tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39398001521066521432024-03-05T04:51:35.330-08:00ERISAdvocateWelcome to the exciting world of ERISA! This blog is written by attorneys Kate MacKinnon and Sarah Demers at the Law Office of Katherine L. MacKinnon. Here, we'll talk about ERISA: updates on employee benefit law, information we hope people who have been denied benefits will find helpful, and any news or tidbits we think should be shared with the world. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00736969523390726637noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939800152106652143.post-58209899567678364882017-12-11T08:59:00.001-08:002017-12-11T13:36:52.431-08:00Denials for Experimental or Investigational Medical ServicesA common reason health care claims are denied is that the service is experimental or investigational. Each health insurance policy defines "experimental" differently, but basically the health insurer is saying hat the treatment is not proven to treat the medical condition the patient suffers from.<br />
<br />
These denials can be devastating because the patient may have already exhausted other treatment choices. She may have been told by her treating doctor that this particular treatment is the best one for her particular health condition. These are also very hard denials to overturn because what treatments are <span style="font-family: inherit;">"experimental" is generally decided by the health insurer without having to defer to the treating doctor's opinion.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">CNN posted a recent article about individuals with serious seizure disorders who want to get ablation surgery - a minor brain surgery to treat lesions on the brain causing seizures. The alternative surgery is much more invasive and dangerous. Aetna, the health insurer for the individuals, denied the claims for ablation surgery, stating that it is experimental.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #262626;">The laser surgery is approved by the Food and Drug Administration and is widely recognized within the epilepsy community as an effective treatment alternative to open brain surgery, especially when the location of seizure activity can be pinpointed to a specific part of the brain. </span></span><span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #262626; font-family: inherit;">Dr. Jamie Van Gompel, a neurosurgeon at the Mayo Clinic, disputes Aetna's assessment. He is not involved in Cara's care nor Rittereiser's treatment, but he said Aetna's assessment is wrong.</span><span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #262626; font-family: inherit;">"I would not call it experimental at all," said Van Gompel, who is leading a clinical trial on the surgery at Mayo as part of a larger national study. "It's definitely not an experimental procedure. There've been thousands of patients treated with it. It's FDA-approved. There's a lot of data out there to suggest it's effective for epilepsy."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #262626; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #262626;"><span style="background-color: #fefefe;">Read the whole article here: "</span></span><span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #262626; font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2017/12/11/health/aetna-surgery-denied-for-girl/index.html" target="_blank">Girl has blunt message for Aetna after her brain surgery request was denied</a>"</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00736969523390726637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939800152106652143.post-10273059555121082692017-11-14T12:24:00.003-08:002017-11-14T12:24:56.247-08:00Class Action ERISA case against UnitedHealth Group <div style="text-align: justify;">
Medical insurance plans and policies only cover health care that is "medically necessary". Different plans define "medically necessary" in different ways, and health insurance companies often have to come up with some internal guidelines about what type of treatment will be covered for certain conditions, and when different treatment must be sought first.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is difficult in claims involving mental health and substance abuse. Recently, a class action lawsuit was filed against United Behavioral Health ("UBH") asserting that the guidelines being used to deny claims were not in line with standard medical practice. The plaintiffs allege that UBH guidelines required claimants to receive a lower level of medical care than should have been given to them considering their medical conditions. </div>
<br />
Read more here at California Labor Law News: <a href="https://calaborlawnews.com/legal-news/erisa-lawsuit-employee-retirement-income-9-22711.php" target="_blank">click for article</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00736969523390726637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939800152106652143.post-27682453740816709322017-09-22T10:46:00.000-07:002017-09-22T10:46:17.499-07:00What is a Life Waiver of Premium benefit?A "Life Waiver of Premium" benefit - also called an "LWOP" benefit- is a provision that is commonly included in life insurance policies which waives the premiums normally required to maintain life insurance coverage for insureds who are disabled.<br />
<br />
This benefit is extremely important to a disabled person because often based on her medical history, she will be unable to obtain life insurance coverage elsewhere in the free market. She also may not be able to return to work and obtain group term life insurance coverage through an employer.<br />
<br />
Each life insurance policy that has an LWOP benefit will define "disabled". The insured needs to meet this definition to qualify to have her life insurance premiums waived. Usually the standard for being disabled is very high - for example, being unable to work in any job for any wages.<br />
<br />
