From time to time, the Department of Labor promulgates regulations under ERISA (The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974) that affect the review of long-term and short-term disability claims. One such regulation recently went into effect. It allows claimants in disability insurance appeals to reply to evidence as the insurance company obtains it. This allows claimants and their attorneys to respond to evidence more efficiently and correct mistakes and misunderstandings by the insurance company’s paid doctors and consultants. In ERISA practice, the result so far has been a longer administrative appeal process. However, the ability to respond to each and every piece of evidence as it comes, as opposed to having to respond to it all at once, or never getting the chance to weigh in on it during the appeal process, has made the process fairer for claimants. Diligent ERISA attorneys will now be able to build a better record on appeal and prepare for court.

The Pellegrin Firm is a law firm in Metairie, Louisiana, that represents beneficiaries in ERISA long-term disability appeals and lawsuits. The Pellegrin Firm represents people throughout the New Orleans area and throughout the State of Louisiana. The Pellegrin Firm can be reached at 504-405-3245 or via email at info@pellegrinfirm.com.