According to the Washington State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation’s Disability & DVR Statistics Report dated July 2017, 12.9% of the State’s population has a disability. In their time of need, many Washingtonians will turn to disability insurance and Social Security Disability benefits to get by. However, in Seattle, many individuals with disabilities face challenges in accessing the support they need.
Unfortunately, most of those who apply for benefits will be denied. If you find yourself in this situation, the Ortiz Law Firm is here to help. We specialize in long term disability insurance and Social Security Disability Insurance cases for claimants in Seattle and throughout the state of Washington.
Long Term Disability Claims in Seattle, WA
At Ortiz Law Firm, our experienced legal team is well aware of the tactics employed by long term disability insurance carriers in Washington to avoid paying rightful benefits. Led by disability attorney Nick Ortiz, our lawyers focus on cases where disability insurance claims have been wrongly denied. We assist claimants with appeals for long term disability benefits, and if necessary, we file lawsuits against insurance companies. If you are ready to stand up against an insurance company, reach out to our office and schedule a consultation with attorney Nick Ortiz.
Long Term Disability, ERISA, and Disability Insurance Denials in Seattle
Disability law, especially for claims governed by the federal law known as ERISA, can be complex. If your long term disability claim is denied and you plan to appeal, the first step is to determine if you have an individual disability policy or if your coverage falls under a group plan.
If you are self-employed or obtained your policy through an insurance agent or broker, chances are you have an individual disability policy. In this case, it may not be necessary to file an appeal. If your claim was wrongfully denied, you might have the right to proceed with the litigation process, including a trial with a jury and the ability to call witnesses in your support.
However, the process is different for those denied disability benefits under a group or employer-sponsored plan, which is typically governed by ERISA. Under ERISA, you must file at least one administrative appeal. If your appeal is denied after the required timeframe, you can then file a lawsuit.
For claims governed by ERISA, the litigation process differs from that of individual disability policies. You do not have the right to a trial with a jury or the ability to call witnesses. The judge will review your case based on the documents in the administrative record and will not consider any evidence that was not previously submitted as part of your initial application or administrative appeal. ERISA laws are highly complex, so it is advisable to consult an attorney experienced in handling such cases.
Seattle Courts, Government, and Department of Insurance Information
For legal matters related to disability insurance claims, these are some important resources in Seattle:
Western District of Washington| United States District Court
United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
Official government website for the Washington State
Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner
Western District of Washington Case Summaries
This case was not handled by Ortiz Law Firm, but it is summarized to help you understand how these cases are considered in federal court.
With De Novo Review Court Should Conduct Bench Trial On The Record
Seattle, WA Social Security Disability Claims
Since Social Security is a federal program, claimants can work with Social Security Disability lawyers from anywhere in the country. However, travel requirements have made this impractical for many representatives. Fortunately, the Social Security Administration now conducts hearings using the Microsoft Teams platform, making it easier for SSDI ttorneys to represent claimants nationwide.
How We Can Assist with Your Social Security Disability Case
Social Security Disability lawyer Nick Ortiz is ready to fight for the benefits you deserve. While our office is based in Pensacola, Florida, we represent SSDI claimants in Seattle and throughout Washington State. Our services include:
Seattle, WA SSA Locations and Resources
Here are some resources related to Social Security Disability claims in Seattle:
Directions to the local Social Security Administration Office
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with a Seattle Disability Lawyer
To learn more about how we can assist you with your disability claim, call our office to schedule a free consultation. If your long term disability claim has been wrongly denied or terminated, or if you have an SSDI claim at the initial, reconsideration, or hearing stage, you are eligible for a free case evaluation. We have a No Recovery, No Fee Guarantee, which means we only get paid if your case is successful. This means there is no risk in hiring an attorney to support your disability case. Time to appeal a denial is limited, so do not wait. Call the Ortiz Law Firm today at (888) 321-8131 to schedule your free case evaluation.