If you make a claim for LWOP benefits and the claim is denied, or if you were receiving an LWOP benefit and your benefit is terminated, if your claim is governed by ERISA you have the right to appeal that decision. Even if your claim is not governed by ERISA, your life insurance contract may allow you to appeal that decision to the insurer. You may want to hire an attorney to help with that appeal.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://katemackinnon.com/?page_id=86" target="_blank">Contact the Law Office of Katherine L. MacKinnon</a> for more information!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00736969523390726637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939800152106652143.post-27100159867849960172017-06-30T14:29:00.004-07:002017-06-30T14:30:30.356-07:00NY Times Article: Spouse's Consent is Required to Change Retirement Account Beneficiary This article in the New York Times addresses the requirement that a spouse be informed of a change in beneficiary and consent to that change:<br />
<br />
<b>"<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;">WHY does a married person who has certain kinds of retirement</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;">accounts have to get his or her spouse’s permission to change the beneficiary of those accounts?</span></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;"><b>And why does a married person who is about to start receiving a pension have to get spousal permission to select a payment option that will not give the spouse at least half of those benefits for life if the pensioner dies first?</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;"><b>The short answer to both questions is, because the law says so. A longer answer came when President Ronald Reagan signed that law, the Retirement Equity Act of 1984.</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;"><b>“No longer will one member of a married couple be able to sign away survivor benefits for the other,” Mr. Reagan said, explaining that “a spouse’s written consent now will be required on any decision not to provide survivors’ protection.”</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;">Check out the whole article <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/12/business/retirementspecial/spouses-consent-is-required-to-change-retirement-account-beneficiary.html?mcubz=1" target="_blank">here</a></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00736969523390726637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939800152106652143.post-61073044493557988942016-11-28T10:21:00.001-08:002016-11-28T10:22:40.742-08:00Kate and Sarah honored as Volunteer Attorneys of the Year by Cancer Legal LineKate and I are proud to be honored by the Cancer Legal Line as Volunteer Attorneys of the Year. The Cancer Legal Line does a wonderful job providing legal advice to cancer patients, survivors, and their families. Check our Cancer Legal Line <a href="http://cancerlegalline.org/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6HVLuU8eKvEGsFSGz5M-51RMnmRp3smTaY2sUBJdbGFeiXxpMDSlzb2wxhxRbG6vsnCECsWIyPflUw2_TIEwkE4B5XX5MH4EZaCD6q_dwdoLDaS0Hn-n8nWtrAL8LXND6ac_TgilOgtk/s1600/CLL+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6HVLuU8eKvEGsFSGz5M-51RMnmRp3smTaY2sUBJdbGFeiXxpMDSlzb2wxhxRbG6vsnCECsWIyPflUw2_TIEwkE4B5XX5MH4EZaCD6q_dwdoLDaS0Hn-n8nWtrAL8LXND6ac_TgilOgtk/s320/CLL+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-Q8di8bTh2UlDrn1Gb1Z_RJVZ6YAVoSYnATecgKu6NX4HLwN6KhodoI9UdRVNQ8X_NNi_cvTI_Yqow2Gselapy9StBEhDCRVAcJb_Y7gHltZvXQitb8MNoGwNmXH2xLERM_Fg8kvQgI/s1600/CLL+%25234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-Q8di8bTh2UlDrn1Gb1Z_RJVZ6YAVoSYnATecgKu6NX4HLwN6KhodoI9UdRVNQ8X_NNi_cvTI_Yqow2Gselapy9StBEhDCRVAcJb_Y7gHltZvXQitb8MNoGwNmXH2xLERM_Fg8kvQgI/s320/CLL+%25234.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOYrE5pU1WGVm7nTegJYurVePBJoevhzhMrKSSxWxU_74Da8nQBxHnPDyH4blX_xZdV6zUBkT2B8FTeH17D_mTj7AX3ZRNdyR8ay2fVJaNzkjnFm0Z27EpwpwU2GxVMR2dmgDjk5BzWjM/s1600/CLL+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOYrE5pU1WGVm7nTegJYurVePBJoevhzhMrKSSxWxU_74Da8nQBxHnPDyH4blX_xZdV6zUBkT2B8FTeH17D_mTj7AX3ZRNdyR8ay2fVJaNzkjnFm0Z27EpwpwU2GxVMR2dmgDjk5BzWjM/s320/CLL+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00736969523390726637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939800152106652143.post-82993068304099476592016-11-28T10:14:00.002-08:002016-11-28T10:15:21.432-08:00Kate presenting - "Effect of New Administration"Kate is presenting today on a webcast for Minnesota CLE on the "Effect of the New Administration" specifically on the U.S. Supreme Court. Catch it <a href="https://www.minncle.org/SeminarDetail.aspx?ID=1216191701" target="_blank">here</a> if you missed it!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00736969523390726637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939800152106652143.post-80608111976107797972016-06-01T13:30:00.000-07:002016-06-01T13:31:45.858-07:00Assumptions, Calculations, and Formulas: Are My Benefit Payments Being Calculated Correctly?<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> The letter finally arrived from the insurance company
letting you know you will begin receiving monthly disability benefit payments. A week or so later, a check arrives in the
mail. The check is in an amount less
than your normal paycheck. You knew
disability benefits were only a percentage of your pre-disability income, so
this is not surprising. You deposit the
check, assuming the insurance company has correctly calculated what you are
entitled to receive. Should you be doing
more to check the amount of the payment?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> How the insurance company or plan administrator
interprets your disability insurance policy or plan to create a formula to
calculate your monthly benefit amount can make a significant difference in the
amount of benefits you will receive. The
inputs that determine your monthly benefit are generally: your pre-disability income,
the benefit percentage, and your offsets. But the insurance company decides, based on
the language in your policy, what is considered pre-disability income and what
is an offset. Moreover, the insurance
company/plan administrator decides how these calculations are done and in what
order.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <b><u>What is the
benefit percentage?</u></b> Most
policies and plans provide for a disability benefit payment that is a
percentage of pre-disability income.
