Secrets from the ERISA Vault

Secrets About Your LTD or DI Policy

In this episode of Secrets from the ERISA Vault, Kaitlyn Barciszewski, attorney at Eric Buchanan & Associates, explains what claimants need to understand about their long term disability and individual disability insurance policies. The terms of these policies play a critical role in how claims are evaluated, approved, or denied, yet many people are unfamiliar with what their policy actually says. Kaitlyn walks through key provisions commonly found in LTD and DI policies, including definitions of disability, limitations, exclusions, and how insurance companies interpret policy language when reviewing claims. She highlights why knowing your policy before and during a claim can help avoid surprises and strengthen your position if a denial occurs. Listeners will gain a clearer understanding of how disability insurance policies work, why the fine print matters, and how policy language can directly impact eligibility for benefits and the overall outcome of a claim.

Secrets About Life Insurance Through Work

In this episode of Secrets from the ERISA Vault, Eric Buchanan explains what employees need to know about life insurance offered through work. He breaks down how these policies usually work, what employees and families often misunderstand about coverage, and the problems that can come up when a claim is denied or benefits are not paid as expected. Eric also discusses why employer provided life insurance is often governed by ERISA, what that means for beneficiaries, and why it is so important to understand the policy terms before a problem arises. This episode gives listeners a clearer look at the fine print behind workplace life insurance and the issues that can surface when families need those benefits most.

The Importance of the Appeal in an ERISA Claim

In this episode of Secrets from the ERISA Vault, Kaci Garrabrant, Senior Associate Attorney at Eric Buchanan & Associates, discusses why the appeal process is one of the most important stages in an ERISA disability claim. A denial is not always the end of the road, but what happens during the appeal can have a major impact on whether benefits are ultimately awarded. Kaci explains why this stage matters, what evidence should be included, and how a strong appeal can help address weaknesses in the claim record. Listeners will gain a better understanding of how the appeal process works, why it deserves careful attention, and why building the strongest possible record during an administrative appeal is often critical to the success of the case.

How Much Will My ERISA Case Cost

In this episode of Secrets from the ERISA Vault, Eric Buchanan answers one of the first questions most people have after a long term disability denial: how much will an ERISA case actually cost. Eric breaks down the common fee structures used in ERISA disability claims, what expenses typically come up during an appeal and during litigation, and how attorney fees can work when a case is successful. If you are trying to decide whether to hire help, this episode will give you a clear, practical way to think about cost, risk, and what to ask before you sign a fee agreement.

What is the Standard of Review in ERISA Cases and Why Does That Matter What is the History of the Standard of Review in ERISA Cases

In this episode of Secrets from the ERISA Vault, Eric Buchanan explains one of the most important concepts in ERISA litigation: the standard of review. Eric breaks down what “standard of review” means, why it can completely change the outcome of a disability case, and how courts determine whether to apply de novo review or the more deferential arbitrary and capricious standard. He walks through the history of how these standards developed and discusses the key Supreme Court decisions that shaped modern ERISA law. You’ll learn why discretionary clauses matter, how conflicts of interest are evaluated, and why understanding the standard of review is critical for both claimants and the attorneys who represent them. Whether you are handling ERISA claims yourself or referring them out, this episode explains why the standard of review can make or break a case.