Doerner Saunders Daniel & Anderson, L.L.P. is one of Oklahoma's oldest law firms. Today, the Firm's lawyers engage in virtually every major area of civil practice in Tulsa, Oklahoma City and throughout the nation.
The Firm has built a strong reputation for more than 100 years of commitment to its clients, its profession and its community. Service to clients is and always has been the principal philosophy of Doerner Saunders, from the selective recruitment and hiring of attorneys to the day to day response to clients' opportunities and needs.
Doerner, Saunders, Daniel & Anderson, L.L.P.
Attorneys at Law
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DSDA ATTORNEYS OBTAIN JURY VERDICT IN CLIENT'S FAVOR
DSDA attorneys Jon E. Brightmire and Amanda L. Thrash recently tried a case in the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma. DSDA's client, a national debt collection company, was sued for alleged violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ("FDCPA") and intentional infliction of emotional distress in connection with its attempts to collect a debt from the plaintiff. The district court granted summary judgment to DSDA's client on the intentional infliction of emotional distress claim, and a jury returned a verdict for DSDA's client on the FDCPA claim. In addition, DSDA obtained a judgment in its client's favor on the underlying indebtedness.
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United States Supreme Court addresses ERISA standard of review for disability benefits
On June 19, 2008, the United States Supreme Court issued its opinion in Metropolitan Life Insurance Company v. Glenn, which recognized an inherent conflict of interest when an employer or insurance company acts as both the administrator of an ERISA disability claim and the entity that pays the benefits. The Supreme Court held that the conflict of interest is a factor to consider when the reviewing court determines the amount of deference to give to the administrator's decision.
The Supreme Court noted that the conflict can be minimized when the administrator has taken active steps to reduce potential bias and to promote accuracy of benefit decisions. One example is walling off claims administrators from those who are interested in firm finances. The Court also noted MetLife's practice of requiring the beneficiary to seek Social Security benefits, using the award of benefits to offset benefits it owed to the beneficiary, then disclaiming the preclusive effect of the Social Security Administration's disability determination. For questions, contact Mike Redman at (918) 591-5282 or mredman@dsda.com.
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LUNCH & LEARN
If you would like to have an attorney speak on a topic that is relevant to your business you may contact Julee Thomas @ 918.591.5245.
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Tulsa Map to DSDA
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Doerner, Saunders, Daniel & Anderson, L.L.P. provides this web page for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide legal or other professional advice nor does the transmission of this information create an attorney-client relationship between any attorney of the Firm and the reader. If you seek legal advice or assistance, please consult with a competent attorney familiar with the laws of your state. If you wish to initiate possible representation by an attorney with this Firm, please call the attorney of your choice. You will be advised of our processes to avoid conflict of interest, and requirements of our letter of engagement prior to the commencement of representation.
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