What percentage is used depends on the policy/plan language and what
elections you made at the time you enrolled in the plan or signed up for the
insurance. Always double-check that the
insurer is applying the correct percentage.
For example, if your policy provides a basic benefit of 50% and an
optional additional benefit of 65%, make sure that you get paid based on the
higher percentage if you elected it and paid premiums for it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <b><u>What is “pre-disability
income”</u></b>? The next step is to define your pre-disability income because
the benefit is going to be a percentage of that amount. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For
many people, calculating pre-disability income is simple. It is the employee’s hourly wage or annual
salary. But for some people, how to calculate
pre-disability income is less clear. For
example, with a salesperson, are his/her commissions “income” or is “income”
only the hourly base wage? Likewise, for
a server in a restaurant, are tips “income?” What about a doctor who teaches a class in
addition to his/her clinical practice, is the money gained from teaching used
to calculate “income?” What about
bonuses? Whether or not these things are
considered as part of pre-disability income could dramatically impact the
amount of disability benefits.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What are “offsets”</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">?
Disability benefit payments will usually be reduced by income the individual
receives from other sources while disabled. Common examples of this would be Social
Security Disability Insurance benefits received by the individual or his/her
dependents, disability benefits from individual policies, or pension benefits. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Your
disability policy defines what income sources are considered “offsets,” and whether
the amount you receive will be reduced by these “offsets.” Sometimes it is unclear whether something you
have received will be considered an offset. For example, if you were disabled because of a
car accident and you received money from a lawsuit based on the car accident,
is that money an offset to your disability benefit payments? What if you had to pay an attorney to
represent you in the lawsuit, will your disability benefit only be offset by
the amount you actually received from the lawsuit or will the attorney’s fee
also be an offset?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The order of operations
is important</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">. The “order of operations” – the order
in which these calculations are done-- also impacts your benefit amount. For example, if your policy increases your
monthly benefit over time to account for inflation (a cost of living
adjustment), is that adjustment applied to your <i>gross benefit</i> (before offsets are applied) <u>or</u> to your <i>net benefit</i> (after offsets are deducted)?
Over time, this can cause a dramatic
difference in the amount of your monthly disability benefit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The point is…</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
These are some decisions that are made by the insurance company, based on the
language in the policy, as to how your monthly benefit is calculated. When you begin receiving benefits, if you have
any questions about how your benefit was calculated you can ask the insurance
company for an explanation of how it calculated your monthly benefit amount. If you disagree with how the benefit was
calculated, you may be able to appeal to the insurance company and explain why
your benefit should be calculated differently. If you do not raise a concern about how your
benefit was calculated when you first begin receiving benefits, you might waive
this objection and be prevented from disputing the calculations at a later
date. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Contact
an attorney specializing in employee benefits and ERISA law if you have
questions about whether your benefit was calculated correctly based on the
language in your policy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00736969523390726637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939800152106652143.post-56195855020434808742016-02-10T08:01:00.001-08:002016-02-26T12:01:41.838-08:00Open House Success!The Law Office of Katherine L. MacKinnon has been open for 20 years. We thought this deserved a celebration! Thank you to everyone who was able to attend - we had a lovely time showing off our new office space and celebrating 20 years of serving clients.<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7-RbxJipyFTFLhGmD9-vuFO-xkriY20pQJELTZqF6hk33sq4PgSsFfjsW5wIPs-kVLD77zQvRmois3MSvLwB3iNaFUAuyEZ2dQpiMLn-ebe_zY-SZNRPkrdHg26K0vkYsFRkBFXqBDs/s1600/open+house+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7-RbxJipyFTFLhGmD9-vuFO-xkriY20pQJELTZqF6hk33sq4PgSsFfjsW5wIPs-kVLD77zQvRmois3MSvLwB3iNaFUAuyEZ2dQpiMLn-ebe_zY-SZNRPkrdHg26K0vkYsFRkBFXqBDs/s320/open+house+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPhB5o9URjafJuXgwjy_eGDRtTalpAavSdi0GNkVyk4zh5qTBTH__sjACDkCUDYjmoHnzZrVpUe2uuyURofh9HgryF-IJyx3NS6AszQPR4rydWjkG4opjwTzmZGb8EzrGSEiW5cHibJTA/s1600/open+house+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPhB5o9URjafJuXgwjy_eGDRtTalpAavSdi0GNkVyk4zh5qTBTH__sjACDkCUDYjmoHnzZrVpUe2uuyURofh9HgryF-IJyx3NS6AszQPR4rydWjkG4opjwTzmZGb8EzrGSEiW5cHibJTA/s320/open+house+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScDTrSltSeXoW2D3kTlkVqCVhqBy-g-4D_2YjuSUgcipFVdlJih4eNRuBRgOm-BQOI3RzcbOKvBXq_SiKKONzKoTPTu9uNyrv0FmLjoqEjh6zCXUW6Y9cw_jPDe4BpJXF9IByALHTpdc/s1600/open