By Frank N. Darras > Founding Partner, DarrasLaw | Nationally Recognized Disability Advocate > Last Updated: September 2026

With more than 30 years of experience and nearly $1 billion recovered for disabled policyholders, Frank Darras and the DarrasLaw team represent people nationwide in disability litigation involving Reliance Standard and other major insurance carriers. These cases may involve ERISA-governed employer disability plans, individually purchased disability policies, wrongfully denied benefits, terminated long-term disability claims, policy interpretation disputes, and insurer medical or vocational conclusions.

Navigating Lawsuits Against Reliance Standard

Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company, while a provider of essential life, disability, and accident insurance, can face lawsuits from policyholders when disputes arise, most often concerning claim denials. Understanding the common grounds for these lawsuits, the legal process involved, and the importance of legal counsel is crucial for anyone considering litigation against Reliance Standard. At DarrasLaw, our attorney can provide an overview of Reliance Standard lawsuits, offering insights into the complexities of insurance litigation.

Before filing a lawsuit against Reliance Standard, one of the first questions is whether the disability coverage is governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, commonly known as ERISA. That distinction can affect where the lawsuit is filed, what claims may be brought, what remedies may be available, how the court reviews the insurer’s decision, and what evidence can be considered.

Common Grounds for Lawsuits

Lawsuits against Reliance Standard typically stem from disagreements over claim denials. While some denials are legitimate, others may be contested due to misunderstandings of policy language, insufficient investigation by the insurer, or disputes over medical necessity. Common grounds for lawsuits include:

• Wrongful Denial of Benefits: This is the most frequent reason for litigation. Policyholders may allege that Reliance Standard wrongfully denied their claim for life insurance, disability benefits, or other covered benefits. These lawsuits often center on interpretations of policy language, particularly concerning definitions of disability, pre-existing conditions, or exclusions. Plaintiffs may argue that the insurer misinterpreted the policy, failed to adequately investigate the claim, or acted in bad faith.
• Bad Faith Insurance Practices: Insurance companies have a duty to act in good faith when handling claims. Bad faith occurs when an insurer unreasonably denies or delays a claim, fails to properly investigate a claim, or engages in deceptive practices. Lawsuits alleging bad faith often involve claims that the insurer acted with malice, recklessness, or intent to harm the policyholder. These claims can be complex and require strong evidence of the insurer’s improper conduct.
• Breach of Contract: An insurance policy is a contract between the insurer and the policyholder. A lawsuit for breach of contract alleges that Reliance Standard violated the terms of the policy by failing to provide the promised benefits. These lawsuits often focus on specific policy provisions and whether the insurer’s actions constituted a breach of the contract.
• Misrepresentation or Fraud: While insurers may accuse policyholders of misrepresentation or fraud, the reverse can also occur. A lawsuit may allege that Reliance Standard misrepresented the terms of the policy or engaged in fraudulent practices during the sale or claims process. These claims can be difficult to prove and require clear evidence of the insurer’s deceptive conduct.
• Violation of State Insurance Regulations: State insurance departments regulate insurance companies and enforce consumer protection laws. Lawsuits may allege that Reliance Standard violated state insurance regulations in its handling of claims or other business practices. These lawsuits may involve complex legal arguments concerning state-specific regulations.

The claims available in a Reliance Standard lawsuit depend heavily on the type of disability coverage involved. For an employer-sponsored disability plan governed by ERISA, state-law claims such as breach of contract or insurance bad faith may be preempted in circumstances where the dispute falls within ERISA’s civil-enforcement framework. ERISA §502(a)(1)(B) specifically allows a participant or beneficiary to bring a civil action to recover benefits due under the plan, enforce rights under the plan, or clarify rights to future benefits.

Individually purchased disability policies may be governed by different state-law rules and may permit contractual or extra-contractual claims that are not available in a typical ERISA benefits lawsuit. That is why determining whether ERISA applies is an important first step before deciding how to litigate a Reliance Standard denial.

When Can You File a Lawsuit Against Reliance Standard?

For many employer-sponsored Reliance Standard disability claims governed by ERISA, claimants generally must complete the plan’s required administrative appeal process before filing a lawsuit for benefits. The U.S. Department of Labor explains that, with limited exceptions, claimants are generally expected to exhaust internal claims procedures before bringing an ERISA §502(a)(1)(B) action.

That means a lawsuit may not be the immediate next step after the first denial. In many cases, the claimant must first submit an administrative appeal and allow Reliance Standard to issue a final benefit decision.

