Supreme Court of the United States
Sereboff v. Mid Atlantic Medical Services, Inc.
May 15, 2006547 U.S. 356
Summary
The Court held that a fiduciary under ERISA may obtain an equitable lien or constructive trust on specific settlement funds under §502(a)(3)(B), affirming the Fourth Circuit’s judgment. The decision relied on historic equity principles, particularly Barnes v. Alexander, to deem the relief equitable.
Holding
- Whether the relief sought by Mid Atlantic—an equitable lien on specific settlement funds—is permissible as “equitable relief” under §502(a)(3)(B) of ERISA.. Yes; the Court held that imposing a constructive trust or equitable lien on identified settlement proceeds is an equitable remedy within the scope of §502(a)(3)(B).
Docket 05-260
Cited authorities
- CA10
- 88 Stat. 829
- 29 U.S.C. § 1001
- 29 U.S.C. § 1132
- 29 U.S.C. § 1132
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- Eric Rubin-Schneiderman v. Merit Behavioral Care Corporation, Sati Ahluwalia, Empire Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Donna Rhea v. Alan Ritchey, Inc. Welfare Benefit Plan and Alan Ritchey, Inc.