Cutting Edge ERISA Decision Against CNA & Hartford on behalf of Computer Systems Analyst. After reviewing various legal arguments we advanced on behalf of our client, a New York federal judge ruled that Hartford and CNA’s ERISA plan was not valid, due to a defect in how the plan was formed and set up. The result of the decision is that our client’s former employer — instead of the insurance company — may be the proper party to decide the viability of her long term disability insurance claim.
Our client worked for a large company that provided computer consulting services to the federal government. After leaving her post as disabled, the insurer, Hartford Life, denied the claim. Hartford had previously purchased the entire book of disability insurance policies and claims from Continental Casualty, a CNA company. We argued that CNA and Hartford did not properly structure the legal relationship between the entities and the ERISA plan and that Hartford thus had no authority to deny our client’s disability claim.
In a thorough and cutting edge ruling, the court agreed with our arguments and found that the legal defect did indeed exist, thus invalidating the ERISA plan.
Schwartz, Conroy & Hack is the premier disability insurance law firm in the United States. To see how we can help you, contact us.
Evan S. Schwartz
Founder of Schwartz, Conroy & Hack
800-745-1755
ESS@schwartzlawpc.com