Most of the time, a disabling illness or injury comes as a surprise (and one that few are prepared for). Fortunately, 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 (SSDI) benefits are also an option.
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 over 187,000 and is home to many people with disabilities. 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. The Ortiz Law Firm represents disability claimants in Knoxville, Tennessee, and the surrounding areas.
If you are unable to perform your job due to injury or illness, the Ortiz Law Firm can help. We will take on any of the major insurers that offer policies to Tennessee residents as well as the Social Security Administration. To schedule your free case evaluation, call us today at (888) 321-8131.
Knoxville Disability Insurance and ERISA Claims
Just about anyone with a recent work history has paid into the SSDI system, but you must have purchased a disability policy from an insurance company to receive disability benefits. Most disability policies are part of a group or employer-sponsored plan, or you may have purchased 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 in pursuing your claim for benefits. If you need help determining what type of policy you have or what your next step should be you can request a free case evaluation.
Most appeals must be filed with the carrier within 180 days of the date of the denial or termination. Failure to file 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 until you have “exhausted” your appeals. Therefore, you should speak with a disability lawyer immediately 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 usually not disclose that any future litigation will be limited to the evidence submitted during the administrative appeal process. It is essential that an experienced disability attorney 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.
Courts and Government In Knoxville
- United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee
- United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
- Government Website for the State of Tennessee
- Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance
Knoxville Social Security Disability Claims
If you do not have a long-term disability policy, you may still be able to receive financial assistance because you have likely paid into the Social Security Disability Insurance system. If you are unable to work for a period of 12-months or more due to your disability, you may be eligible for 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 SSDI 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 Knoxville Social Security Administration Offices
- Social Security Website
- Information about the Knoxville, TN Office of Hearing Operations
Contact Disability Attorney Nick Ortiz for Help with Your Claim
You should not let our geographic location to prevent you from contacting our office to see what we can do to help you. Nick Ortiz is a national disability lawyer who knows how to get his clients the benefits they deserve. He and the experienced legal team at the Ortiz Law Firm have recovered millions in benefits for past clients.
ERISA long-term disability and Social Security Disability Insurance claims are our primary areas of practice. Because these claims involve federal law, your attorney does not need to be licensed to practice in Tennessee.
We offer a free case evaluation for long-term disability claims that have been denied or terminated and Social Security claimants from the initial application process to the hearing stage. Call us at (888) 321-8131 to schedule your free case evaluation.
