Disability Insurance Blog
“Top Hat” ERISA Plans Are Not Entitled To Special Treatment
The Ninth Circuit recently addressed, for the first time, whether the standard of review analysis for “top hat”ERISA plans is the same as for other ERISA plans. InSznewajs v. U.S….
Ninth Circuit Clarifies Application of Abuse of Discretion Review When Insurer Has a Conflict of Interest
After the United States Supreme Court decided MetLife Ins. Co. v. Glenn in which the Court held that a reviewing court must consider the conflict of interest arising from the…
Under Abatie, Discovery of Profitability Reports is Not Allowed
One of the most interesting questions in ERISA litigation is: What constitutes the administrative record for purposes of determining whether the administrator abused its discretion in making a claim determination? …
Council for Disability Awareness Follows Approvals of Disability Claims by the SSA and Private Disability Insurers
Allison Bell of the National Underwriter reported on September 11, 2009 that approved disability claims rose more quickly in 2008 at the Social Security Disability Insurance program than at private…