There can be exceptions. For example, serious violations of ERISA claims-procedure requirements may affect whether administrative remedies are considered exhausted. The facts and governing law should be reviewed before assuming an appeal can be skipped.

The timing for filing a lawsuit also deserves careful attention. ERISA itself does not establish one universal limitations period for every §502(a)(1)(B) benefit lawsuit, and disability plans may contain contractual limitations provisions. The Supreme Court has held that certain reasonable contractual limitations periods can be enforceable, making it important to review the plan language early rather than waiting until the appeal is over to investigate the filing deadline.

Why the Administrative Record Matters Before You Sue Reliance Standard

For an ERISA-governed Reliance Standard claim, the work done during the administrative appeal can have a major effect on the later lawsuit.

A disability lawsuit under ERISA may not function like a traditional personal injury trial in which each side freely develops an entirely new evidentiary case after filing suit. Depending on the applicable standard of review, governing circuit law, plan terms, and procedural circumstances, the federal court may focus heavily on the administrative record Reliance Standard had when it made its final benefit decision.

That administrative record may contain:

• Medical records
• Treating-physician opinions
• Functional Capacity Evaluations
• Independent Medical Examination reports
• Insurer-selected physician reviews
• Vocational reports
• Occupational analyses
• Claim notes
• Surveillance or activity evidence
• Appeal submissions
• Responses to Reliance Standard’s medical or vocational reviewers
• Plan and policy documents

If important medical, occupational, or vocational evidence was never submitted during the administrative process, it may be more difficult—or depending on the applicable law, sometimes impossible—to introduce that evidence later.

This is why a Reliance Standard appeal should often be prepared with the possibility of future litigation in mind.

The Litigation Process

Lawsuits against Reliance Standard, like other civil lawsuits, follow a specific legal process. Our Reliance Standard lawsuit attorneys can help you with the following:

1. Filing a Complaint: The plaintiff, the policyholder, files a complaint with the court, outlining the basis of their lawsuit and the relief sought. The complaint will detail the alleged wrongful denial, breach of contract, or other legal claims.
2. Service of Process: The complaint and a summons are served on Reliance Standard, notifying them of the lawsuit and requiring them to file a response.
3. Answer and Discovery: Reliance Standard files an answer to the complaint, addressing the plaintiff’s allegations. The discovery phase then begins, during which both parties exchange information and evidence relevant to the lawsuit. This may involve document requests, depositions, and interrogatories.
4. Motions and Settlement Negotiations: During the discovery phase, both parties may file motions with the court, such as motions to dismiss or motions for summary judgment. Settlement negotiations may also occur during this time, as both parties attempt to resolve the dispute without going to trial.
5. Trial: If the case does not settle, it proceeds to trial. The trial may be before a judge or a jury, depending on the nature of the case and the preferences of the parties. Evidence is presented, and the court or jury makes a decision.
6. Appeal: If either party disagrees with the outcome of the trial, they may appeal the decision to a higher court.

That traditional civil-litigation sequence does not accurately describe every Reliance Standard disability lawsuit. In particular, ERISA disability-benefit cases often proceed differently.

What Happens in an ERISA Lawsuit Against Reliance Standard?

A claimant seeking benefits under an employer-sponsored Reliance Standard plan may bring a civil action under ERISA §502(a)(1)(B) to recover benefits due under the terms of the plan, enforce rights under the plan, or clarify rights to future benefits.

The case is commonly filed in federal court. After the complaint and response are filed, the parties may address the administrative record, applicable standard of review, plan language, and the legal and factual basis for Reliance Standard’s decision.

Unlike many traditional civil cases, an ERISA benefits lawsuit may involve limited discovery and may not involve live witness testimony or a jury trial. Instead, the court may resolve the dispute based largely on the administrative record and written motions or briefs. The precise procedure varies by jurisdiction, standard of review, and the issues involved in the case.

The central questions may include whether Reliance Standard correctly interpreted the plan, whether the evidence establishes disability under the policy definition, whether the insurer appropriately evaluated the medical and vocational record, and whether the benefit decision can withstand the applicable judicial standard of review.

What Standard of Review Applies in a Reliance Standard ERISA Lawsuit?

The “standard of review” determines how closely the federal court scrutinizes Reliance Standard’s denial.

Under Supreme Court precedent, courts generally begin with de novo review unless the governing plan gives the administrator or fiduciary discretionary authority to determine eligibility for benefits or interpret plan terms. Other legal rules—including state laws affecting discretionary clauses and the governing circuit’s precedent—can also influence the applicable standard.

