More often than not, a disabling illness or injury comes as a surprise (and one that few are prepared for). Luckily, there are benefits available to help you get by in the event that you do become disabled. Many of Tennessee’s largest employers, such as HCA Healthcare, FedEx, and Vanderbilt University offer disability insurance benefits to their employees. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD or SSDI) benefits are also an option for those who have paid into the system. In order to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, you must be unable to work in any occupation for a full 12-month period.
According to the U.S Census Bureau, 10.7% of the state’s population lives with a disability. Knoxville, Tennessee is the third most populous city in the state with an estimated population of 187,63 and home to many disabled individuals. Those whose conditions are severe enough to prevent them from earning an income can apply for disability benefits to help cover the cost of living and medical treatment. Ortiz Law Firm represents disability claimants in Knoxville, Tennessee, and the surrounding areas.
If you are a resident of Knoxville, TN, and are no longer able to perform your occupation due to injury or illness, the attorneys at the Ortiz Law Firm can help. We are not serving disabled individuals in Tennessee and nationwide, and we will take on any of the major insurers offering policies to Tennessee residents as well as the Social Security Administration. To schedule your free case evaluation, contact us online or call us today at (866) 853-7756.
Knoxville Disability Insurance and ERISA Claims
Just about everyone qualifies to pay into SSDI, but you must have purchased a disability policy from an insurer to receive disability benefits. Most disability policies are part of a group or employer-sponsored plan, or you may have obtained an individual disability policy from an agent. You will need to know whether you have a group or individual policy so that you can be sure that you are following all the necessary steps as you pursue your claim for benefits. If you need help determining what type of policy you have or what your next step should be you can contact us online to request a free case evaluation.
Most appeals must be submitted to the carrier within 180 days of the date of the denial or termination. Failure to submit your appeal within the specified time frame may disqualify you from receiving benefits even if you are disabled. Under many disability policies, you cannot file a lawsuit against the carrier unless you have “exhausted” your appeals. Therefore, you should speak with a disability lawyer right away if your claim is denied or terminated.
ERISA laws are very complex, but a disability lawyer will understand the administrative deadlines and critical issues that must be addressed for a successful claim. While the insurer will explain your right to submit an appeal, they will not usually disclose that any future lawsuit will be limited to the evidence submitted during the administrative appeal process. It is essential that an experienced disability lawyer review the claim file at the appeal stage in order to determine what additional evidence needs to be added to the administrative file and to determine what adverse information needs to be rebutted.
The insurer will likely make you file for Social Security Disability at some point in the process, so it helps if your disability lawyer also handles Knoxville Social Security Disability claims. The experienced attorneys at our law office can handle both. Nick Ortiz is a Board Certified Social Security Disability lawyer.
Knoxville Courts and Government Information
United States District Court | Eastern District of Tennessee
United State Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
Official government website for the State of Tennessee
Tennessee Department Commerce and Insurance
Knoxville, TN Social Security Disability Lawyers
If you do not have a long-term disability policy, you may still be able to receive financial assistance, as you have likely paid into the Social Security Disability system. If you are unable to work due to your disabilities for a period of 12-months or more you may be eligible to receive SSDI. Although we are based in Pensacola, Florida, we represent Social Security claimants in Knoxville, TN, and the surrounding areas. Our Knoxville Social Security Disability lawyers handle all Social Security claims on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if your disability claim is successful.
Our Knoxville Social Security Disability lawyers can assist claimants with SSD claims at the following stages:
- Initial Application
- Request for Reconsideration
- Request for Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge
Knoxville, TN Social Security Administration Locations and Resources
Directions to the local Social Security Administration Offices
If You’re Disabled in Knoxville, TN, Contact Disability Attorney Nick Ortiz
ERISA and Social Security Disability claims are our primary practice areas. You should not allow our geographic location to limit your contacting us to see what we can do to help you. We represent disability claimants nationwide, and we only get paid if you get paid. Since ERISA and SSDI involve federal law our attorneys do not need to be licensed to practice in Tennessee. You are not restricted to working with local attorneys, so you can seek out an experienced attorney that is best suited to help you through the process.
Nick Ortiz is a board-certified Social Security Disability lawyer who knows how to get his clients the benefits they deserve. He and the experienced legal team at Ortiz Law Firm have recovered millions in benefits for past clients.
Our team offers a free consultation for long-term disability claims that have been denied or terminated and Social Security claimants from the initial application process to the hearing stage. If you have a disability case that has been wrongfully denied, do not wait to seek legal advice about the process. You only have a limited amount of time to appeal the decision. To schedule your free consultation with a Knoxville, TN disability lawyer, call us at (866) 853-7756 or contact us online.