The Atwood doctrine states that in cases of conflict between an employee benefit plan and its summary-plan description regarding the denial of benefits, the summary-plan description takes precedence. Therefore, if there are discrepancies between the two documents, the instructions provided in the summary-plan description should be followed.
The Atwood doctrine is a principle that pertains to Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) plans. It states that if there is a disagreement between the plan and its summary-plan description regarding the circumstances under which benefits may be denied, the summary-plan description will prevail. For instance, if an ERISA plan specifies that an employee must work for a company for five years to be eligible for retirement benefits, but the summary-plan description indicates that an employee only needs to work for three years, the summary-plan description will be followed. The Atwood doctrine was established in the case of Atwood v. Newmont Gold Co., where the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals determined that the summary-plan description takes precedence over the plan itself in cases of conflict. This principle is also included in 29 USCA ยง 1022.
The Atwood Doctrine refers to a legal principle established in the case of Atwood v. City of Lago Vista. It states that government officials are immune from personal liability for actions taken within the scope of their official duties.
The Atwood Doctrine provides government officials with protection from personal liability for their actions while performing their official duties. This immunity is intended to ensure that officials can carry out their responsibilities without fear of being sued individually.
Yes, there are exceptions to the Atwood Doctrine. Government officials can still be held personally liable if they act outside the scope of their official duties, engage in willful misconduct, or violate someone’s constitutional rights.
No, government officials cannot be sued for negligence under the Atwood Doctrine. As long as their actions were within the scope of their official duties, they are immune from personal liability for negligence claims.
Government officials can be sued for intentional wrongdoing under the Atwood Doctrine if their actions were outside the scope of their official duties or if they engaged in willful misconduct. In such cases, they may be held personally liable.
Yes, the Atwood Doctrine applies to all government officials, including elected officials, law enforcement officers, and public employees. It provides them with immunity from personal liability for actions taken within the scope of their official duties.
Yes, government officials can be sued for violating someone’s civil rights under the Atwood Doctrine. If their actions result in a violation of an individual’s constitutional rights, they may be held personally liable.
No, government officials cannot claim immunity under the Atwood Doctrine if they were acting in bad faith. Immunity only applies when officials are acting within the scope of their official duties and not engaging in willful misconduct or acting outside the law.
Government officials cannot be sued for damages under the Atwood Doctrine. However, if their actions meet the exceptions to the doctrine, they may be held personally liable for damages resulting from their misconduct.
The Atwood Doctrine is a legal principle established by the courts, and as such, it can be challenged or overturned through the legal system. However, any changes to the doctrine would require a court decision or legislative action.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.
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