Insurance giant AIG has denied the claim filed by the family of Shannon Bennett, a gay Florida Sheriff’s deputy for accidental death in the line of duty last month. Bennett became the first officer to die in Broward County of the coronavirus.
AIG is claiming that Bennett’s death didn’t occur in the line of duty; “rather, it was caused in whole or in part by, or resulted in whole or in part from sickness or disease, specifically excluded under this policy.”
The Broward County Sheriff’s Office joined the family in protesting the claim denial, as the office believes Bennett contracted COVID-19 while on duty. AIG denied also denied the appeal on behalf of the family, which was sent by the BCSF.
Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony released the following statement:
One of the most difficult tragedies to endure in this profession is a line of duty is death, We are committed to helping the Bennett family. We pay thousands of dollars each year for this insurance, and I’m extremely disappointed that AIG is denying this claim. We will exhaust all appeals. I have directed my command staff to review our contract with AIG. We hope as we have further dialogue with AIG, they recognize the global impact in [the] message that they are sending to our first responders.
AIG has acknowledged that Shannon Bennett did likely contract the virus while in the line of duty, but has held fast to the decision not to honor his benefits.
You all know what to do.
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