Opinion ID: 2974039
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Evans’ Appeal

Text: Evans appeals the district court’s denial of her motion for attorneys’ fees, filed pursuant to Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 54(d)(1) and (2) and 20 U.S.C. § 1132(g). No. 05-5791/05-6327 Evans v. Metro. Life Ins. Co. Page 15 Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 54(d)(1) provides for an award of costs only to the “prevailing party.”8 FED. R. CIV. P. 54(d)(1). 29 U.S.C. § 1132(g) grants courts statutory authority to award attorneys’ fees in an ERISA action, providing that in certain actions “by a participant, beneficiary, or fiduciary, the court in its discretion may allow a reasonable attorney’s fee to either party.” 29 U.S.C. § 1132(g). Section 1132(g) does not expressly limit an award of attorney fees to a prevailing party. Courts, however, have interpreted the statute to allow an award only to a prevailing party. See, e.g., Kaiser Steel Corp. v. Mullins, 455 U.S. 72, 89 n. 14, 102 S. Ct. 851, 862 n.14 (1982); Cattin v. Gen. Motors Corp., 955 F.2d 416, 427 (6th Cir. 1992). Based on our decision upholding MetLife’s denial of LTD benefits to Evans, Evans cannot be considered a prevailing party. We therefore hold that Evans is not entitled to an award of attorneys’ fees and costs.