Breaking Down ERISA, Disability, and Insurance Claims Behind Closed Doors: Secrets from the ERISA Vault pulls back the curtain on disability and insurance claims governed by ERISA. Each episode breaks down how insurers evaluate claims, why benefits are denied, and what policyholders need to know to protect their rights. Drawing from real world experience, the show explains complex ERISA and insurance issues in clear, practical terms so listeners can better understand the system they are up against.
What Your Employer Has to Tell You About Your Benefits
In this episode of Secrets from the ERISA Vault, Noah Breazeale, Senior Associate at Eric Buchanan & Associates, explains what employees need to understand about the information employers and plan administrators may be required to provide about employee benefits under ERISA. These disclosures can play an important role in helping employees understand their coverage, rights, deadlines, and available benefits.
Noah walks through the duty to disclose material information, the importance of requesting full plan documents rather than relying only on summaries, and the types of questions employees should ask when trying to understand their benefits. He also discusses why it can be important to ask about coverage classes, plan procedures, collateral benefits, and other benefits that may be available if someone is approved for long term disability benefits.
Listeners will gain a clearer understanding of what information they may be entitled to request, why accurate benefit information matters, and how asking the right questions can help employees better protect themselves when dealing with an ERISA benefit claim.
26 Mar 2026
Secrets About Your LTD or DI Policy
In this episode of Secrets from the ERISA Vault, Kaitlyn Barciszewski, attorney at Eric Buchanan & Associates, explains what claimants need to understand about their long term disability and individual disability insurance policies. The terms of these policies play a critical role in how claims are evaluated, approved, or denied, yet many people are unfamiliar with what their policy actually says.
Kaitlyn walks through key provisions commonly found in LTD and DI policies, including definitions of disability, limitations, exclusions, and how insurance companies interpret policy language when reviewing claims. She highlights why knowing your policy before and during a claim can help avoid surprises and strengthen your position if a denial occurs.
Listeners will gain a clearer understanding of how disability insurance policies work, why the fine print matters, and how policy language can directly impact eligibility for benefits and the overall outcome of a claim.
12 Mar 2026
Secrets About Life Insurance Through Work
In this episode of Secrets from the ERISA Vault, Eric Buchanan explains what employees need to know about life insurance offered through work. He breaks down how these policies usually work, what employees and families often misunderstand about coverage, and the problems that can come up when a claim is denied or benefits are not paid as expected.
Eric also discusses why employer provided life insurance is often governed by ERISA, what that means for beneficiaries, and why it is so important to understand the policy terms before a problem arises. This episode gives listeners a clearer look at the fine print behind workplace life insurance and the issues that can surface when families need those benefits most.
4 Mar 2026
The Importance of the Appeal in an ERISA Claim
In this episode of Secrets from the ERISA Vault, Kaci Garrabrant, Senior Associate Attorney at Eric Buchanan & Associates, discusses why the appeal process is one of the most important stages in an ERISA disability claim. A denial is not always the end of the road, but what happens during the appeal can have a major impact on whether benefits are ultimately awarded. Kaci explains why this stage matters, what evidence should be included, and how a strong appeal can help address weaknesses in the claim record.
Listeners will gain a better understanding of how the appeal process works, why it deserves careful attention, and why building the strongest possible record during an administrative appeal is often critical to the success of the case.
25 Feb 2026
How Much Will My ERISA Case Cost
In this episode of Secrets from the ERISA Vault, Eric Buchanan answers one of the first questions most people have after a long term disability denial: how much will an ERISA case actually cost.
Eric breaks down the common fee structures used in ERISA disability claims, what expenses typically come up during an appeal and during litigation, and how attorney fees can work when a case is successful. If you are trying to decide whether to hire help, this episode will give you a clear, practical way to think about cost, risk, and what to ask before you sign a fee agreement.
20 Feb 2026
What is the Standard of Review in ERISA Cases and Why Does That Matter What is the History of the Standard of Review in ERISA Cases
In this episode of Secrets from the ERISA Vault, Eric Buchanan explains one of the most important concepts in ERISA litigation: the standard of review.
Eric breaks down what “standard of review” means, why it can completely change the outcome of a disability case, and how courts determine whether to apply de novo review or the more deferential arbitrary and capricious standard. He walks through the history of how these standards developed and discusses the key Supreme Court decisions that shaped modern ERISA law.
You’ll learn why discretionary clauses matter, how conflicts of interest are evaluated, and why understanding the standard of review is critical for both claimants and the attorneys who represent them. Whether you are handling ERISA claims yourself or referring them out, this episode explains why the standard of review can make or break a case.
19 Feb 2026
The Top Three Mistakes People Make When Handling an ERISA Claim on Their Own
In this episode of Secrets from the ERISA Vault, Eric Buchanan explains the three most common mistakes individuals make when trying to handle an ERISA disability claim without legal representation.
ERISA cases are often decided based solely on the administrative record developed during the appeal process. If critical evidence is missing at that stage, it may never be considered later in court. Eric discusses why understanding the policy’s definition of disability, submitting proper medical and vocational evidence, and avoiding procedural missteps are essential to protecting a claim.
If you are preparing an appeal or dealing with a denial of long term disability benefits, this episode outlines the key issues you need to understand before moving forward.
12 Feb 2026
How to Get the Documents That Contain the Rules for Your Claim
In this episode, Eric Buchanan explains how claimants can obtain the documents that govern their disability claim, including plan documents, summary plan descriptions, and internal claims manuals. He outlines what insurers are required to provide and why these documents can significantly affect the outcome of a case.
Listeners will learn how understanding the governing plan language and procedural rules can strengthen a disability appeal and help protect their benefits.
This episode focuses on practical steps that can make a meaningful difference in ERISA disability claims.
12 Feb 2026
Empirical Evidence That ERISA Makes LTD Cases Hard
In this episode, Eric Buchanan examines empirical data showing how ERISA disability cases are decided in federal courts. He discusses statistical trends, reversal rates, and what the data reveals about the challenges claimants face when pursuing long term disability benefits under ERISA.
Listeners will gain insight into how courts apply the arbitrary and capricious standard of review and why outcomes often depend on the administrative record created before litigation begins.
This episode builds on the foundation of ERISA procedure and highlights why strategic preparation is critical in disability claims.
12 Feb 2026
Why ERISA Is Unfair
In this episode, Eric Buchanan explains why ERISA disability claims often feel unfair to claimants. He breaks down how ERISA changed the rules for long term disability cases, how courts review benefit denials, and why the legal standard often favors insurance companies over individuals.
Listeners will learn how administrative records control the outcome of most ERISA cases, why jury trials are not available, and how these structural limitations shape the way disability claims are decided.
This episode lays the foundation for understanding how ERISA works and why building the right record early is critical to protecting disability benefits.
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