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What Is an ERISA Attorney and When Do You Need One? (2025 Guide for Texas Employees)

If you’re dealing with denied disability benefits or worried about your retirement plan being mishandled, you might be looking for an ERISA attorney—even if you’re not sure what that means yet.

ERISA law is complicated, but if your benefits are at risk, the right legal help can make all the difference.

Here’s what ERISA is, what ERISA attorneys do, and when it’s time to call one.

What Is ERISA?

ERISA stands for the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. It’s a federal law that sets standards for most private employer benefit plans, including:

• Retirement and pension plans (like 401(k)s)

• Health insurance benefits

• Long-term and short-term disability benefits

• Life insurance policies through your employer

ERISA was designed to protect employees from mismanaged or unfairly denied benefits.

What Does an ERISA Attorney Do?

An ERISA attorney helps employees understand, claim, and defend their workplace benefits. Common tasks include:

• Appealing denied disability claims

• Challenging mismanagement of retirement funds

• Representing clients in lawsuits against employers or insurance companies

• Reviewing plan documents to explain your rights

• Filing ERISA-related claims in federal court

These cases often involve big insurance companies or employers with deep legal teams—so having a knowledgeable ERISA lawyer matters.

Common ERISA Disputes

Here are the most common issues an ERISA lawyer can help with:

1. Denied Disability Benefits

Your employer’s insurance company denies your claim, saying you’re not disabled enough—despite your doctor’s support. ERISA governs how these claims are handled and appealed.

2. Mishandled Retirement Funds

You discover that your 401(k) was mismanaged, or your pension wasn’t properly funded. ERISA requires employers to act as fiduciaries—and they can be held accountable.

3. Life Insurance or Health Benefit Denials

If your loved one had a life insurance policy through work and the claim is denied, an ERISA attorney can fight back.

Why ERISA Cases Are So Complicated

Unlike other employment law cases, ERISA claims:

• Are usually handled in federal court

• Often don’t allow for jury trials

• Limit the types of damages you can recover

• Have very strict appeal deadlines (sometimes as short as 180 days)

You don’t want to navigate this alone.

Real-Life Example: Denied Disability, Won on Appeal

Jessica worked for a large tech company and developed a chronic illness. Her long-term disability benefits were denied. The insurer claimed she could still work from home.

With help from an ERISA attorney, Jessica appealed the decision with detailed medical evidence. Her benefits were eventually approved—and backpay was issued.

When to Call an ERISA Attorney

Reach out if:

• You were denied long-term or short-term disability

• Your 401(k) or pension funds were mismanaged

• You lost health or life insurance benefits unexpectedly

• You’re confused by your benefits plan and need guidance

Time is critical in ERISA cases—don’t wait until it’s too late.

How The Lange Firm Can Help

At The Lange Firm, we help Texas workers:

• Appeal denied ERISA benefits

• Sue for benefits under federal law

• Understand complicated plan documents

• Hold employers and insurers accountable

We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and help you fight for the benefits you earned.

Final Takeaway

ERISA laws protect your benefits—but they’re complex and hard to enforce without help.

If your claim was denied or your retirement plan is in trouble, talk to an experienced ERISA attorney today.

Contact The Lange Firm to protect your rights and your future.