After CIGNA refused to pay for a liver transplant for her cancer-stricken 17 year old daughter and her daugher died, Hilda Sarkisyan traveled to the insurance company's Philadelphia headquarters for an apology.  Instead of an apology Mrs. Sarkisyan was heckled and taunted by CIGNA employees.

Although the federal ERISA law barred any suit against CIGNA to make it responsible for the death of her daughter, a suit against CIGNA for the emotional distress caused by the insurance company's egregious misconduct taunting of Mrs. Sarkisyan may go forward a court has ruled the Los Angeles Times reports, "Couple Battle To Make Insurers Liable For Coverage Decisions."

The Los Angeles Times provides a link to a speech given by Wendell Potter, a former CIGNA spokesman, to the Civil Justice Foundation. Mr. Potter acknowledges that "HMOs and insurers are largely free to deny access to care without fear of reprisal or financial consequences."

Lexington, Kentucky insurance claims lawyer Robert Abell represents individuals and families against insurance companies in insurance claims and ERISA cases.