Hartford Life Ordered to Pay Legal Fees in Life Insurance Dispute
March 11, 2025
Hartford Life & Accident Insurance Co. has been ordered to pay nearly $200,000 in attorneys’ fees and costs after reaching a confidential settlement in a life insurance dispute. The case followed the death of a Long Island art teacher.
Judge John G. Koeltl, presiding in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, delivered the ruling. Judge Koeltl stated on Monday that Hartford conceded at oral argument that it “did not—and indeed could not—dispute” the plaintiffs’ success. The judge noted that the plaintiffs achieved “some degree of success on the merits” in their lawsuit. This level of success was determined to be sufficient to justify an award of attorneys’ fees under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).
The case highlights the financial repercussions insurance companies may face when disputes arise, even if settled before a final verdict. Further details about the confidential settlement have not been released.
