When facing challenges regarding your employee benefits, you must understand how the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) can help protect your rights. If dealing with a dispute regarding your benefits, an employee benefits ERISA lawyer in Providence can help with your case.
At Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard, we are committed to protecting workers and holding corporations responsible for their actions. We understand the challenges you are facing, and our Providence labor and employment lawyers are ready to help. Call or complete our online contact form today to schedule a free case evaluation and learn more about how we can help with your case.
Common Issues Related to ERISA Benefits Disputes
ERISA manages regulations related to health, retirement, and other employee benefits. If your benefits are denied or your contract is violated by your employer in any other manner, an experienced ERISA attorney in Providence, RI, can help you face these issues and protect your rights.
At Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard, we commonly handle employee benefit disputes involving:
- Denied benefits: The denial of your disability, health, retirement, or any other employment benefits.
- Plan mismanagement: The mishandling of any benefits package can lead to financial losses or the denial of your claim.
- Fiduciary duty violations: The failure of your benefits plan manager to act in your best interests.
- Disagreement regarding plan terms: When the terms of a benefits plan are unclear or unfair, you can dispute them.
For a free legal consultation with a employee benefits erisa lawyer serving Providence, call (860) 999-9394
The Differences Between ERISA Insurance and Work Benefits and Other Plans
Specific federal rules apply to ERISA insurance and other employment-related benefits that do not apply to individual plans.
ERISA Benefit Plans Are Employment-Related
Unlike a plan that you might purchase individually, ERISA benefit plans for retirement savings, disability coverage, and health insurance are provided by your employer for your employment with the company.
Federal Protections Apply
There are federal protections that apply to ERISA benefits plans that help ensure your rights. With an ERISA benefits plan, your plan manager is required to follow clear guidelines and always act in your best interest.
Standardized Regulations
With ERISA benefits plans, all employers are required to provide workers with certain details regarding their benefits, including the specifics of their plan and how to apply.
The Right to Take Legal Action
ERISA helps ensure the right of employees to take legal action if necessary to resolve any issues related to the mismanagement or denial of benefits by their employers.
Providence Employee Benefits ERISA Lawyer Near Me (860) 999-9394
Steps in the Benefits Claims Process
When you submit a benefits claim to your plan administrator, they will typically have a period of 45 to 90 days to reply. By the end of this period, they must approve or deny your claim, or request more information to help them make a decision.
Following the denial of a claim, you will typically have the right to appeal the decision within 180 days. During this time, you can gather additional evidence that supports your case. You should hire an experienced employee benefits lawyer in Providence, RI, as soon as possible after a denial, so they have plenty of time to build a strong case supporting your claim.
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How to Determine Whether Your ERISA Benefits Were Wrongfully Denied
It is not always easy to understand if your employer had legal standing to deny your benefits or if they did so in violation of ERISA. Some things to look for that may indicate that your benefits were wrongfully denied include:
- A reason for denial that is unclear or vague
- A denial that doesn’t align with the terms of your benefits plan
- Inconsistent explanations
- Abrupt changes to your benefits plan’s rules
- Important details being overlooked or ignored by your plan administrator
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Steps to Take if You Believe Your Benefits Plan Is Being Mismanaged
If you believe that your benefits plan is being mismanaged, an experienced employee benefits attorney in Providence, RI, can help. Some important steps that can help your case include:
- Collecting documents: Gather any paperwork concerning your benefits plan, including your benefits statements, letters, and emails.
- Keeping detailed records: Take thorough notes of any issues you have noticed with your benefits, including unclear communication, sudden plan changes, or delayed payments.
- Requesting an explanation: For any impact on your benefits, you can request a written explanation from your plan administrator.
Mismanagement of your benefits plan can significantly impact your financial security, which makes taking quick action essential. Reaching out to an experienced lawyer as soon as you notice issues is critical for building a strong case and addressing any problems.
Our Employee Benefits ERISA Lawyers Serving Providence Can Help Protect You Against Employer Retaliation
ERISA strictly prohibits retaliation against employees for exercising their rights, including filing a claim for benefits or reporting the mismanagement of a benefits plan. Common forms of retaliation prohibited by ERISA include:
- Wrongful termination
- A reduction in hours or pay
- Negative performance reviews
- Harassment or any other hostile treatment at work
- Demotion
- Any other unjustified discipline
If your employer retaliated against you for taking protected actions under ERISA, an experienced Providence workplace retaliation lawyer can help you take legal action to hold them accountable.
Damages That Can Be Recovered if Your ERISA Benefits Claim Is Wrongfully Denied
Following the wrongful denial of an ERISA benefits claim, there are a variety of damages you may be able to recover. Some of the most common damages in these cases include:
- Unpaid benefits: These damages can include compensation for unpaid health insurance coverage, disability payments, or retirement funds.
- Unpaid benefits interest: In addition to the losses themselves, you may be entitled to compensation for any interest on those benefits for the period from denial until they are finally received.
- Penalties: As well as recovering compensation for your damages, you may also be able to recover penalties paid by the plan administrator if they acted in bad faith or failed to provide requested information.
Get Help From an Employee Benefits ERISA Attorney in Providence Today
When dealing with an issue affecting your employee benefits, you must understand your rights under ERISA and take action quickly. At Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard, we are ready to provide you with the legal guidance you need to ensure your rights are protected and hold your employer accountable.
Reach out to us today by phone or through our online contact form and schedule your free, no–obligation case review with a member of our legal team.
Call or text (860) 999-9394 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form