ERISA Litigation Attorneys for Denied Benefits and Plan Abuse

When employees are wrongfully denied disability, health, pension, or severance benefits they’ve earned, they’re often left fighting against large corporations or insurance giants who know the system better than they do. These companies rely on delay tactics, narrow interpretations, and internal procedures that tilt the playing field in their favor.

That’s where we come in.

At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we represent employees in high-stakes ERISA litigation across New Jersey and Pennsylvania. We go to court when employers and insurers violate their fiduciary obligations, wrongfully deny claims, or interfere with your access to benefits. If you’re done waiting for answers and ready to take legal action, we’re the firm that makes them respond.

What Is ERISA — and Why Does It Matter?

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is a federal law that governs most employer-sponsored benefit plans, including:

• Short-term and long-term disability (STD/LTD)
• Group health and life insurance
• 401(k) and pension plans
• Severance and executive compensation packages
• Medical and mental health coverage
• COBRA continuation rights

While ERISA was intended to protect employees, in practice it gives significant power to insurers and plan administrators. Claimants must navigate internal appeals, strict deadlines, and a limited record — all while dealing with medical hardship or job loss.

We level that playing field.

Common ERISA Violations and Litigation Scenarios

We represent clients in ERISA cases involving:

• Wrongful denial or termination of LTD or health benefits
• Failure to follow plan terms or provide required documents
• Improper delay of benefits (constructive denial)
• Misclassification of employees to avoid benefit obligations
• Bad faith claims handling under ERISA’s fiduciary duty provisions
• Interference with rights under § 510 of ERISA (e.g., firing someone to avoid vesting)

In every case, we conduct a deep review of plan language, administrative records, and claims communications to expose unlawful practices and hold the plan accountable.

Why ERISA Litigation Is Different — and Demands Strategy

ERISA cases aren’t like typical civil lawsuits. You don’t get a jury. You may not even get to introduce new evidence. Most cases are resolved by a judge reviewing the “administrative record” — the documents submitted during your internal appeal.

That’s why strategy matters early.

At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we build the record during the claim and appeal stages with an eye toward future litigation. If the case proceeds to court, we pursue:

• Reinstatement of benefits
• Back pay with interest
• Attorney’s fees (available under 29 U.S.C. § 1132(g))
• Injunctive relief for systemic ERISA violations

We also litigate Section 510 retaliation claims when employees are demoted, disciplined, or terminated for asserting their rights under a benefit plan.

We Represent Individuals — Not Plans or Insurers

Unlike firms that dabble in ERISA or represent plan sponsors, we exclusively represent individuals in benefit disputes. Our clients include:

• Professionals and executives denied LTD or bonus payments
• Employees whose pension benefits were miscalculated or blocked
• Individuals denied coverage for surgeries, medications, or mental health treatment
• Whistleblowers facing retaliation for exposing plan mismanagement
• Families denied death or survivor benefits under group life policies

These are not form-letter cases. We bring trial-grade litigation strategy to every ERISA claim we take.

Frequently Asked Questions: ERISA Litigation

Do I have to appeal before I can sue under ERISA?

Yes. You typically must exhaust all administrative remedies, which means completing the plan’s internal appeal process before filing a lawsuit in federal court. We manage this process carefully to protect the record.

How long do I have to file an ERISA lawsuit?

Deadlines vary by plan, but many include a limitations period of 180 to 365 days after a final denial. Courts enforce these timelines strictly — don’t wait to contact counsel.

What if I didn’t submit key evidence during my appeal?

That can severely weaken your case. Courts generally won’t consider new evidence introduced after the appeal — another reason early legal guidance is critical.

Can I recover damages beyond the denied benefits?

ERISA limits most recovery to what’s owed under the plan, interest, and possibly legal fees. However, in Section 510 retaliation claims, additional remedies may be available.

What’s the difference between an ERISA claim and a breach of contract?

Private disability and severance policies may fall outside ERISA and allow broader damages. We determine whether ERISA applies and, if not, pursue all available state law claims.

You Paid Into the System. We Make Sure It Pays You Back.

If your benefits were denied, delayed, or terminated without justification, you have a right to more than answers — you have a right to legal action. At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we don’t just file ERISA claims — we litigate them. We prepare every case like it’s going to federal court, and we don’t back down until you get the benefits you’re owed.

Call 856-209-3111 or contact us online for a confidential review of your ERISA dispute. No recovery, no fee.