Under de novo review, the court independently evaluates whether the claimant is entitled to benefits under the plan terms. In cases where a more deferential standard applies, the court may instead evaluate whether the administrator’s decision satisfies that standard under the governing law.

Because the applicable standard can materially affect how a Reliance Standard lawsuit is litigated, the plan documents and controlling law should be examined early in the case.

What Issues Can a Court Review in a Reliance Standard Disability Lawsuit?

A Reliance Standard lawsuit may require the court to examine issues such as:

• Whether the claimant meets the policy’s definition of disability
• Whether Reliance Standard properly interpreted the claimant’s occupation
• Whether medical evidence supports the claimant’s restrictions and limitations
• Whether Reliance Standard reasonably relied on its medical reviewers
• Whether treating-provider opinions were adequately considered
• Whether the insurer’s vocational analysis is supported by the record
• Whether an own-occupation to any-occupation transition was properly evaluated
• Whether a policy exclusion or limitation applies
• Whether Reliance Standard complied with applicable ERISA claim procedures
• Whether the insurer properly calculated or terminated benefits

The lawsuit should be tailored to the actual reasons Reliance Standard gave for denying the claim and the evidence developed during the administrative process.

Medical Evidence in a Reliance Standard Lawsuit

Medical evidence remains central when the underlying dispute is whether illness or injury prevents the claimant from satisfying the policy’s definition of disability.

The record may include treating-provider reports, diagnostic testing, specialist evaluations, functional testing, medication side effects, and opinions concerning the claimant’s ability to sustain work activities.

Disputes frequently arise when Reliance Standard’s medical reviewers reach conclusions that differ from those of treating physicians. A court may therefore need to evaluate the reasoning, consistency, and support behind competing medical opinions in light of the applicable standard of review.

The strongest medical evidence often does more than state that someone is “disabled.” It describes specific functional restrictions and explains how those restrictions interfere with the material duties of the occupation or other applicable disability standard.

Occupational and Vocational Evidence in a Reliance Standard Lawsuit

Some Reliance Standard cases turn as much on occupation as on diagnosis.

A claimant may have extensive medical evidence but still face a denial if Reliance Standard concludes that the documented restrictions do not prevent performance of the relevant occupational duties.

Important issues can include:

• How Reliance Standard defined the claimant’s regular occupation
• Whether the insurer relied on a generic occupational description
• What duties the claimant actually performed
• Whether those duties were material and substantial
• Whether Reliance Standard’s vocational reviewer accurately considered the claimant’s restrictions
• Whether identified alternative occupations are consistent with the claimant’s education, training, experience, earnings requirements, and functional capacity

These questions can become especially important when the policy changes from an own-occupation definition to an any-occupation definition.

Can You Get a Jury Trial Against Reliance Standard?

It depends on the nature of the claim. A claimant should not assume that an ERISA long-term disability lawsuit will be tried before a jury.

ERISA §502(a)(1)(B) benefit disputes are commonly decided by a federal judge based on the plan terms, administrative record, and applicable standard of review rather than through a traditional jury trial.

A lawsuit involving an individually purchased disability policy and state-law claims may proceed under different procedural rules.

What Can You Recover in a Reliance Standard ERISA Lawsuit?

ERISA §502(a)(1)(B) authorizes participants and beneficiaries to seek benefits due under the terms of the plan, enforce rights under the plan, or clarify rights to future benefits.

Depending on the facts and applicable law, a successful disability-benefits action may involve past-due benefits and rights concerning continued or future benefits under the plan. ERISA also contains provisions addressing attorney’s fees and costs, although an award is not automatic.

ERISA benefit litigation generally does not provide the same range of state-law compensatory or punitive damages that might be sought in some non-ERISA insurance bad-faith cases.

Individually purchased disability policies can involve different remedies, which is another reason the source and type of Reliance Standard coverage must be identified at the beginning of the case.

Does Filing a Lawsuit Mean Your Case Will Go to Trial?

No. Filing suit does not necessarily mean a Reliance Standard dispute will ultimately require a court decision after a contested hearing.

Cases may resolve through settlement discussions at different points in the litigation. Whether settlement is appropriate depends on the strength of the administrative record, policy terms, disputed benefits, future exposure, applicable law, and the positions of the parties.

At the same time, claimants should prepare the case based on the assumption that the court may ultimately have to decide the benefit dispute rather than relying on settlement as the expected outcome.

The Importance of Legal Counsel

Navigating the complexities of insurance litigation requires the expertise of an experienced insurance attorney. Our attorneys will evaluate your case, review your policy, investigate your claim, negotiate on your behalf with Reliance Standard to avoid litigation, represent you in court if litigation is necessary, and help you to understand insurance law to give you the best change at winning your lawsuit. Our lawyers boast extensive experience and knowledge in insurance law and are ready to assist you.

