At 1st Circuit, Unum Group Challenges Verdict Based on Insureds’ False Claims

In an appeal of a jury verdict against insurer Unum Group, a 1st Circuit panel that included retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souter repeatedly grilled a whistleblower's attorney. The lawyer was seeking affirmation of the verdict, which found that Unum violated the False Claims Act by causing its insureds to file false Social Security Disability Insurance claims. The heart of the case is whether private insurance companies such as Unum are liable for false information that claimants submit to the government.