+house+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScDTrSltSeXoW2D3kTlkVqCVhqBy-g-4D_2YjuSUgcipFVdlJih4eNRuBRgOm-BQOI3RzcbOKvBXq_SiKKONzKoTPTu9uNyrv0FmLjoqEjh6zCXUW6Y9cw_jPDe4BpJXF9IByALHTpdc/s320/open+house+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKr3Hz8406wFKpgIRIE1sGNVPVrkdzMEOAuB8EYlPzv-5IF4EIZSkfxVDuBBwcacKTSGOXnwsodNLNFTfOcKAsj9hqgeWE49X-nC6jenVWqpKX4J-6liVx2XhdtRSHwzA-kxaPLc6wvwY/s1600/open+house+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKr3Hz8406wFKpgIRIE1sGNVPVrkdzMEOAuB8EYlPzv-5IF4EIZSkfxVDuBBwcacKTSGOXnwsodNLNFTfOcKAsj9hqgeWE49X-nC6jenVWqpKX4J-6liVx2XhdtRSHwzA-kxaPLc6wvwY/s320/open+house+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00736969523390726637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939800152106652143.post-57429025511045691452015-12-29T08:41:00.000-08:002016-02-26T12:01:24.456-08:00Office is Moving!Our office has moved to St. Paul in the Midway area. Our new address is:<br />
<br />
2356 University Ave. West #230<br />
St. Paul, MN 55114<br />
<br />
We are keeping our same phone number (952-915-9215). Give us a call to schedule an appointment!<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00736969523390726637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939800152106652143.post-50308357881525485432015-12-02T09:40:00.000-08:002015-12-04T11:07:31.673-08:00Life insurance beneficiary forms - common mistakesFilling out the beneficiary form for your life insurance can be more tricky than you think. There are several common mistakes, including:<br />
<ul>
<li><u><b>Naming a minor child without designating how the money should be distributed</b></u>. Money cannot be given directly to a minor child. It needs to be placed in a trust account or special account for minors such as an UTMA or UGMA account. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><u><b>Forgetting to update the beneficiary form</b></u>. An insurance policy is a contract, and the money will generally be distributed how your beneficiary form says it should be done. If you have your wife as your beneficiary, and get divorced but forget to change the beneficiary designation, usually the proceeds will go to your ex-wife. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><u><b>Only naming one beneficiary</b></u>. If you only name one beneficiary, and that person predeceases you, there will be no beneficiary. Make sure to name at least one secondary beneficiary.</li>
</ul>
<br />
The problems caused by a mistake on a beneficiary form will not impact you, but will greatly impact those you love.<br />
<br />
Check out more tips in <a href="http://www.nasdaq.com/article/naming-life-insurance-beneficiaries-10-ways-to-screw-up-cm246776" target="_blank">this article</a>.<br />
<br />
We advise both insureds and beneficiaries who have questions or problems with life insurance. <a href="http://katemackinnon.com/?page_id=86" target="_blank">Contact our office</a> if you would like more information. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00736969523390726637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939800152106652143.post-18521176571521724402015-11-13T09:27:00.003-08:002015-12-04T11:08:10.190-08:00Star Tribune Article on Disabled Adults As attorneys who represent persons with varying disabilities, a recent article in the Star Tribune discussing the menial jobs given to people with disabilities was heartbreaking. The article talks about "sheltered workshops", where workers are paid wages for below the minimum wage and given tasks that are menial and unrewarding.<br />
<br />
<div style="font-size: 100%;">
<i>"Many states, inspired by a new civil rights
movement to integrate the disabled into mainstream life, are shuttering
places like this. Not Minnesota. It still subsidizes nearly 300
sheltered workshops and is now among the most segregated states in the
nation for working people with intellectual disabilities.</i></div>
<div style="font-size: 100%;">
<br /></div>
<i>
</i><div style="font-size: 100%;">
<i>The workshops are part of a larger patchwork
of state policies that are stranding legions of disabled Minnesotans on
grim margins of society. More than a decade after the U.S. Supreme
Court ruled that Americans with disabilities have a right to live in the
mainstream, many disabled Minnesotans and their families say they still
feel forsaken — mired in profoundly isolating and sometimes dangerous
environments they didn’t choose and can’t escape."</i></div>
<br />
Full article: <a href="http://www.startribune.com/Sheltered:-How-Minnesota-is-failing-the-disabled/330695211/" target="_blank">click here</a> <br />
<br />
Hopefully the attention given to this issue will inspire some changes in how Minnesota views its responsibilities to the disabled adult residents of our state.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00736969523390726637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939800152106652143.post-22067265223442612692015-09-03T09:46:00.000-07:002015-12-04T11:07:50.409-08:00Kate talks Obergefell and same-sex marriage<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Kate recently had the opportunity to speak at Minnesota CLE about the recent decision in <i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Obergefell v. Hodges</span></i><span style="line-height: 115%;">, 576 U.S. ___, 135 S. Ct. 2584, 192 L.Ed. 2d
609 (6/26/15).</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">In the ground-breaking decision, <span style="line-height: 115%;">Justice
Anthony Kennedy, writing for the Court’s majority, held that the Due Process
and Equal Protection Clauses afford same-sex couples the fundamental right to
marry in all states.<span> </span>Additionally, the Supreme
