Protecting Employees’ Rights in Benefits Disputes

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) is a federal law that governs employer-sponsored benefit plans, including long-term disability insurance, health benefits, and retirement plans. When employers or insurance companies wrongfully deny, reduce, or delay benefits, employees have the right to challenge these decisions through ERISA litigation.

At Ratliff Jackson LLP, our Employment Law Attorneys represent employees in ERISA disputes, ensuring that insurers and employers comply with federal regulations. If your disability benefits, pension, or health insurance claims have been wrongfully denied, we provide aggressive legal representation to recover the benefits you deserve.

Why You Need Attorneys for ERISA Litigation

ERISA litigation is complex, involving strict deadlines, administrative appeals, and federal court procedures. Without legal representation, employees risk:

• Wrongful Denial of Long-Term Disability (LTD) Benefits – Many insurers reject claims based on insufficient medical evidence or policy loopholes.
• Retirement and Pension Disputes – Employers sometimes fail to properly fund pension plans or miscalculate retirement benefits.
• Health Insurance Claim Denials – ERISA plans cover many employer-sponsored health insurance and medical claims, which can be unfairly rejected.
• Complex Legal Barriers in ERISA Appeals – Employees must exhaust administrative appeals before filing an ERISA lawsuit, and insurers often use technicalities to deny claims.

Our Attorneys fight to ensure that employees receive the benefits they are entitled to under ERISA, holding insurance companies and employers accountable.

Common ERISA Litigation Cases We Handle

Our Employment Law Attorneys assist employees with:

• Long-Term Disability (LTD) Benefit Denials – Challenging insurance companies that wrongfully deny or terminate disability benefits.
• Retirement and Pension Plan Disputes – Representing employees in miscalculated pension payouts, benefit reductions, or 401(k) mismanagement claims.
• Employer Health Insurance Claim Denials – Fighting for wrongfully denied medical treatments, hospital stays, and coverage exclusions.
• Severance and Executive Compensation Disputes – Ensuring employees receive the severance benefits they were promised under employer plans.
• Violations of ERISA Fiduciary Duties – Taking legal action against employers or plan administrators who mismanage funds or fail to act in employees’ best interests.

If your ERISA-protected benefits have been denied, reduced, or miscalculated, our Attorneys provide the legal advocacy necessary to recover what you are owed.

Potential Remedies – How We Fight for Employees in ERISA Litigation

When employees face wrongful benefit denials, pension disputes, or disability claim rejections, our Attorneys provide strategic legal solutions, including:

• Filing ERISA Appeals Before Lawsuits – Ensuring all required administrative appeals are properly handled.
• Taking Legal Action Against Insurance Companies – Filing ERISA lawsuits to recover wrongfully denied disability and health benefits.
• Challenging Pension and Retirement Plan Violations – Holding employers accountable for mismanagement of retirement funds.
• Recovering Past-Due Benefits and Legal Fees – Seeking retroactive disability payments, medical reimbursements, and attorney’s fees.

Representing Employees in ERISA Disputes

Our Employment Law Attorneys represent:

• Employees whose long-term disability claims were denied under ERISA plans.
• Retired workers facing pension miscalculations or 401(k) disputes.
• Employees whose health insurance claims were denied under employer-sponsored plans.
• Executives and professionals challenging wrongful severance package reductions.
• Workers taking legal action against employers who mismanaged benefit plans.

We are committed to ensuring that employees receive the full benefits they are legally entitled to under ERISA.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What benefits are protected under ERISA?

ERISA covers employer-sponsored benefits, including:

• Long-term disability (LTD) insurance.
• Retirement and pension plans (401(k), defined benefit plans).
• Employer-sponsored health insurance.
• Severance and executive compensation plans.

How long do I have to file an ERISA appeal?

Employees must file an administrative appeal within 180 days of a benefits denial. If the appeal is denied, they can file a lawsuit in federal court.

Can I sue my employer for denying my disability benefits?

Yes. Under ERISA, employees can sue if their long-term disability benefits were wrongfully denied or unfairly terminated.

What happens if an employer mismanages my pension or retirement plan?

Employees can file a fiduciary breach claim against the employer or plan administrator to recover lost funds and financial damages.

Do I need an attorney for an ERISA lawsuit?

Yes. ERISA lawsuits are highly technical, requiring extensive knowledge of federal regulations, insurance law, and administrative appeal processes. Legal representation ensures:

• Strict deadlines are met.
• Medical and financial evidence is properly presented.
• Insurers and employers are held accountable for wrongful denials.

Contact Our Employment Law Attorneys for ERISA Litigation

If your ERISA-protected benefits have been wrongfully denied, delayed, or reduced, you need aggressive legal representation to fight back. Insurance companies and employers often use complex regulations and technicalities to avoid paying benefits, making it essential to have experienced legal counsel on your side.

At Ratliff Jackson LLP, our Employment Law Attorneys fight for employees in ERISA litigation, disability benefit disputes, and pension mismanagement cases. If you need help filing an appeal or suing for denied benefits, we are ready to assist.

Contact Our Attorneys today to discuss your ERISA claim and explore your legal options.