Patricia Seaman worked as a real estate agent for Arvida Realty Sales and was a participant in the company’s 401(k) and health insurance plans. In a lawsuit filed in the US District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Seaman alleged that Arvida decided to terminate her and other agents so that the company could eliminate the cost of providing benefits. Arvida offered Seaman and other terminated employees contracts as independent contractors, which did not provide for participation in the 401(k) or health insurance plan. However, benefits continued in effect for employees remaining at the company.