Court majority held that the same constitutional protections require a state to
recognize a same-sex marriage lawfully licensed by and performed in another
state.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Kate discussed the reasoning behind the decision and its implications on other areas of law such as employee benefits and religious expression.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">You can see the telecast of the live CLE on September 3, 2015. For more information go to: <a href="https://www.minncle.org/SeminarDetail.aspx?ID=151111601" target="_blank">Minnesota CLE video replay</a> </span> </span></span></span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00736969523390726637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939800152106652143.post-89507807721974864922015-08-27T09:30:00.001-07:002015-12-04T11:08:20.676-08:00ERISA is a current hot topic in the federal courts!There has been a considerable amount of interest recently in ERISA at all levels of the federal courts. Having a lawyer who understands and can navigate this complicated and changing area is critical to whether your case will be successful.<br />
<br />
This article discusses why a business should hire experienced ERISA lawyers:<br />
<h1 id="articleTitle">
<a href="http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=137778d9-3495-42ac-83ff-14b16ae1f945" target="_blank">Top 10 reasons to have an ERISA litigator on speed dial</a></h1>
<h1 id="articleTitle">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Although we represent claimants, the reasons behind hiring a lawyer who understands ERISA are still on point. It is exciting to hear that ERISA is such a hot topic!</span></span></h1>
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00736969523390726637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939800152106652143.post-10876658040441470452015-06-04T14:34:00.000-07:002015-12-04T11:08:01.436-08:00Kate and Sarah are North Star Lawyers!Kate and Sarah were recognized as North Star Lawyers for providing pro bono service to those in need of legal service but unable to afford it. Here we are holding the announcement in the Star Tribune:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7HMUVHBLx_iNCMOmRaFISNh4dFwiU86BTvAq_c4ELr_LgaWX_u9-Tfna0Zb7as2-E_0ncoFXG-P3VLb2moo8wH8OOOX355xa7Cxg-n_i7QHF9aOLMwvBHGFWJHIiKxi8GFAwru_lWHgI/s1600/north+star+lawyers+photo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7HMUVHBLx_iNCMOmRaFISNh4dFwiU86BTvAq_c4ELr_LgaWX_u9-Tfna0Zb7as2-E_0ncoFXG-P3VLb2moo8wH8OOOX355xa7Cxg-n_i7QHF9aOLMwvBHGFWJHIiKxi8GFAwru_lWHgI/s400/north+star+lawyers+photo+2.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00736969523390726637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939800152106652143.post-4252784887594380492015-05-28T07:42:00.000-07:002015-05-28T07:43:03.198-07:00FAQ: When should I get an attorney involved in my disability/life insurance/pension issue?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There
are three common times when you should think about involving an attorney in your ERISA
employee benefits dispute or claim: (1) when submitting an application for
benefits, (2) after the denial of benefits, and (3) at the commencement of
litigation. Here is why you might choose to retain an attorney at any one of
these times.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>You
might decide to hire an attorney to submit your application or claim for
benefits. This is a good strategy if you have a complicated situation or issue
that may affect your application. One example might be if you are applying for long-term
disability benefits after being terminated from employment or quitting from
your job. Another example might be if your disabling condition is complicated
your application for disability benefits may require some explanation as to why
you can no longer perform you job. Applications are time consuming and
complicated, so sometimes people hire an attorney to handle the application
because he or she does not have the time or energy to devote to making sure the
insurer receives all the information necessary. As long as your benefit plan is
governed by ERISA, you will be allowed a chance to appeal any decision made by
the plan administrator that is adverse to you, so many claimants choose to
apply for benefits on their own and then hire an attorney only if they are
denied.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
most common time individuals hire an attorney is after he or she has had a pension,
life insurance, or disability benefit denied. The attorney can then submit an
administrative appeal for the claimant. An administrative appeal is a written
appeal to the plan administrator explaining why the decision to deny benefits
was wrong, and submitting any new evidence in support of the claim. An
administrative appeal is VERY important, because once it is submitted you are frequently
no longer allowed to submit any new evidence to support your claim to the
insurer. Generally, it is best to consult an attorney when submitting your
administrative appeal, so you can be sure the evidence in the administrative
record (everything submitted to the plan administrator by you, and everything
the plan administrator gathers or creates on its own in regards to your claim)
is as complete as possible so the insurer can make a full and fair review of
your claim for benefits.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Once
you have completed all your administrative appeals, the only option to pursue
your case further is usually to bring a lawsuit in federal court. At this
phase, you should almost always hire an attorney to represent you in your case.
