General Info

Accidents
(except MVAs)

Types of Injury

Motor Vehicle Accidents

 

 

ERISA liens - AFL v Bosque

A recent decision of the Hawaii Supreme Court, AFL Hotel Restaurant Workers v Bosque, Civ No. 03-1-0264 (April 28, 2006) has helped to clarify Hawaii law on medical lien claims against personal injury recoveries. The case clearly indicates that without a separate reimbursement agreement, an ERISA plan that paid medical benefits is unable to enforce any lien claims at least in the Hawaii courts. Conversely, however, to the extent that a reimbursement agreement exists, the case appears to hold that that separate document creates a state law cause of action and this action can be brought in Hawaii state court - even though the action seeks to enforce plan reimbursement provisions which are unique to ERISA and overreaching under Hawaii state law. An appeal of the latter result is under consideration.