Echague
Echague v. Metropolitan Life Insurance
Opinion
Lead Opinion
Orrick, J.
Re: Dkt. Nos. 92, 103, 104, 107
ORDER GRANTING IN PART PLAINTIFF’S MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT; DENYING DEFENDANT’S MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT; GRANTING DEFENDANT’S MOTION FOR JUDGMENT AS A MATTER OF LAW; DENYING PLAINTIFF’S MOTION FOR LEAVE TO AMEND
After being diagnosed with cancer and going on medical leave, Carol Echague sent defendant TriNet Group, Inc. a specific inquiry about her insurance coverage, stating that she did not want any of it to lapse. TriNet responded by referring her to confusing form letters it had already provided that did not specifically address the policies that were in danger of lapsing. Ms. Echague died four months later, and her husband, ' the plaintiff here, then learned that her insurance policies had lapsed. Among several issues, I have to determine whether TriNet breached its fiduciary duty to the Echagues and whether it or any other defendant is liable as a result. I find that TriNet’s insufficient response violated its fiduciary duties under ERISA and GRANT plaintiffs motion on that ground. In all other respects, I GRANT defendants’ motions for summary judgment and judgment on the pleadings.