Cerone

ORDER:

GRANTING PLAINTIFF’S MOTION FOR PARTIAL SUMMARY JUDGMENT

[Doc. No. 37]

DENYING DEFENDANT’S CROSS-MOTION FOR PARTIAL SUMMARY JUDGMENT

[Doc. No. 38]

This action involves a claim for accidental death benefits arising under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”), 29 U.S.C. § 1001 et. seq. Plaintiff Debra Cerone and Defendants Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company and The Picerne Group Health & Welfare Plan (collectively “Defendants”) have filed cross motions for partial summary judgment on the applicable standard of review. Doc. Nos. 37, 38. The Court, in its discretion, found the motions suitable for determination on the papers and without oral argument, pursuant to Civil Local Rul 7.1(d)(1). For the reasons set forth below, the Court GRANTS Plaintiffs motion for partial summary judgment and DENIES Defendants’ cross-motion.

Background

Plaintiff Debra Cerone (“Plaintiff’) brings this action for accidental death benefits under ERISA. The relevant group life and accidental benefit insurance policy was issued by Defendant Reliance Stan *1148 dard Life Insurance Company (“Reliance”) to The Picerne Group (“Picerne”) for the benefit of its employees.…