Chicago ERISA Attorneys

Experienced Chicago ERISA Attorneys Fighting Aggressively for Employee Rights

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) is a federal law that controls most employer-backed benefits plan. If you or a loved one is the beneficiary of such an insurance plan, you may need to make a claim for employee benefits. It is important that you understand the ERISA claims process. Unfortunately, this procedure does not always work in favor of individuals.  

At Bartolic Law, our skilled Chicago ERISA attorneys know how to hold employers and large insurance carriers accountable. We fight to ensure that our clients get the full and fair benefits that they deserve. If your ERISA claim was denied in the Chicagoland area, please contact our law firm today to get a no fee, no strings attached review of your case.

Four Things You Need to Know About ERISA Claims

• Insurers are Notoriously Aggressive

One of the most important things that Chicago ERISA claimants need to know is that insurance companies are often aggressive when handling these cases. Sadly, you cannot rely on insurance adjusters for advice or for guidance with your claim. You need a professional on your side. All too often, insurers reject otherwise valid claims for very minor mistakes.

• You Have Limited Time to Take Action

Once your ERISA claim is denied, you only have a limited amount of time to preserve your rights. In general, you must submit your administrative appeal within 180 days of receiving a written denial letter. If you fail to submit an appeal before the deadline expires, you could lose out on your rights.

• ERISA Applicants Must Exhaust All Administrative Remedies

Under ERISA rules, beneficiaries cannot simply file a lawsuit after getting a claim rejection. Instead, federal law requires that applicants first exhaust all available administrative remedies. If your claim was denied, you should consult with an experienced Chicago lawyer who can help you prepare the strongest possible appeal.  

• There are Unique Evidentiary Rules in ERISA Cases

Finally, you should know about one of the biggest claims secrets that insurance companies will not share with you: you must submit all relevant medical and vocational evidence at the administrative stage of the process. If you file a lawsuit, you will generally not be able to submit any new evidence into the record. The court will be largely restricted to reviewing your claim file. For this and other reasons, you should be sure to get an attorney by your side the second you receive a denial letter.

Contact Our Northern Illinois ERISA Attorneys Today

At the Law Offices of Michael Bartolic, our dedicated Chicago ERISA attorneys are proud to be strong advocates for individuals. Our law firm has been recognized as a leader in the field of ERISA appeals and ERISA litigation. If you or a family member has had your claim denied, please contact us today at (312) 635-1600 to get a free case evaluation.