Dragus v. Reliance Standard Life Insurance Co.

882 F.3d 667 (7th Cir. 2018)

Words & Phrases

ERISA

Trial Judge

Marvin E. Aspen

Appellate Judge

Bauer

Holding

Denial of ERISA-governed disability benefits was subject to arbitrary and capricious standard of review and was supported by medical reviews from independent persons.

Fact Summary

Plaintiff-appellant, John Dragus, brought suit against defendant-appellee, Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company (“Reliance”), under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act for denial of long-term disability (“LTD”) benefits. After the district court denied Dragus’ request for discovery outside the claim file record, both parties moved for summary judgment. Before the court ruled, Dragus filed a motion to supplement the claim record with a fully favorable Social Security Disability Insurance (“SSDI”) decision. The district court denied the motion to supplement and granted summary judgment in favor of Reliance. Dragus now appeals.

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