Month: December 2020
Bully Meets Match: ERISA Loses in a Divorce 401(k) Dispute
Despite the brutal and unfair power of the ERISA statute, teaming up with the bully to win your case does not ensure a win. Even bullies can lose (… remember David and Goliath?) In the Alabama case Nord v. Nord,
Cheatin’, Lyin’ & Mental Stamina: A Story of Pain
Some folks struggle with chronic pain, pain which is regular, maybe even daily. When it becomes severe and frequent, it will mentally wear them down. While they can try to alleviate or lessen some of the pain with medication, often
Happy Holidays & Merry Christmas from The Martin Law Group!
Christmas is about gifts – giving and receiving. Big gifts and small gifts. Meaningful gifts and stocking stuffers. The gift of good food, holiday cheer, and Christmas bonuses. It’s the challenge of finding that perfect gift for someone who has
Avoid the Sinking Sand of ERISA in Workers’ Compensation Cases
Workers’ compensation cases can be very hard on injured workers. Though many injuries result in the inability to perform light duty or any accommodated job, companies dispute liability. This can result in no income for an extended period. What is
ERISA Cards: Does a Clinical Consultant Trump a Treating Doctor?
In the recent case, Bayer v. Unum Life Insurance Company of America, et al., No. CV 18-9702, 2020 WL 2558218 (E.D. La. May 20, 2020), Judge Fallon addressed whether an insurance company could rely on the conclusions of its clinical
Employer Games: Hide & Seek with Employee Health Benefits
ERISA cases are full of games – games plan administrators play to avoid liability. The latest example from the Middle District of Alabama involves the failure to give notice that the employee has been terminated (which means the employee no
Alabama State Bar Appoints Clay Williams to Newly-Created Specialization & Certification Task Force
Senior Attorney Clay Williams was recently appointed to serve on the Alabama State Bar’s (ASB) newly-created Specialization & Certification Task Force by ASB President Bob Methvin. The Alabama Supreme Court passed rules regarding Specialization in 1994. Since that time, these
Best Lawyers 2020 “Women in the Law” Business Edition Names Ariel Blocker Top Woman Attorney
For the 2020 “Women in the Law” Business Edition, Best Lawyers named Martin Law Group Senior Attorney Ariel Blocker a Top Woman Attorney in Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law. According to data collected by Best Lawyers over the past five years,
Martin Law Group Receives Top Rankings in 2021 U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” Rankings
The Martin Law Group is pleased to announce its recognition by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” as a Tier 1 firm in Birmingham for Litigation – ERISA in 2021. Now in its 11th edition,