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A long-term disability can affect every aspect of your life—your health, your income, and your ability to provide for your family. When you have long-term disability (LTD) insurance or need Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you expect the system to work for you. But too often, valid claims are delayed, underpaid, or denied altogether.
At the Ortiz Law Firm, we help Georgia residents fight for the benefits they deserve. Whether you’re filing a claim, appealing a denial, or preparing for a hearing, our team has the knowledge and experience to navigate the complexities of disability claims and challenge insurance companies.
Georgia Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims
If you have long-term disability (LTD) insurance through your employer or a private insurer, you should receive benefits if your medical condition prevents you from working. However, insurance companies often deny claims even when you have clear medical evidence.
Why Do Insurance Companies Deny LTD Claims?
Many Georgia LTD claimants receive denial letters that cite:
- Insufficient medical evidence, even when doctors confirm a disability
- Pre-existing condition exclusions that insurers claim make you ineligible
- Policy definitions that require you to be unable to perform any job, not just your own
- Missed deadlines for filing claims or appeals, which can result in automatic denials
If your long-term disability (LTD) benefits have been denied or terminated, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to face the process alone.
How We Help Georgia Residents with LTD Claims
We help Georgia residents navigate the complex ERISA system to challenge unfair claim denials and fight for the benefits they deserve. We help with:
- Filing Administrative Appeals: If your LTD claim has been denied, we will gather medical evidence, work with experts, and prepare a detailed appeal to fight the denial.
- Challenging Surveillance and Biased Medical Reviews: Insurance companies often hire doctors who haven’t evaluated you to review your claim or conduct video surveillance to discredit claims. We know how to fight these tactics.
- Filing ERISA Lawsuits: If your appeal is denied, we can sue the insurance company in federal court to recover the benefits you are owed.
Georgia-Specific LTD Laws and Federal Court Jurisdiction
Long-term disability claims in Georgia are governed by a mix of federal ERISA rules and certain state-level practices. While ERISA preempts most state laws, some state regulations and legal environments can still affect how your claim is reviewed. Understanding both Georgia’s stance on key policy provisions and its federal court structure is essential if you’re facing a denied claim.
Georgia and Discretionary Clauses in LTD Policies
Unlike some states, Georgia has not outlawed discretionary clauses in LTD insurance policies. This means that many insurance companies retain the power to interpret policy terms in their favor, making it more difficult for claimants to receive benefits.
If a policy contains a discretionary clause, courts may be more likely to defer to the insurance company’s decision rather than review the case independently. This makes it especially important to build a strong appeal and, if necessary, file a lawsuit in federal court.
Georgia Federal Courts for LTD Lawsuits
Georgia has three federal districts, where ERISA LTD lawsuits are typically filed:
- Northern District of Georgia: Includes Atlanta, Gainesville, Newnan, and Rome
- Middle District of Georgia: Covers Macon, Columbus, Albany, Athens, and Valdosta
- Southern District of Georgia: Includes Savannah, Augusta, Brunswick, and Waycross
We handle LTD appeals and lawsuits for claimants in all three districts and have decades of experience navigating the federal court process.
Georgia Social Security Disability Claims
The Social Security Administration (SSA) denies many initial claims, but having an experienced legal team can significantly improve the chances of winning benefits. Most applicants who request reconsideration are still denied, but this step is required before requesting a hearing. If a claim is denied again, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Claimants who attend a hearing with legal representation are more likely to be approved.
How We Help Georgia Residents with SSDI Claims
- Filing Initial Claims: We prepare a complete application from the beginning, making sure the SSA has all the necessary medical and vocational evidence.
- Handling Appeals: If your claim is denied, we submit additional evidence and appeal the decision.
- Representation at ALJ Hearings: We prepare you for questioning, present medical evidence, and make strong legal arguments at the hearing.
Do You Need to Hire an Attorney in Georgia?
Disability attorney Nick Ortiz has spent years representing claimants throughout Georgia. While our firm is not physically located in Georgia, you don’t need to hire an in-state attorney for ERISA long-term disability or SSDI claims. Because these claims are governed by federal law, we can help clients no matter where they live, including Atlanta, Augusta, Savannah, Columbus, Macon, and Athens.
Why Choose the Ortiz Law Firm?
- We Only Handle Disability Claims: Unlike general practice firms, our entire focus is on LTD and SSDI cases.
- We Understand How Insurance Companies and the SSA Deny Claims: We know the most common denial tactics and how to counter them.
- We Have a Proven Track Record of Success: We’ve helped countless people win their disability benefits, even after multiple denials.
Get a Free Case Evaluation for Your Georgia Disability Claim
If your LTD or SSDI claim has been denied, don’t wait. There are time limits on appeals and lawsuits, so it’s important to act quickly. Call (888) 321-8131 or fill out our online contact form for a free case evaluation. Let us help you fight for the benefits you deserve.
