A denial letter for any benefits can be frustrating, but especially when you are being denied the retirement benefits you worked years to earn. Do not panic. An experienced ERISA attorney can help you fight a denial to get the retirement benefits you are owed. The sooner you get legal advice, the sooner you can get your retirement plans back on track, so don’t wait to schedule your free initial consultation. Follow these steps to protect your legal rights:
Contact An Erisa Lawyer As Soon As Possible
If you wait to get legal advice, you could miss important deadlines. You only have a limited time in which to appeal denials of benefits. Waiting to appeal can also make it more difficult to get back pay for benefits that were owed when the claim was initially denied. The sooner you have a lawyer fighting on your side, the better protected all your legal rights will be.
Request a Copy of Your Benefits Policy
One document that you will definitely need is a copy of your retirement plan policy. This policy is a legal contract that defines when benefits may properly be denied. In order to fight a denial, your attorney will need to review the policy and assess the reasons given for denying your claim. The full policy is often available through your online account. If not, you can request a copy from the plan administrator.
Gather All Documentation Related To Your Claim
It is helpful to have all documentation related to your claim when you meet with an attorney. This includes a copy of your plan policies and the denial letter, but there could be many other documents related to the claim. Your retirement might involve medical issues that need to be documented. You might have other correspondence from the plan administrator or your employer. Anything that seems to be related to your retirement benefits or the claim denial should be brought to your attorney for their review.
Don’t Panic!
It is easy to feel overwhelmed when any benefits are denied, but you should not panic. You don’t have to ace the power of a large company on your own. An experienced lawyer will know the best plan for your unique case. ERISA lawyers know how to fight the unfair denial of benefits. Whether your denial was a violation of your contractual rights under the policy, federal law under ERISA, or a violation of state laws and local rules, your lawyer will be sure to protect your right to be paid for the benefits you are owed.
The Right ERISA Lawyer For All Retirement Benefit Cases
Attorney Adam Garner is a skilled benefits lawyer with over a decade of experience handling ERISA claims related to retirement benefits. Call The Garner Firm, Ltd. (215) 645-5955 or visit our website to schedule your free initial consultation. Don’t wait to get advice from an attorney who is on your side. Our office has helped many clients in Philadelphia and New Jersey get the benefits they are entitled to, and we will fight hard for you, too.
Related Content
Frequently Asked Questions About ERISA and Long-Term Disability Claims