The Importance of Judicial Standards of Review in ERISA Litigation

Congress enacted the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) law to protect . . . participants in employee benefit plans and their beneficiaries, by requiring the disclosure and reporting to participants and beneficiaries of financial and other information with respect thereto, by establishing standards of conduct, responsibility, and obligation for fiduciaries of employee benefit plans, and by providing for appropriate remedies, sanctions, and ready access to the Federal Courts. […]

ERISA Venue Provisions: Where Can You File Your Benefits Lawsuit?

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) governs private sector employee benefits plans, including retirement, disability, and health plans. One of the key aspects of ERISA litigation is the question of venue — where participants or beneficiaries file their lawsuits when they believe their plan rights are violated. […]

Disability Ruling Guides On Cases With Uncertain Causation

Deciding disability benefit claims correctly can often pose a challenge for both claimants and insurers. Since disability is dependent on functional restrictions and not just on a diagnosis, determining a claimant’s level of functionality with respect to basic activities such as sitting, standing and walking can be difficult, especially when disability results from symptoms such as pain. […]