Standing is the defense winning many health plan lawsuits.
Several courts have dismissed benefit suits because participants could not show a concrete personal injury.
What standing means.
Concrete Injury
A plaintiff needs a real, personal financial harm.
Pooled Funds
Courts have noted plan funds are pooled.
Benefits Received
Participants received the promised benefits.
The rulings.
Navarro
Dismissed twice.
Lewandowski
Dismissed November 26, 2025.
Williams and Spencer
Standing was central.
Limits
Other courts may rule differently.
Quick answers.
Short answers. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.
Is standing a sure defense?
No. It depends on the facts and the court.
Does it excuse fiduciary duties?
No.
Where can I read more?
See the sources below.
Where the rules and figures come from.
Each figure on this page comes from the source below. Amounts are indexed or updated over time, so confirm current figures before relying on them.
Trucker Huss on Lewandowski
The Johnson & Johnson dismissals and the plaintiffs’ decision not to amend.
Holland & Knight on Tobacco Surcharge Rulings
Williams v. Target and Spencer v. Campbell Soup, July 22, 2026.
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