Employee Benefits
Serving Pension and Welfare Plans as Fund Counsel
The attorneys in Schuchat, Cook & Werner’s Employee Benefits Group represent jointly administered, collectively bargained Taft-Hartley and government sponsored pension, welfare and other benefit funds (“multiemployer plans”) in various capacities. Together, the law firm has more than 70 combined years of experience in the employee benefits field, serving as fund counsel and special benefits counsel for more than 50 pension, welfare and other multiemployer plans in Missouri and Illinois as well as several regional and national multiemployer plans. Some of our attorneys have been admitted to honorary organizations, including the American College of Employee Benefits Counsel, and have served as Chairs of the American Bar Association’s Labor and Employment Employee Benefit Committee.
Representing Taft-Hartley Benefit Plans
Employee benefits are governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), the Internal Revenue Code, COBRA, HIPAA, the Pension Protection Act, the Affordable Care Act, and other federal and state laws. The complex regulations and requirements of these laws require knowledgeable legal guidance. We assist our multiemployer plan clients in all aspects, from drafting plan documents, to plan administration and litigation. We can help you to comply with existing and new laws regulating multiemployer plans and represent you before government agencies regulating multiemployer plans, such as the Department of Labor and the Internal Revenue Service.
The attorneys in the Employee Benefits Group also serve as special benefits counsel in various capacities, including assisting with plan transactions, compliance issues, opinion letters, arbitration of deadlocked disputes between plan fiduciaries and as expert witnesses.
Employee Benefits Group Attorneys
Representing Multiemployer Plan Fiduciaries
Our attorneys understand the issues that can arise from the operation of an multiemployer plan. We have experience in a wide range of disputes and transactions involving these plans including delinquent contribution claims, withdrawal liability, recovery of fund losses, subrogation, breach of fiduciary duty claims, and challenges to plan rules. We regularly advise clients on their responsibilities as benefit plan fiduciaries.
Health Insurance and Pension Benefit Claims
Our Employee Benefits Group represents individuals in disputes with employer-sponsored pension benefits and employer-sponsored and individual health plans. Many current employees and retirees depend on these plans for medical benefits, pensions, and other employee benefits. State and federal laws such as ERISA and COBRA exist to protect employees from being improperly denied benefits. We have the resources and the experience necessary to handle complex litigation regarding any employee benefit concern.
Improperly Denied Benefits
An individual who has been denied benefits is entitled to legal representation. The attorneys in our Employee Benefits Group approach each client and case individually with dedication, tenacity and creativity. We pride ourselves on responsive service and accessibility. If your employer or plan has reduced or denied your rightful benefits, we can help you protect your interests. If you are negotiating with your employer or plan or have a dispute and need assistance regarding your pension or health insurance, you should speak to one of the knowledgeable attorneys in our Employee Benefits Group as soon as possible.
Note: The attorneys in our Employee Benefits Group do not represent individuals in disputes involving multiemployer plans and their fiduciaries.
Get in Touch With Our Employee Benefits Group
If you have a question regarding employee benefits, contact us online or call 314-732-1127 or 888-365-0445 or visit us on Facebook.
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