ERISA Lawyers in California

Case Study: Baker v. Save Mart

Matern Law Group, alongside co-counsel Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein and Bolt Keenley Kim, helped secure a $20.5 million settlement in an ERISA class action challenging the termination of promised retiree medical benefits.

• The dispute: Plaintiffs alleged that Save Mart promised eligible nonunion employees lifetime retiree medical benefits, then terminated those benefits in violation of ERISA and the plan’s written terms.
• The legal action: Retirees pursued a class action addressing the loss of benefits across a group of plan participants.
• The result: The settlement established a common fund of $20,545,000. The court granted final approval on September 16, 2025. This was a settlement, not a trial verdict.

The case illustrates how disputes over plan documents and benefit promises can affect entire groups of employees and retirees. It involved a broader challenge to benefit termination, rather than a routine appeal of an individual claim denial. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Read more about Baker v. Save Mart .

What to Do When Your ERISA Claim Is Denied

If an ERISA-covered benefit claim is denied, you generally have the right to an explanation and a full and fair review through the plan’s appeals process. Start by reviewing the denial notice, identifying your deadline, and gathering supporting records. Procedures vary by benefit type and plan.

ERISA Claim Denial Appeal Process

1. Read the denial notice. Identify why the claim was denied, which plan provisions were cited, and what information may be missing. Save the notice and document when you received it.
2. Confirm your appeal deadline immediately. Retirement-benefit plans generally must allow at least 60 days to appeal after you receive a denial. Group health and disability plans generally must allow at least 180 days. Check your notice and plan procedures; a plan may allow more time, and later appeal stages can have different deadlines.
3. Request the relevant documents. Ask for the Summary Plan Description, applicable plan terms, and documents relevant to the denial. Relevant claim records must generally be available upon request without charge. Do not assume a document request extends your appeal deadline.
4. Prepare evidence that addresses the denial. Explain why the decision is incorrect and include relevant medical, employment, payment, or benefit records. For retirement disputes, preserve benefit statements and communications about promised coverage. Build the record carefully because later court review may be limited to materials before the plan.
5. Submit the appeal through the required channel. Follow the plan’s instructions, identify the claim, and keep a complete copy and proof of timely submission. Follow up on receipt and any requests for additional information.
6. Review the decision and remaining options. Complete any required additional internal appeal unless an exception applies. Depending on the claim, external review or an ERISA lawsuit may be available. Court-filing deadlines are separate from internal appeal deadlines and need prompt review.

Is Every ERISA Dispute Handled Through a Benefits Appeal?

No. An individual benefits denial, a termination of promised retiree coverage, and alleged retirement-plan mismanagement can involve different claims and procedures. Baker v. Save Mart, which resulted in a $20.5 million settlement, involved a classwide dispute over retiree medical benefits. An attorney can assess which process fits your circumstances.

Official guidance: U.S. Department of Labor resources on retirement-benefit claims and appeals and health and disability benefit claims and appeals .