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We won certification for Unum’s disability benefits specialists. The case later settled for $14.8 million (final approval Apr. 17, 2025, Doc. 316). The settlement class had 947 members. Siegel Law Group represented the workers from the filing of the case through conditional certification.1
Disability Benefits Specialists at Unum Group handled short-term disability, long-term disability and individual disability income claims. Unum classified them as exempt under the administrative exemption. The workers alleged that they followed standardized protocols and predetermined guidelines and did not exercise the independent judgment the exemption requires.
In Loomis v. Unum Group, No. 1:20-cv-251 (E.D. Tenn.), the lawsuit challenged that classification.
To use the administrative exemption, an employer must show that the employee’s primary duty includes the exercise of discretion and independent judgment with respect to matters of significance. Workers who apply company criteria, follow a set workflow and have their decisions reviewed generally do not meet that standard.
On May 13, 2021, Judge Curtis Collier granted nationwide conditional certification, allowing the case to proceed as a collective action under the FLSA.
The case later settled for $14.8 million. The court granted final approval on April 17, 2025 (Doc. 316), finding "a bona fide legal dispute between the Parties as to whether the Settlement Class Members are owed any wages, overtime compensation, or statutory damages." The settlement class had 947 members, and 910 of them took part.1 Siegel Law Group was no longer counsel in the case when it settled.
The case settled for $14.8 million. The court granted final approval on April 17, 2025 (Doc. 316). The settlement class had 947 members, and 910 took part.
The workers alleged that Unum Group misclassified its Disability Benefits Specialists as exempt from overtime under the administrative exemption.
Often, yes. Specialists who follow company-prescribed criteria and standardized guidelines may not qualify for the administrative exemption.
It varies with the case, the number of workers and how hard the employer fights. The Unum case took about five years from filing to final approval.
If you did this kind of work for another employer and weren't paid overtime for hours over 40, tell us your job title, your employer and the state you worked in. We'll tell you plainly whether we think you have a case. Federal law makes it illegal to retaliate against you for asking.
Siegel Law Group PLLC concentrates in unpaid overtime cases under the FLSA and state wage laws. The firm has filed more than 100 federal overtime cases, obtained more than 50 class and collective certifications, and recovered more than $100 million for workers. Free consultation. Contingency fee: we advance case costs, and they are repaid from any recovery. No recovery, no fee and no costs. Phone: (214) 790-4454 | Email: [email protected]
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Attorney responsible: Jack L. Siegel, Siegel Law Group PLLC, 11341 W. US Hwy 290, Bldg. 2, Austin, TX 78737. Licensed in Texas.
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