The state of Washington has seen notable growth in its population of people with disabilities. According to a July 2017 report from the Washington State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, the number of people with disabilities grew at a higher rate than the overall population between 2011 and 2015 – 8.2% versus 5.2%. At the time of the report, 12.9% of the state’s population, or 908,818 people, were living with some form of disability. Spokane, Washington’s second largest city, is home to a significant portion of this population.
When times get tough, some Spokane residents may have no choice but to apply for disability benefits. Unfortunately, many applicants are denied the benefits they rightfully deserve. The Ortiz Law Firm can help those whose disability claims have been wrongfully denied or terminated. We provide legal representation for people seeking disability insurance and SSDI benefits not only in Spokane, but also throughout the state of Washington.
The Ortiz Law Firm Handles Spokane Long-Term Disability Claims
Our primary area of practice is long-term disability insurance claims. Our firm focuses on assisting claimants who have been wrongly denied disability insurance benefits. We assist claimants in the administrative appeal process and, if necessary, will file a lawsuit against the insurance carrier.
One of the first things we will do is determine if you have a group or an individual policy. Group policies are usually governed by ERISA, while an individual policy is not. You may have an individual disability policy if you
- Are self-employed, or
- You purchased a policy through an insurance agent or broker.
If you have an individual policy, you may not have to file an appeal. You may have the right to file a lawsuit instead. Claimants with individual disability insurance policies may also be entitled to a more traditional lawsuit process, including a trial with a jury and the right to call witnesses to testify in support of your claim.
It’s a very different process for those with a group or employer-sponsored plan. These disability plans are governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). In an ERISA claim, you must file at least one administrative appeal with the insurer before you can file an ERISA lawsuit.
In an ERISA lawsuit, the litigation process is completely different. You will not have a trial with a jury or the right to call witnesses. The judge’s review is limited to the information in the administrative record, so you cannot submit any additional information. You could destroy your claim by failing to provide the necessary evidence during the appeals process.
ERISA law is extremely complex, so we recommend that you speak with an experienced ERISA disability attorney before filing an appeal. We can help you get the benefits you deserve from the insurance company. Call us today at (888) 321-8131 to schedule a free consultation.
Spokane Courts, Government, and Insurance Department Information
- Eastern District of Washington| United States District Court
- United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
- Washington State Government
- Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner
Spokane Social Security Disability Lawyers
It is easier than ever for our firm to help claimants across the country, thanks to the SSA’s move to conducting hearings over the phone or through Microsoft Teams. Although our office is located in Pensacola, Florida, we represent claimants in Spokane and the surrounding areas. We represent SSDI claimants at the initial application and reconsideration stages, as well as at a hearing before an administrative law judge.
Social Security Office Locations and Resources for Your Claim
- Directions to the local SSA office serving Spokane, Washington
- Social Security Website
- Information about the Spokane, Washington Office of Hearing Operations
Contact Us For a Free Case Evaluation with a Spokane Disability Lawyer
Contact our office to schedule a free case evaluation. We provide services in Spokane and the surrounding areas of Washington to those facing long-term disability and Social Security Disability Insurance benefit claims issues. With our “No Recovery, Zero Fee” guarantee, we only charge a fee if your case is successful. You have a limited amount of time to appeal a denial, so call the Ortiz Law Firm today at (888) 321-8131 to schedule your free case evaluation.
