The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) has been a headache for many people who have been hurt on the job since it was passed by the U.S. Congress in 1974. Before the law was passed, many employees would try to file long-term disability claims from companies who promised them rock-solid insurance policies and benefits, only to find out the company that owed them money was bankrupt or out of business.
Originally created to protect retirement and pension benefits, many insurance companies now use the law to swindle disabled employees out of the benefits they were once promised. There are a myriad of issues for people who file for long-term disability claims and are hit with ERISA rules and regulations: medical bills pile up, employees who were disabled on the job do not get the care and rehabilitation they may need, and therefore, cannot return to work to earn an income. While it’s difficult to fight an employer who is using ERISA loopholes as a way to refuse payment, it is possible.
How To Know If You’ve Been Wronged
If you’ve submitted a long-term disability claim to your insurance company and have encountered claim denial or other issues due to ERISA, you need help right away. Do not wait. It is difficult to navigate disability claim appeals due to ERISA, but it is not impossible.
Your former employer does not deserve to keep the money that you are owed. You need a skilled lawyer who will be able to navigate the many nuances of ERISA to get you the compensation that is due to you under your policy. This is not an easy fight- you need someone who understands on your side. You will need help filling out your claim and appeal forms to maximize the chance at recouping the money you are entitled to collect.
If you are struggling to get disability payments to which you believe you are entitled, and ERISA has been cited as a reason for your claim denial, it is important that you pick up the phone and contact an attorney who is skilled in ERISA laws and regulations today.