Teamsters Local 639-Employers Health Trust v. Davis

**Health Trust Wins Repayment Case Against Former Employee** This case involved a dispute over health benefits between a Teamsters union health trust and a former employee named Lorenzo Davis, who worked at Washington Wholesale Liquors Company. The health trust had paid Davis's medical bills upfront, but Davis had signed an agreement saying he would pay the money back if he later received a settlement or award from another source (like an insurance claim or lawsuit). When Davis apparently received such money but didn't repay the health trust as promised, the trust sued him for breaking this repayment agreement. The court sided with the health trust and ordered Davis to pay back $24,845.81. This happened through a "default judgment," meaning Davis didn't respond to the lawsuit or show up to defend himself in court. **What This Means for Workers:** This case shows that when you receive health benefits from a union trust or employer, you may be required to sign agreements promising to repay those benefits under certain circumstances. If you later receive money from an insurance settlement, workers' compensation, or lawsuit related to the same medical issue, you might have to pay back the health benefits you received. Always read these agreements carefully and follow through on any repayment obligations to avoid being sued.