Reliance Standard disability litigation can require analysis of the plan or policy, administrative record, medical and vocational evidence, standard of review, ERISA preemption, exhaustion requirements, contractual filing deadlines, and federal court procedures.

DarrasLaw’s attorneys work with disability claims from the initial claim and administrative appeal through litigation, allowing the firm to evaluate not only Reliance Standard’s final denial but also how the administrative record was developed before suit.

Alternatives to Litigation

Litigation can be time-consuming and expensive. Alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation or arbitration, may be available. These processes involve a neutral third party who helps the parties reach a settlement. While these methods can be faster and less costly than litigation, they may not be appropriate in all cases.

For an ERISA disability dispute, the claimant should also consider whether required administrative remedies have been exhausted before focusing on alternatives to federal litigation.

Meet Our Disability Attorneys

Frank N. Darras, Founding Partner
Experience: For more than 30 years, Frank N. Darras has focused exclusively on long-term disability and insurance litigation, including high-stakes disputes against Lloyd’s of London syndicates.

Track Record: He and his firm have recovered nearly $1 billion in wrongfully delayed and denied insurance benefits for policyholders nationwide.

Recognition: Named to Lawdragon’s Top 500 Lawyers in America for 18 consecutive years and listed in Best Lawyers in America since 2006, Mr. Darras is widely regarded as a leading authority on ERISA and disability insurance law.

Susan B. Grabarsky, Senior Trial Attorney
Experience: Ms. Grabarsky represents both individual policyholders and employee groups in complex disability disputes. Her prior experience as an insurance cost-containment analyst provides unique insight into how carriers evaluate and deny claims.

Approach: She leverages her understanding of insurer review tactics to strategically challenge Lloyd’s denials and push for full payment of valid benefits.

Reputation: Known for meticulous preparation and assertive advocacy, she has built a strong record confronting unfair disability practices.

Heather Gardner, Senior Associate
Experience: Heather Gardner concentrates on ERISA-governed and individual disability appeals involving national and international carriers.

Role in Litigation: Working closely with Frank Darras, she helps develop comprehensive administrative records and appellate strategies designed to withstand federal court scrutiny.

Professional Strength: She is respected for her precision in analyzing policy language and dismantling complex denial rationales.

Phillip S. Bather, Associate Attorney
Experience: Phillip S. Bather focuses on ERISA litigation and insurance bad-faith disputes, assisting clients through intake, claim development, and administrative appeals.

Case Strategy: He works to assemble compelling evidentiary records aimed at reversing unjust denials and positioning cases for successful litigation when necessary.

Client Commitment: Recognized for his responsiveness and detail-oriented advocacy, he supports claimants facing aggressive insurer resistance.

Trusted Legal Credentials

• AV Preeminent® Rating – Martindale-Hubbell
• Best Lawyers in America – Disability Law
• Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Lawyers

Reach Out To DarrasLaw Regarding Your Reliance Standard Lawsuit

Lawsuits against Reliance Standard can arise from various disputes, primarily concerning claim denials. Understanding the common grounds for these lawsuits, the legal process involved, and the importance of legal counsel is essential for anyone considering litigation. While litigation can be a complex and challenging process, it may be necessary to protect your rights and obtain the benefits you are entitled to under your insurance policy.

Consulting with an experienced insurance attorney is crucial for navigating this legal landscape and making informed decisions about your case. We can provide invaluable guidance and representation throughout the litigation process.

DarrasLaw represents policyholders nationwide in Reliance Standard disability litigation involving denied and terminated benefits, ERISA claims, individual disability policies, medical and vocational disputes, and wrongful benefit decisions.

Frank Darras and his firms have recovered nearly $1 billion in wrongfully delayed and denied insurance benefits during more than 30 years representing disabled policyholders. The firm’s disability practice includes handling cases from initial claim review and administrative appeal through federal disability litigation when necessary.
If Reliance Standard has denied your administrative appeal or terminated benefits and you are considering litigation, DarrasLaw can review the policy, final denial, administrative record, applicable filing deadlines, and potential legal claims to determine the next step.

Contact DarrasLaw at (800) 898-7299 or request a free, confidential case review to discuss a potential Reliance Standard disability lawsuit.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Reliance Standard Lawsuits

This page is provided for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Disability policies, claim procedures, ERISA requirements, appeal deadlines, standards of review, and legal remedies vary depending on the policy, plan, jurisdiction, and facts of the particular claim.