Seattle ERISA Claims Lawyer

Seattle ERISA Claims Lawyer

The benefits provided by an employer are often one of the top reasons for accepting a specific job offer. When employers go above and beyond with respect to benefits, it encourages employees to accept and even stick with the position. When employees do file a claim for benefits and employers or insurance companies fail to follow through with their obligations, there are legal checks and balances in place, including an important federal law known as ERISA. If your benefits claim has been denied, it’s time to reach out for the skilled legal guidance of an experienced Seattle ERISA claims lawyer.

What’s ERISA?

ERISA is the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, and it provides the legal framework for appealing most benefit claim denials. Most employer-sponsored plans are subject to ERISA, but it does not cover private insurance plans. 

For benefits subject to ERISA, the law  guides primary matters such as the following:

• The requirements for employee vesting, which is the point at which they become eligible for full benefits
• Disclosure requirements
• Policy funding requirements
• Minimum eligibility requirements

Once benefits are offered and accepted, they are administered via a trustee, and employers are responsible for following through on their obligations under the plan.

Some of the most common optional benefits covered by ERISA include: 

• Retirement benefits
• Long-term disability coverage
• Healthcare coverage
• Severance benefits

Filing an Appeal

If your benefits claim is denied, the next step in the process of obtaining the compensation to which you are entitled is filing an appeal, which normally begins with an appeal letter. This involves addressing the specific reason for your claim’s denial. A skilled Seattle ERISA claims lawyer can assist you in submitting a convincing appeal letter.

ERISA requires that claim denials include all the following information:

• The specific reason or reasons that your claim was denied 
• The plan provisions the denial was based on
• Any steps you’re required to take in order to resubmit your benefit claim
• The appeal deadline that applies
• A clear description of the applicable procedure for reviewing denials
• How any involved medical information was used

The Matter of Administrative Exhaustion

Before you can file a federal lawsuit, you must exhaust the available administrative remedies. For example, if your claim is deemed incomplete, you’ll need to provide the information that wasn’t included, but if the denial is based on something else, you’ll first need to appeal the matter, which generally begins with an appeal letter. Working with an attorney can help you determine the best course of action for your case.

Reach Out to an Experienced Seattle ERISA Claims Lawyer Today

If your employer doesn’t come through with the benefits promised, the savvy Seattle ERISA claims lawyers at Monahan Tucker Law are here to help. We have the experience and legal insight to take on even the toughest insurance firms. We regularly assist clients with filing their initial claim, appeal, or lawsuit when necessary. Our knowledgeable legal team is on your side, so please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information about what we can do to help you today.