No. 25-590October Term 2025Petition Pending
Jerry Aldridge v. Regions Bank
This case concerns whether ERISA beneficiaries can obtain a monetary equitable remedy called surcharge for alleged wrongdoing by a plan fiduciary.
Case status
- Current stage
- Petition Pending
- Latest event
- Petition pending
- Decision timing
- No decision timeline until the Court agrees to hear the case.
- What it's about
This case concerns whether ERISA beneficiaries can obtain a monetary equitable remedy called surcharge for alleged wrongdoing by a plan fiduciary. It also asks whether, if ERISA does not allow that remedy, ERISA preempts state-law claims based on a separate contract, leaving beneficiaries without a federal or state remedy.
Question presented
1. Whether, when proceeding under § 1132(a)(3), a beneficiary may seek surcharge, a remedy that this Court has described as being “exclusively equitable.” CIGNA Corp. v. Amara, 563 U.S. 421, 442 (2011)? 2. Whether, if surcharge is unavailable under § 1132(a)(3), a beneficiary may pursue state-law claims arising out of a contract that is separate and apart from an ERISA plan and that is not required by the plan, or whether these state-law claims are preempted, thereby leaving the beneficiary without a remedy under either federal or state law?
- Case path
United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit / Petition pending
- Area
Petition for review pending
Briefing
What it's about
Jerry Aldridge asks whether ERISA allows beneficiaries to seek surcharge, a monetary equitable remedy, for alleged wrongdoing by a plan fiduciary. The case also asks whether state-law claims over a separate contract can proceed if ERISA offers no such remedy.
Argument
Oral argument has not been scheduled, and no substantive justice or advocate reactions are available yet.
Impact
The answer could determine whether people covered by workplace benefit plans can recover money for a fiduciary's alleged misconduct. It could also affect a beneficiary whose separate contract claim is blocked by ERISA preemption (a federal law overriding state law).
What is at stake in Aldridge v. Regions Bank?
The case could determine whether an ERISA beneficiary may seek surcharge for alleged fiduciary wrongdoing or bring related claims under state law.
Who could be affected by the Court's answer?
People covered by workplace benefit plans could be affected, especially beneficiaries alleging misconduct by a plan fiduciary and seeking monetary relief.
What happens next in Aldridge v. Regions Bank?
The next step is an oral-argument date or another scheduling move. No decision window is available yet.
Grounding
- Grounding
- Primary materials plus reporting.
- Note
- Best-effort analysis: this explainer relies on a mix of primary materials and trusted secondary sources. Official filings and opinions remain authoritative.
- Checked
- Sep 3, 2026
- Method
- Methodology