ERISA cases have complex legal issues like how much deference should be given
to the insurer’s decision. It is best to have good legal representation once
litigation begins.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00736969523390726637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939800152106652143.post-8103381222286931912015-03-31T12:46:00.000-07:002015-12-04T11:08:28.218-08:00Article about Kate in Minnesota Lawyer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGjQjo4NdiQBqqes65m8sEUdY4FNqIlkL_1ITuH5rXtSRc3wbgFMdnn6ezWcRV0gfWMisHQDDOPmsCs8oavRVZMJkt8yEf-MbhSOZAnRO0uc9tmCDcRFSIKb5Hsh-d34vmb9rWhbE9z3M/s1600/kate+headshot+atty+year+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGjQjo4NdiQBqqes65m8sEUdY4FNqIlkL_1ITuH5rXtSRc3wbgFMdnn6ezWcRV0gfWMisHQDDOPmsCs8oavRVZMJkt8yEf-MbhSOZAnRO0uc9tmCDcRFSIKb5Hsh-d34vmb9rWhbE9z3M/s1600/kate+headshot+atty+year+2014.jpg" height="176" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Fr<span style="font-family: inherit;">om the article in Min</span>nesota Lawyer about Kate:<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“'Kate MacKinnon has been a solo or very small firm lawyer for many years, a group that deserves more recognition in the legal community generally,' said Hennepin County District Court Judge Mary Vasaly, who nominated MacKinnon for Attorney of the Year. “In the many years she (MacKinnon) has practiced in this community she has demonstrated her excellence and professionalism. She focuses on ERISA and appeals, two very difficult areas, particularly for a solo practitioner.”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; color: #333333; line-height: 19.5px; list-style: none; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 1em;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"One of MacKinnon’s recent significant legal victories was a landmark reversal in an insurance coverage case. In Jacky L. Larson v. The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co., the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that the insurer acted improperly when it refused to pay the death benefit for an insured. The court said the rescission of an insurance policy 'requires proof of the insured’s subjective intent to deceive.'"</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; color: #333333; line-height: 19.5px; list-style: none; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 1em;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"MacKinnon said she loves being a lawyer because of the intellectual problems she gets to handle. “It is fascinating and interesting. It is never dull.'"</span></div>
Read more about Kate's 2014 Attorney of the Year Award in Minnesota Lawyer here: <a href="http://minnlawyer.com/2015/02/20/attorneys-of-the-year-katherine-l-mackinnon">http://minnlawyer.com/2015/02/20/attorneys-of-the-year-katherine-l-mackinnon</a>/Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00736969523390726637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939800152106652143.post-13544275759000688322015-03-11T10:41:00.000-07:002015-03-11T10:41:32.072-07:00Attorney of the Year CeremonyKate was recently recognized as an Attorney of the Year for 2014 by Minnesota Lawyer. Here are pictures of Kate receiving her award:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD1YhDUBB9o7Zy7vgmeyciBaZjywU5UeyvAh91UlgH4ZSDamyrJduwiyzBRnUIEP6kEjQUvhUOpDrGjAwSa61RhJSHED_zXTsFdGtn0shQTbCSrSSePF6Y-NNC5qcVVRLkbIUrfkH1ytc/s1600/atty+of+year+photos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD1YhDUBB9o7Zy7vgmeyciBaZjywU5UeyvAh91UlgH4ZSDamyrJduwiyzBRnUIEP6kEjQUvhUOpDrGjAwSa61RhJSHED_zXTsFdGtn0shQTbCSrSSePF6Y-NNC5qcVVRLkbIUrfkH1ytc/s1600/atty+of+year+photos.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjphTMkvs8BO3lPRTuKKTxKKO_Veq4m9roMQOUB0KwELxyExa4DZmiCAttm0byAjBEp_idGdnb-7q4Cirx3eQFrIoPWmQhCFsUOhasYTkj0JHytmxxbggWPkVOxeIYwE5V4ym0r8B2NINU/s1600/atty+of+year+photo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjphTMkvs8BO3lPRTuKKTxKKO_Veq4m9roMQOUB0KwELxyExa4DZmiCAttm0byAjBEp_idGdnb-7q4Cirx3eQFrIoPWmQhCFsUOhasYTkj0JHytmxxbggWPkVOxeIYwE5V4ym0r8B2NINU/s1600/atty+of+year+photo+2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It was a lovely ceremony. The attorneys recognized had made incredible contributions. It was a great honor, and Kate was thrilled. Thank you to everyone who has reached out with to congratulate her!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00736969523390726637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939800152106652143.post-44616461934280887732015-02-12T10:23:00.000-08:002015-03-11T10:41:47.675-07:00Unemployment Compensation Appeal Argument<span id="goog_1453296980">Here are pictures from Sarah Demers' argument at the Minnesota Court of Appeals today! The case was an appeal of a denial of unemployment compensation benefits.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKo6WMAw6ToYPBRmLQcP35tYr4oKL0vfADeqIEiGOKmXJTBuUCuRmU5NeGzkE3WHhtsTiiWU3i-eGulyv8kjwZGvr1TUbb1gVgIsfsdhu0IAbddMdTb-3HAuvnF5S5tHqH6j6Q-iWEBtE/s1600/stepnes+argument+photo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKo6WMAw6ToYPBRmLQcP35tYr4oKL0vfADeqIEiGOKmXJTBuUCuRmU5NeGzkE3WHhtsTiiWU3i-eGulyv8kjwZGvr1TUbb1gVgIsfsdhu0IAbddMdTb-3HAuvnF5S5tHqH6j6Q-iWEBtE/s1600/stepnes+argument+photo+2.jpg" height="320" width="275" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OBngJ-xmMHv93OUwqMPVYcRwbpsdZJnMhYp6dkBHNzBZ8ok86VHMuvkC7jvvVSqFoobJAmBS_lUUP5d4TsD2pmY_lnHGTa54L2GK3GTKTJ8CtkgzTZPLAeGSwl6pFFRzJIA5qMPyVR4/s1600/stepnes+argument+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OBngJ-xmMHv93OUwqMPVYcRwbpsdZJnMhYp6dkBHNzBZ8ok86VHMuvkC7jvvVSqFoobJAmBS_lUUP5d4TsD2pmY_lnHGTa54L2GK3GTKTJ8CtkgzTZPLAeGSwl6pFFRzJIA5qMPyVR4/s1600/stepnes+argument+photo.jpg" height="320" width="280" /></a><br />
