Alta Mesa Holdings, L.P., Alta Mesa Acquisition Sub, LLC, the Meridian Resource & Exploration LLC Change in Control Severance Plan, and the Meridian Resource & Exploration, LLC v. Steven Ives and Lloyd Delano

What Happened
Two employees, Steven Ives and Lloyd Delano, sued their former employer Meridian Resource & Exploration after the company was acquired by Alta Mesa Holdings. The workers claimed they were entitled to severance pay under their employment contracts and the company's severance plan when the ownership change occurred, but the company refused to pay.

What the Court Decided
The appeals court sided with the employees on the main issues. The court ruled that both workers were entitled to their severance payments under the company's ERISA severance plan and their individual employment agreements. The employees were awarded $1,366,454.70 in damages. However, the court denied the employees' request for attorney's fees related to their breach of contract claims against the parent company.

Why This Matters for Workers
This case shows that employees can successfully fight for severance benefits they're owed, especially during company mergers or acquisitions. When companies have written severance plans or employment contracts promising benefits during ownership changes, courts will enforce these agreements. Workers should keep copies of their employment contracts and company benefit plans, as these documents can provide important financial protection when companies change hands.