According to the most recent data available from the U.S. Census Bureau, 7.6 percent of Phoenix residents are disabled due to some type of injury or illness. This percentage may seem high, but in the right context, almost any condition can be disabling. Whether it be diabetes or a fractured bone, many different illnesses and injuries can leave you unable to earn an income. For most people, the inability to earn a living is a frightening situation. Few individuals have the resources necessary to afford their regular living expenses as well as growing medical expenses without a regular paycheck.
Fortunately, there are benefits that disabled Arizona citizens can apply for if they need assistance during this time of financial hardship. Many of Phoenix’s major employers, such as Infusionsoft, PetSmart, Circle K, the state of Arizona, and Banner Health, offer disability insurance benefits to their employees. If your employer offers disability insurance, you may be entitled to benefits if you are suffering from an illness or injury that prevents you from performing the regular duties of your occupation. Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits are also an option. In order to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, you must be unable to work in any occupation for a full 12-month period.
Phoenix Long Term Disability, ERISA, and Disability Insurance Claims
Even though almost everyone qualifies to pay into SSD, long-term disability insurance policies are beneficial for a couple of reasons. First, SSD provides only very limited benefits. The maximum amount that an individual can receive each month in 2020 is $3011. Individual and group long-term disability policies provide benefits that cover the shortcomings of SSDI, with many policies offering a much higher maximum benefit amount.
We help claimants appeal a denied long term disability claim, and, if necessary, we will file a lawsuit against the insurance company on your behalf. Although we do not typically handle short term disability claims, we may be able to help if you also have a long term disability policy that will be impacted. If the insurance company has offered you a lump sum to buy out your claim, we can help you evaluate the fairness of the offer and possibly negotiate a larger settlement amount.
If you live in Phoenix and are no longer able to perform your occupation due to injury or illness, call disability attorney Nick Ortiz of the Ortiz Law Firm. We will take on any of the major insurance companies with a presence in Arizona and the Social Security Administration. To schedule your free case evaluation, contact us today at (888) 321-8131 or online.
We Represent Claimants in Phoenix and Nationwide
We represent disability long term disability claimants in Phoenix, throughout Arizona, and across the country. Most long term disability insurance claims are governed by a federal regulation called ERISA. Under ERISA, you do not have the right to a jury trial, and – in most cases – you do not have the right to engage in extensive discovery. This means that most of the work is paper-driven, involves a lot of brief writing, and a lot of correspondence by mail. It is highly unlikely that a court appearance will be required, and as a result, we can handle a federal court case anywhere in the country.
Phoenix Courts, Government, and Department of Insurance Information
United States District Court | District of Arizona
United State Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
Official government website for the State of Arizona
Arizona Department of Insurance
District of Arizona Case Summaries
Prudential Failed to Provide a Full and Fair Review
Can A Peer Review Doctor Outweigh My Doctor’s Opinion?
Common Injuries and Illnesses That Lead to Disabilities in Phoenix
Some injuries and illnesses are so severe that you can’t perform the important duties of your occupation at all. Below are some common disabilities for which we’ve helped past clients get the individual or group long-term disability benefits they deserved:
- Fibromyalgia – Fibromyalgia, also known as fibromyositis, is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized areas. Millions of American men and women suffer from this debilitating medical condition.
- Multiple Sclerosis – Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. Generally speaking, MS is a progressive disease. Over time the patient’s symptoms will worsen and become more debilitating.
- Spine Disorders – A major cause of disability is the pain that comes with spinal diseases and injuries. The pain typically occurs when bone changes put pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. Spine injuries and diseases can also limit movement.
- Crohn’s Disease – Crohn’s disease causes inflammation and tissue damage that requires long term management. In most instances, the condition is considered chronic, or a life-long medical condition. Crohn’s is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is an anxiety disorder that is triggered by traumatic events. While many people associate PTSD with our military servicemen and women, the disorder can be triggered by any traumatic event. Sexual assault survivors, victims of gang violence, and witnesses to violent crimes are some of the wide range of people affected by PTSD.
If you received a diagnosis of one of the conditions above or any other condition that prevents you from working, you may be entitled to claim long-term disability benefits.
Phoenix Social Security Disability Claims
Although we are based in Pensacola, Florida, we represent Social Security claimants in Phoenix and the surrounding areas. We assist claimants with Social Security Disability Claims at the following stages:
- Initial Application
- Request for Reconsideration
- Request for Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge
Phoenix SSA Locations and Resources
Directions to the local Social Security Administration Offices
If You’re Disabled in Phoenix, Call Disability Attorney Nick Ortiz
Nick Ortiz is a board-certified disability insurance attorney who knows how to get his clients the benefits they deserve. He and the experienced team at Ortiz Law Firm have recovered millions in benefits for past clients. To schedule your free case evaluation with a Phoenix disability lawyer, call us at (888) 321-8131 or send us an email.