ERISA Benefit Claims Lawyer

Professional ERISA Benefit Claim Attorneys Helping Clients Around the United States

At Eric Buchanan & Associates, our experienced ERISA benefit claim lawyers are dedicated to helping clients nationwide navigate the complexities of ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act) claims. If your disability insurance claim has been wrongfully denied or terminated, our team brings decades of specialized experience to secure the benefits you deserve.

With a proven track record of success, we understand the intricate regulations governing ERISA plans and use our expertise to challenge insurance companies’ unfair practices. Our attorneys are committed to providing personalized, compassionate legal representation to ensure your rights are protected.

Our Expertise in ERISA Benefit Claims

Our firm has handled hundreds of ERISA benefit claims, including:

  • Denied long-term disability (LTD) claims
  • Terminated disability benefits
  • Disputes over short-term disability (STD) coverage
  • ERISA pension and retirement plan disputes
  • Life insurance and health benefit claim denials

Our lead attorney, Eric Buchanan has many years of experience in ERISA law. Our team stays updated on the latest ERISA regulations and court rulings to provide cutting-edge representation.

Why Choose Us—ERISA Benefit Claims Representation You Can Trust

Unparalleled, Specialized ERISA Expertise: We are a boutique law firm that focuses exclusively on disability insurance, bad faith law, and the highly specialized Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). We have successfully handled thousands of disability cases against major national insurance companies, giving us a level of insight that few firms can match.

Nationally Recognized Attorneys Who Educate Our Peers: Our attorneys are seen as leaders in this field. We are frequently invited to teach other lawyers about ERISA and disability law at national conferences. When you hire us, you are retaining attorneys who are acknowledged masters of the subject matter.

Proven Success in Changing Disability Law: Our success is measurable. We haven’t just won individual cases; we have secured landmark legal decisions that have resulted in improved disability insurance laws for claimants across the country. We don’t just practice the law; we help shape it.

Strategically Build Your Critical ERISA Administrative Record: The most crucial stage of an ERISA claim is the administrative appeal. We urge you to hire us before this stage because the evidence the court can review closes after a final denial. Our expertise lies in knowing exactly how to properly develop and build this administrative record to give you the best chance of success in federal court.

Maintain High Ethical and Client Trust: Trust is everything. Our firm holds a Superb (10/10) rating on Avvo and is recognized by esteemed attorney peer-review organizations like Martindale-Hubbell. These high ethical and legal ability ratings from both our clients and our peers demonstrate our professional standing.

We Align Our Interests with Yours Through a Contingency Fee Structure: We believe in the strength of your case and are willing to invest our resources into it. We work on a contingency basis, meaning in most cases, you pay us no attorney fees unless we successfully recover benefits for you. We don’t get paid unless you do.

National Representation: While many firms are limited to practicing in a single state or district, we represent clients all across the country.

How We Help with Your ERISA Disability Claim

Navigating an ERISA claim can be daunting due to strict deadlines, complex paperwork, and aggressive insurance company tactics. As your ERISA benefit claims lawyer, we guide you through every step, including:

  • Claim Review and Analysis: We thoroughly review your denial letter and plan documents to identify errors or violations by the insurance company.
  • Appeals Process: We prepare and file comprehensive appeals, including medical evidence and expert opinions, to strengthen your case.
  • Litigation: If your appeal is denied, we represent you in federal court to fight for your rightful benefits.
  • Negotiation: We negotiate with insurance companies to secure settlements when appropriate.

Our goal is to alleviate the stress of the process, allowing you to focus on your health and well-being.

Why ERISA Claims Are Different

ERISA claims are governed by federal law, which imposes unique challenges, such as:

  • Short deadlines for filing appeals (often 180 days or less)
  • Limited ability to introduce new evidence after the initial claim
  • Complex plan language that insurance companies exploit

Our attorneys are well-versed in these nuances and use strategic approaches to overcome them. We’ve successfully represented clients against major insurance providers, ensuring they receive the benefits they’re entitled to under their ERISA plans.

Meet Attorney Eric L. Buchanan

Eric BuchananEric L. Buchanan is the President and Partner of Eric Buchanan & Associates, a recognized national authority specializing exclusively in complex ERISA and disability insurance law. His profound expertise is built on his background as a decorated U.S. Navy officer and naval aviator, coupled with his academic success as a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Washington and Lee University School of Law. Demonstrating his authoritativeness, he holds the highest peer ratings, teaches other attorneys nationwide, and has achieved landmark legal decisions that improve disability laws. The firm’s commitment to their clients is reflected in its national representation capabilities and a contingency fee structure, ensuring clients across the country receive specialized, results-driven legal counsel focused on strategically developing the critical administrative record for maximum success.

Our Commitment to Trust and Transparency

At Eric Buchanan & Associates, we prioritize trustworthiness in every interaction. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Clear Communication: We explain your case in plain language, keeping you informed at every stage.
  • No Upfront Costs: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
  • Proven Results: Our firm has recovered millions in benefits for clients nationwide.

We are proud to be recognized by the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association, reflecting our commitment to excellence in ERISA law.

Contact Our ERISA Benefit Claims Lawyers Today

If your ERISA disability claim has been denied or terminated, don’t wait to seek help. The sooner you act, the stronger your case can be. Contact Eric Buchanan & Associates for a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced ERISA benefit claim lawyers.

ERISA Benefit Claims FAQ’s

If your ERISA disability claim is denied, you must file an administrative appeal within the strict deadline, typically 180 days from the denial letter. Gather medical evidence, such as a doctor’s note detailing your inability to work, and consider hiring our experienced ERISA attorney to strengthen your appeal. Missing the deadline or failing to include key evidence can bar you from suing later, as courts generally only review the administrative record. An attorney can help navigate the complex appeal process and improve your chances of overturning the denial.

To appeal a denied ERISA claim, submit a written request to the plan administrator with supporting evidence, such as medical records or expert opinions, within the 180-day deadline (check your plan documents for specifics). The appeal is critical because it’s your last chance to build the administrative record before a lawsuit. Courts typically don’t allow new evidence, so a thorough appeal is essential. An ERISA lawyer can analyze the denial, gather additional evidence, and craft arguments to challenge the insurer’s decision, as the process involves complex regulations and strict deadlines.

ERISA governs most employer-provided benefit plans, including disability, health, and life insurance, unless the employer is a government entity or church (unless the church opts into ERISA). If ERISA applies, it preempts state law claims, limiting remedies to benefits owed, interest, and sometimes attorney’s fees—no punitive or consequential damages are available. Confirm with your employer or an ERISA attorney whether your plan is covered, as this impacts your legal options and strategy.

ERISA requires plan administrators to decide claims within specific timeframes and provide clear denial reasons. If they delay, request excessive documents, or mismanage your claim, you can demand a timely decision under ERISA regulations. If delays persist, consult an ERISA attorney to escalate the issue or explore legal action. You’re also entitled to request plan documents within 30 days, and failure to provide them may lead to penalties. An attorney can help enforce these rights and address issues like fiduciary breaches or improper denials.