For many people dealing with Tampa ERISA claim denials and appeals, the most stressful part is not knowing why the decision was made in the first place. Suddenly, you are staring at deadlines, unfamiliar legal terms, and rules that seem impossible to make sense of on your own. ERISA is supposed to protect your benefits, but actually using those protections can be difficult without guidance.
This is where Feldman Legal Group and Mitchell Feldman step in. When employers or insurance companies ignore their obligations, we push back. We request the documents you are entitled to, evaluate how the plan handled your claim, and challenge decisions that violate ERISA. For decades, we have taken on large corporations and national defense firms, and we use that experience to help workers protect the benefits they earned.
Why Do ERISA Claims Get Denied?
A denied ERISA claim in Tampa does not automatically mean you are out of options. In fact, many denials are caused by issues that can be corrected through an appeal. Sometimes a plan misreads medical records or relies on outdated policy language. Other times, important documents go missing or are not reviewed at all. Payroll mistakes (such as failing to credit overtime or misclassifying an employee) can also affect whether someone qualifies for benefits.
Denials can also occur when a plan administrator takes an overly narrow view of the information you provided. However, many ERISA denials have solutions once someone looks closely at the details. Hiring an attorney with experience in ERISA appeals may be essential to your claim.
How Does the ERISA Appeals Process Work?
ERISA requires employers and plan administrators to allow you to challenge a denied ERISA claim, but the process is technical. Once you receive the denial letter, the clock starts. In many cases, ERISA plans give you 180 days to file an appeal in Tampa. However, missing that deadline could prevent you from pursuing the case before a judge later. The denial letter should explain why your claim was rejected, list the plan provisions the administrator relied on, and tell you how to request your claim file.
Your first step is to obtain your file. The file may include internal notes, emails, medical reviews, payroll records, and opinions from third-party reviewers. During the appeals stage, you have the right to add evidence, which is important to your appeal. Courts review ERISA cases based on what is in the administrative record, so this is your chance to submit anything that strengthens your claim.
Once your appeal is submitted, the plan must review it with new decision-makers who were not involved in the original denial. They must also follow strict timelines. If the plan still upholds the denial, you may be able to take the case to federal court. At that point, you are asking a judge to review whether the plan violated ERISA.
Do You Need a Lawyer for an ERISA Appeal?
Appealing a denied ERISA claim in Tampa can be complex, especially when the plan administrator uses technical language or vague explanations. A lawyer skilled in ERISA matters can prepare a complete appeal that addresses every issue raised in the denial. At Feldman Legal Group, Mitchell Feldman can request documents, analyze the plan’s rules, and challenge improper decisions.
Take Action Today if Your ERISA Claim Was Denied In Tampa
Dealing with Tampa ERISA claim denials and appeals can be stressful. However, a strong appeal can reverse a denial, protect your rights, and hold your employer accountable. If you received a denial or are struggling to get clear answers about your benefits, contact Mitchell Feldman at Feldman Legal Group today for guidance.
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