Employee Benefits and ERISA

ERISA Claims

Most health insurance and long-term disability policies are those provided by employers. With a few exceptions, these policies are governed by the federal law known as ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act). Employer-paid benefits in the non-profit, religion and government sectors are not covered by ERISA. In addition, the law does not govern individually purchased policies. Except for these types of policies, generally all health, life insurance, disability and pension polices are governed by ERISA.

ERISA law is not well-known despite its potential impact on the lives of ordinary working people. However, if you have had a claim denied by your employer’s insurance carrier, you may be required to learn about ERISA very quickly. Our Grand Rapids law firm, Dilley Haney, P.C., has developed a practice area that focuses on employee benefits governed by ERISA. Our attorneys may be able to help you with any denied claims.

Using our knowledge of ERISA to assist employees seeking benefits under employer-sponsored plans

The law has evolved considerably since its beginnings as a protector of employees from unscrupulous employers who raided pension plans. Unfortunately, ERISA now shields employers and employers’ insurance companies. For example, an employee whose claim was denied, and suffered as a consequence, is unable to obtain punitive damages that would otherwise be available under state law.

Our Grand Rapids law firm helps employees with any type of problem arising from employer-provided benefits, including the most common:

• Denial of long-term disability insurance benefits
• Denial of health care coverage
• Misappropriation of pension funds
• Employer actions, such as termination or reassignment, that coincide with a benefit application

Our law firm represents a wide range of employees in claims against employee benefit policies governed by ERISA. Our clients have included everyone from assembly line workers to top executives.

If your employer-provided benefit policy has denied payment, it is important to talk with an attorney promptly as there are strict procedures that must be followed when you appeal the insurer’s decision. You should also know that, in most cases, a person can receive only what the insurer would have paid in the first place, sometimes with attorney’s fees and interest added to the award.

Contact our Grand Rapids law firm, Dilley Haney, P.C., to discuss your employee benefits claim.