Employee benefits are a crucial component of an employee's overall compensation package. These packages typically provide financial security, healthcare coverage, and other valuable resources that contribute to an employee's well-being and work-life balance.
At Lebau & Neuworth, our experienced employee benefits lawyers are dedicated to protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the full range of benefits you are entitled to. We are one of a very firm law firms representing employees and plan participants in litigation to vindicate their rights under the Employee Retirement Security Act (“ERISA”). We have recovered millions of dollars in ERISA lawsuits for the benefit of employees and plan participants when employers and plan sponsors misuse plan funds, breach their fiduciary duty, and/or refuse to provide plan document.
Contact us today to speak with an attorney.
Understanding Employee Benefits
Employee benefits encompass a wide array of offerings provided to employees in addition to their salary. These benefits can include:
- Health Insurance: Coverage for medical, dental, and vision care. Maryland has its own health insurance marketplace, Maryland Health Connection, which offers a variety of plans for individuals and families.
- Retirement Plans: 401(k)s, pensions, and other retirement savings plans.
- Disability Insurance: Income replacement if you become unable to work due to illness or injury. Maryland provides short-term disability benefits through its unemployment insurance program.
- Paid Time Off: Vacation time, sick leave, and other paid time off benefits. Maryland has a paid sick leave law that requires employers with 15 or more employees to provide paid sick leave.
Maryland Wage Payment and Collection Law: This law requires employers to pay wages promptly and prohibits deductions from wages without the employee's consent. This law also covers timely payment of accrued vacation upon separation from employment.
The Importance of Legal Counsel for Employee Benefits
Navigating the complexities of employee benefits can be challenging. Laws and regulations governing these benefits are constantly evolving, and employers may not always provide clear and accurate information. An experienced employee benefits lawyer can help you understand your rights, ensure you receive the benefits you are entitled to, and resolve any disputes that may arise.
Your Advocate for Employee Benefits
At Lebau & Neuworth, we are committed to ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the full benefits you deserve, providing you with peace of mind in navigating complex benefit systems. Our employee benefits lawyers have extensive experience representing clients in a wide range of benefit-related matters, including:
- ERISA Claims: We handle claims under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), which governs many employer-sponsored benefit plans.
- Disability Claims: We assist clients in obtaining disability benefits from employer-sponsored plans, private insurance policies, and Social Security.
- Retirement Plan Disputes: We resolve disputes related to retirement plan benefits, including eligibility, vesting, and distribution issues.
- Health Insurance Denials: We fight for clients whose health insurance claims have been denied.
- Benefit Negotiation: We negotiate favorable benefit packages for employees during contract negotiations.
- Benefit Litigation: We represent clients in court to protect their benefit rights.
- Maryland-Specific Benefit Issues: We advise and represent clients on issues related to Maryland's unique employee benefit laws, such as the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act and the Maryland Small Business Retirement Savings Program.
Let our experienced team advocate for you, helping you secure the vital benefits that contribute to your financial stability and well-being.
How an Employee Benefits Lawyer Can Help You
Navigating the complexities of employee benefits can be overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. An experienced employee benefits lawyer can provide invaluable assistance by:
- Reviewing Your Benefit Plan Documents: We carefully analyze your benefit plan documents to ensure you understand your rights and obligations.
- Advising on Benefit Options: We provide expert guidance on your benefit options, helping you make informed decisions about your coverage.
- Negotiating Benefit Packages: We negotiate with employers to secure the most advantageous benefit packages for you.
- Filing Benefit Claims: We assist you in filing benefit claims and ensure your claims are processed correctly.
- Appealing Benefit Denials: We represent you in appealing benefit denials and fight for the benefits you deserve.
- Protecting Your Rights: We safeguard your interests throughout the benefit claim process, ensuring your rights are protected and you receive the benefits you are entitled to.
Ultimately, an employee benefits lawyer serves as your advocate, empowering you to access the full range of benefits you've earned and deserve.
Common Employee Benefit Disputes
Even with well-intentioned employers, disputes can arise regarding employee benefits. Some common types of disputes include:
- Disability Benefit Denials: Insurance companies may deny disability claims based on insufficient medical evidence or other reasons.
- Retirement Plan Errors: Employers may make mistakes in calculating retirement plan benefits or fail to provide required information to participants.
- Health Insurance Coverage Disputes: Disputes may arise over coverage for specific medical treatments or procedures.
- COBRA Continuation Coverage Issues: Employees may encounter problems with COBRA continuation coverage, such as eligibility or cost.
- Discrimination in Benefit Plans: Employers may discriminate against employees in providing benefits based on age, gender, or other protected characteristics.
These disputes underscore the importance of understanding your benefit rights and having access to legal counsel to ensure fair and equitable resolution.
Lebau & Neuworth: Your Trusted Partner for Employee Benefit Matters
At Lebau & Neuworth, we understand the importance of employee benefits in providing financial security and peace of mind. Our dedicated team of employee benefits lawyers is committed to protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the full range of benefits you are entitled to. We will work tirelessly to advocate for your interests, resolve any benefit disputes, and help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Contact Us Today
Don't let benefit issues overwhelm you. Contact Lebau & Neuworth today for a confidential consultation with an experienced employee benefits lawyer. We will review your situation, answer your questions, and provide expert guidance on your legal options.
