jobs. After twenty-four months, disability benefits continue only to those employees who can show…