The State of Washington has witnessed a notable growth in its disability demographic. As per a report published by the Washington State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation in July 2017, between 2011 and 2015, the number of individuals with disabilities increased at a higher rate than the overall population – 8.2% versus 5.2%. At the time of the report, 12.9% of the state’s population, equating to 908,818 individuals, lived with some form of disability. Spokane, the second-largest city in Washington, is home to a significant portion of this demographic.
In challenging times, some Spokane residents may have no choice but to apply for disability benefits. Sadly, many applicants are denied the benefits they rightfully deserve. The Ortiz Law Firm can assist those whose disability claims have been wrongfully denied or terminated. We provide legal representation for disability insurance and SSDI claimants not only in Spokane, but also throughout the state of Washington.
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 that have been wrongfully denied disability insurance benefits. We assist claimants in the administrative appeal process and will file a lawsuit against the insurance carrier if necessary.
One of the first things we will do is determine if you have a group or an individual policy. Group policies are typically governed by ERISA, whereas 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 do have an individual policy, you may not have to file an appeal. You might have the right to proceed directly to filing a lawsuit. Claimants with individual disability insurance policies may also be entitled to a more traditional litigation 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 have to 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 do not get a trial with a jury or have 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 submit the necessary evidence during the appeal process.
ERISA law is extremely complex, so we recommend that you speak with an experienced ERISA disability attorney before you appeal. We will help you recover the benefits you deserve from the insurance company. Call Ortiz Law Firm today at (888) 321-8131 to schedule a free consultation.
Spokane, WA Courts, Government, and Department of Insurance Information
Eastern District of Washington| United States District Court
United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
Official government website for the State of Washington
Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner
Spokane Social Security Disability Lawyers
It easier than ever for our office to help claimants across the country, thanks to the SSA’s transition to holding hearings over the phone or Microsoft Teams. Although our office is based in Pensacola, Florida, we represent claimants in Spokane and the surrounding areas. We represent SSDI claimants in the initial application and request for reconsideration stages and at a hearing before an administrative law judge.
Social Security Disability Benefits Claim Resources and Washington Locations
Directions to the local Social Security Administration Office serving Spokane, Washington
Contact Us For Free Case Evaluation with a Spokane Disability Lawyer
Contact our office to schedule a free consultation. We provide services in Spokane and the surrounding areas of Washington to those facing long term disability and Social Security Disability benefits claims issues. With our No Recovery, Zero Fee Guarantee, we only charge a fee if your case is successful. You only have a limited time to appeal a denial, so call the Ortiz Law Firm today at (888) 321-8131 to schedule your free case evaluation.