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Heimeshoff v. Hartford Life & Accident Insurance Co. and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

Docket No.12-729
Op. Below2d Cir.
ArgumentOct 15, 2013
Vote9-0
AuthorClarence Thomas
OpinionDec 16, 2013
TermOctober Term 2013
SCOTUS PageOpinion

Holding

Absent a controlling statute to the contrary, a participant in an employee benefit plan covered by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the plan may agree by contract to a particular limita"tions period, even one that starts to run before the cause of action accrues, as long as the period is reasonable.

Judgment

Affirmed, 9-0, in an opinion by Clarence Thomas on Dec 16, 2013.

Issue: When should a statute of limitations accrue for judicial review of an disability adverse benefit determination under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act?

Proceedings & orders timeline

Dec 11, 2012
Petition for a writ of certiorari filed. (Response due January 14, 2013)
Dec 11, 2012
Appendix of Julie Heimeshoff filed.
Jan 30, 2013
DISTRIBUTED for Conference of February 15, 2013.
Feb 7, 2013
Response Requested . (Due March 11, 2013)
Mar 11, 2013
Brief of respondents Hartford Life & Accident Insurance Co., and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. in opposition filed.
Mar 26, 2013
Reply of petitioner Julie Heimeshoff filed. (Distributed)
Mar 27, 2013
DISTRIBUTED for Conference of April 12, 2013.
Apr 15, 2013
Petition GRANTED limited to Question 1 presented by the petition.
Apr 30, 2013
The time to file the joint appendix and petitioner's brief on the merits is extended to and including June 25, 2013.
Apr 30, 2013
The time to file respondents' brief on the merits is extended to and including August 20, 2013.
Jun 18, 2013
Consent to the filing of amicus curiae briefs, in support of either party or of neither party, received from counsel for the petitioner.
Jun 19, 2013
Consent to the filing of amicus curiae briefs, in support of either party or of neither party, received from counsel for respondents Hartford Life & Accident Insurance Co., and Wal-Mart Stores Incorporated.
Jun 25, 2013
Joint appendix filed. (Statement of costs filed)
Jun 25, 2013
Brief of petitioner Julie Heimeshoff filed.
Jul 2, 2013
Brief amicus curiae of the United States filed.
Jul 2, 2013
Brief amici curiae of AARP and National Employment Lawyers Association filed.
Jul 2, 2013
Brief amicus curiae of United Policyholders filed.
Jul 22, 2013
CIRCULATED.
Jul 23, 2013
SET FOR ARGUMENT on Tuesday, October 15, 2013.
Aug 20, 2013
Brief of respondents Hartford Life & Accident Insurance Co., and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. filed. (Distributed)
Aug 27, 2013
Motion of the Solicitor General for leave to participate in oral argument as amicus curiae and for divided argument filed.
Aug 27, 2013
Brief amici curiae of American Council of Life Insurers, et al. filed. (Distributed)Aug 27, 2013
Brief amicus curiae of DRI - The Voice of the Defense Bar filed. (Distributed)
Sep 5, 2013
Record from U.S.C.A. for 2nd Circuit is electronic (Not PACER).
Sep 5, 2013
Record from U.S.D.C. for District of Connecticut is eletronic and is located on PACER.
Sep 19, 2013
Reply of petitioner Julie Heimeshoff filed. (Distributed)
Oct 1, 2013
Motion of the Solicitor General for leave to participate in oral argument as amicus curiae and for divided argument GRANTED.
Oct 15, 2013
Argued. For petitioner: Matthew W.H. Wessler, Washington, D. C.; and Ginger D. Anders, Assistant to the Solicitor General, Department of Justice, Washington, D. C. (for United States, as amicus curiae.) For respondents: Catherine M.A. Carroll, Washington, D. C.
Dec 16, 2013
Adjudged to be AFFIRMED. Thomas, J., delivered the opinion for a unanimous Court.
Jan 17, 2014
JUDGMENT ISSUED.

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