<br />
<span id="goog_477124669"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_477124670"><br /><br />
</span>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00736969523390726637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939800152106652143.post-38633933985983642892015-01-20T12:32:00.001-08:002015-01-20T12:33:22.639-08:00Administrative Appeal ExhaustionIf the insurer makes an "adverse benefits determination" (meaning a decision that is in some way not favorable to you - such as terminating or denying your benefits claim), ERISA regulations require that you be allowed to submit an administrative appeal to the insurer. The administrative appeal must be submitted to the insurer within a time frame that is determined by the type of benefit for which you are making a claim, and should include all information you can gather in support of your claim. The administrative appeal is VERY important because once the insurer has received you appeal, there is no other chance to submit any new information. The insurer will decide whether to stand by or reverse its original decision based on what you have submitted. If the insurer decides to stand by its original decision to deny or terminate your benefits, your only recourse is usually to bring a case in federal court. <br />
<br /><br />
Sometimes people ask us why they should bother with submitting the administrative appeal. Maybe you are sure the insurer will deny the appeal anyway. Or maybe you are in a hurry - administrative appeals take time and money to prepare, and you may end having to bring a lawsuit in the end anyway. Why not bypass all that hassle and go right to court?<br />
<br /><br />
The answer is that ERISA requires you to do all required administrative appeals before bringing a lawsuit. If you initiate a lawsuit before completing the administrative appeals, your lawsuit will be dismissed without being heard. While there are a few exceptions to this rule, generally you must submit all required administrative appeal process before going to court. <br />
<br /><br />
If you have questions about administrative appeals, you can <a href="http://katemackinnon.com/?page_id=86" target="_blank">contact us</a> at the Law Office of Katherine L. MacKinnon for a consultation on your case.<br />
<br /><br />
<br /><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00736969523390726637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939800152106652143.post-56292380214511398182015-01-08T11:11:00.001-08:002015-01-26T14:23:26.966-08:00Katherine MacKinnon named an Attorney of the Year for 2014! Kate was recently named an Attorney of the Year for 2014 by Minnesota Lawyer. This is a wonderful honor, and Kate is thrilled to be in the company of the other attorneys who have received this award.<br />
<br />
<br />
Congratulations, Kate!<br />
<br />
<br />
To read the entire article in Minnesota Lawyer about all the honorees, click <a href="http://minnlawyer.com/2014/12/15/minnesota-lawyer-names-2014-attorneys-of-the-year/" target="_blank">here</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00736969523390726637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939800152106652143.post-28871617964371244502014-11-06T12:31:00.002-08:002014-11-07T08:49:16.854-08:00Life Insurance Win in MN Supreme Court! After years of hard work for Ms. Jacky Larson, our firm won a huge victory in the Minnesota Supreme Court on behalf of anyone with life insurance in Minnesota! <br />
<br />
<br />
Minnesota Stat 61A.11 says that: "<strong><u>In any claim upon a policy issued in this state without previous medical examination</u></strong>, or without the knowledge or consent of the insured, or, in case of a minor, without the consent of a parent, guardian, or other person having legal custody,<strong><u> the statements made in the application as to the age, physical condition, and family history of the insured shall be valid and binding upon the company, unless willfully false or intentionally misleading</u></strong>."<br />
<br />
<br />
Larson v. Northwestern Mutual was about what the language "willfully false or intentionally misleading" means. Does it mean simply that the information given on a life insurance application was incorrect, and the applicant should have known the correct information? Or does the insurance company need to prove the insured subjectively intended to lie? We argued that the insurance company needs to show more than that the information given in the application was wrong - and the Supreme Court agreed: <br />
<br />
<br />
