Raytheon Must Face Widow’s Suit Over Deathbed Pension Choice

Raytheon Co. must face a lawsuit by the widow of a longtime employee who says the company should have credited her husband’s attempt to choose a more generous pension in his final days, according to a Boston federal judge’s decision.

There’s “no dispute” that Ralph Smith failed to formally elect the 100% survivor annuity pension according to the Raytheon plan’s requirements, which defeats his widow’s claim for benefits under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, Judge Douglas P. Woodlock of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts said Tuesday. But she may be able to receive equitable relief ...