When insurance companies deny disability claims, employees often face a second battle in federal court. Where employees file that disability case—the venue for ERISA litigation—can influence everything from convenience to strategy. ERISA allows multiple choices for venue, but not all options are equal. Understanding those rules and how courts interpret them helps employees know where […]
A sudden illness, a car accident, or a chronic condition can change everything overnight. When paychecks stop, disability insurance becomes more than a benefit: It’s survival. For most employees, those protections fall under the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). If you have group disability coverage through work, your plan likely qualifies. […]
You’re hurt, and you can’t work. You apply for short-term disability benefits through your employer, but then you get the letter no one wants to see: “Your claim has been denied.” What are the reasons your short-term disability can be denied? And what can you do about a denial? In many cases, you can answer […]
You should get what you pay for—especially when it comes to short-term disability coverage. And if an insurer denies your disability claim after you suffer a debilitating injury, you don’t have to accept the first “no.” You can appeal the denial, and you may be able to file a short-term disability denial lawsuit under ERISA. […]
Insurance should make you feel safe—that’s its whole purpose. Long-term disability insurance can be a great safety net for employees by providing them with financial support when their health prevents them from working. However, the safety net doesn’t work if your provider denies your claim. Many South Carolina residents with legitimate long-term disability claims might […]
Please note: The Peace Law Firm is licensed to practice only in North Carolina and South Carolina. If you’ve ever filed an ERISA claim, you know that the wait to hear whether your claim has been approved or denied can be challenging. Will they approve your claim for benefits? Will you need to provide more […]
Imagine this: you’ve spent years working hard, only to suffer an illness or injury that prevents you from continuing your career. You follow all the required steps to apply for long-term disability (LTD) benefits, believing you are covered, only to receive a denial letter in the mail. The shock, frustration, and fear are overwhelming. Denied […]
Employer-sponsored retirement plans form the backbone of many long-term financial plans, and changes in retirement plan terms can significantly impact an employee’s future. Employers cannot make just any change to retirement plans. For modifications to be legally valid, your employer must comply with certain federal laws and follow procedures, ensuring you know about the changes […]
Issues with retirement plan management can significantly impact your long-term plans, future, and ability to retire on time. Identifying retirement plan errors early can help you take steps to protect your future. Knowing what obligations employers and administrators have can help you recognize retirement plan issues, like incorrect contributions and distributions, administrative errors, fund mismanagement, […]
The federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) regulates most retirement and health plans private employers offer employees. However, not every employee welfare plan falls under ERISA’s purview. Governmental entities, churches for their employees, and plans maintained solely for workers' compensation, unemployment, or disability laws are generally not covered by ERISA regulations. ERISA does not […]