United States Eighth Circuit

In an ERISA action arising from a denial of disability benefits, summary judgment for an employee and an award of attorney's fees and costs are reversed where: 1) an abuse of discretion standard governed review of the plan administrator's decision; 2) the administrator was justified in closing the administrative record when it did; 3) defendant was entitled to summary judgment as its decision was supported by substantial evidence; and thus, 4) the award of attorney's fees must be reversed as well.

Appellate Information

• Decided 02/21/2007
• Published 02/21/2007

Judges

• BENTON, Circuit Judge., Before MURPHY, ARNOLD, and BENTON, Circuit Judges.

Court

• United States Eighth Circuit

Counsel

• For Appellant:
  
• Theresa D. Koller, argued, Omaha, NE (Shelley A. Runion, Kansas City, MO, on the brief), for appellant.


• For Appellees:
  
• Thomas Hoarty, Jr., argued, Omaha, NE, for appellee.