"<strong><em>To rescind a life insurance policy under Minn. Stat. 61A.11 for 'willfully false or intentionally misleading' answers in an insurance application, an insurer must prove that the insured intended to deceive the insurer</em></strong>." <br />
<br />
<br />
We are thrilled at the result, if you'd like to view the entire opinion <a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=3441631408832152428&q=jacky+larson&hl=en&as_sdt=6,24" target="_blank">click here</a>. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00736969523390726637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939800152106652143.post-2104304711469404582014-10-06T13:11:00.003-07:002014-10-07T09:05:53.818-07:00US Supreme Court to review ERISA caseThe United State Supreme Court has accepted review of a new ERISA case involving the statute of limitations in retirement fund cases. (<i>Tibble v. Edison Int'l, </i>U.S., No. 13-550, <i>cert. granted </i>10/2/14)<br />
<br />
"<em>The case presents the question: whether participants in retirement plans can hold plan fiduciaries liable for including higher-cost investment funds in the plan when those funds were initially chosen more than six years before the lawsuit, or whether these types of claims are barred by the six-year statute of limitations found in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act</em>."<br />
<br />
Check out the full article <a href="http://www.bna.com/high-court-address-b17179895745/" target="_blank">here</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00736969523390726637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939800152106652143.post-21274765268628428562014-09-22T08:34:00.000-07:002014-09-22T08:35:16.255-07:00The Mastocytosis Society 20th Annual Conference<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJH5VHZJmXSVgxnuNKD7jlqpvOfrpLP4GU1UoDs0y07AJIq4D7JGmmps9iWpobgbTQU4OpdZ92WzLz8dRC4ia_6cJeIfepiol8t2PA-ZCDoc1KpDYF8Q_M00Ja1DCJnBrvFiFr7Rrxj0g/s1600/TMS+picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJH5VHZJmXSVgxnuNKD7jlqpvOfrpLP4GU1UoDs0y07AJIq4D7JGmmps9iWpobgbTQU4OpdZ92WzLz8dRC4ia_6cJeIfepiol8t2PA-ZCDoc1KpDYF8Q_M00Ja1DCJnBrvFiFr7Rrxj0g/s1600/TMS+picture.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
Thank you to <a href="http://www.tmsforacure.org/welcome.php" target="_blank">The Mastocytosis Society</a> for having us come speak at the 20th Annual conference this weekend in Rochester, Minnesota!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00736969523390726637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939800152106652143.post-70120988534659370812014-09-18T13:39:00.005-07:002014-09-18T13:40:17.095-07:00Happy Birthday, ERISA!The Employee Retirement Income Security Act - E.R.I.S.A. (or as one judge put it, Everything Ridiculous Invented Since Adam) turned the big 40 this month! <br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">There has been no shortage of litigation since its enactment, as </span><a href="http://www.lawyersandsettlements.com/articles/stock_option/erisa-plan-lawsuit-retirement-employee-28-20101.html#.VBtBHvZ0zIU" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">this article</span></a><span style="color: black;"> put it:</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">"In the past 40 years, lawsuits concerning ERISA have been filed by employees and plan beneficiaries, alleging their employers and/or plan fiduciaries have violated ERISA laws. Meanwhile, recent changes to ERISA laws have strengthened the requirements for people who act as plan fiduciaries. As more ERISA lawsuits are filed, more sections of the act are being interpreted and reinterpreted."</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">This is an active and interesting are of law, and gives <a href="http://katemackinnon.com/" target="_blank">our office</a> the opportunity to help real people with real problems. </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Happy Birthday, E.R.I.S.A.! </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Check out the full article at:</span><br />
<a href="http://www.lawyersandsettlements.com/articles/stock_option/erisa-plan-lawsuit-retirement-employee-28-20101.html#.VBtBHvZ0zIU">http://www.lawyersandsettlements.com/articles/stock_option/erisa-plan-lawsuit-retirement-employee-28-20101.html#.VBtBHvZ0zIU</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00736969523390726637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939800152106652143.post-86703614874602152792014-09-17T09:36:00.000-07:002014-09-17T09:37:04.438-07:00Proud to announce newest hire: Francesca!Welcome Francesca, the newest addition to the <a href="http://katemackinnon.com/" target="_blank">Law Office of Katherine L. MacKinnon</a> family. She's cute, she's cuddly...and she's almost potty-trained!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidpHPCICGVCFgwqpwjMFMNCdro1gg85j4mj_o55nq41YH-1M8jToTtmx5YGfiFql59kVIXYlGxeXUGFYaW40DbLtpiE3q8SbHxw9uCfmQRSutRCqh2wDNNQIl9zdj_v7G-xnXUa_M6OzY/s1600/franny+pack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidpHPCICGVCFgwqpwjMFMNCdro1gg85j4mj_o55nq41YH-1M8jToTtmx5YGfiFql59kVIXYlGxeXUGFYaW40DbLtpiE3q8SbHxw9uCfmQRSutRCqh2wDNNQIl9zdj_v7G-xnXUa_M6OzY/s1600/franny+pack.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00736969523390726637noreply@blogger.com0