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Ortiz Law Firm | National Disability Law Firm
Ortiz Law Firm is dedicated to helping people recover the disability benefits they deserve. We handle group Long Term Disability (LTD) claims, individual disability insurance policy claims, ERISA disability claims, and Social Security Disability claims.
A dentist who received long-term disability (LTD) benefits for six years had them terminated when Standard Insurance applied a 24-month cap for “Other Limited Conditions.” The Seventh Circuit reversed the lower court’s ruling, finding Standard violated ERISA’s full and fair review requirement by never giving him a copy of the consulting physician’s report before terminating …
Clear and strategic communication with insurance claims adjusters is essential for claimants seeking long-term disability benefits. Every interaction with the adjuster holds significant weight in the claims process, and effective communication is crucial to ensure you receive the benefits you deserve. However, many claimants face challenges in clearly and strategically communicating their situation and understanding …
When applying for disability benefits, the support of your doctor is crucial. Their medical expertise and documentation are fundamental in proving the extent of your disability to the authorities. Without their cooperation and detailed input, getting your disability claim approved can become significantly more challenging. Understanding your doctor’s pivotal role in this process is essential …
Navigating the world of long-term and short-term disability insurance claims can be complex, especially when third-party administrators come into play. In this blog post, we will delve into the role of third-party administrators in disability insurance claims and the impact they can have on claimants. What Is a Third-Party Administrator in the Context of Disability …
Are you preparing for a Social Security disability hearing only to have it postponed? You’re not alone. Delayed hearings can be frustrating and overwhelming. This post will discuss why Social Security disability hearings may be delayed and what a postponement means for your claim. Common Reasons for Postponement Disability hearings are sometimes postponed for various …
Long-term disability (LTD) insurance is crucial for self-employed individuals, yet the claims process can be complex. Self-employed individuals face unique challenges when filing for long-term disability benefits, encountering hurdles that traditional employees may not experience. From proving loss of income to demonstrating the severity of their condition, self-employed individuals must navigate a distinct set of …
A foreman’s long-term disability (LTD) benefits were capped at 12 months after MetLife applied the plan’s musculoskeletal disorder limitation to his shoulder injury, and found his claims of bipolar disorder and radiculopathy unsupported by sufficient objective medical evidence. The court upheld MetLife’s denial, finding the decision was reasonable, consistently applied, and backed by substantial evidence. …
Long-term disability claims for neuromuscular disorders can be complex and overwhelming. Navigating the process requires a clear understanding of the intricacies involved. From the initial application to potential appeals, each step demands attention to detail. This blog post will provide valuable insights to help you understand and navigate long-term disability claims for neuromuscular disorders. Understanding …
Long-term disability claims often involve soft tissue disorders, such as back pain, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome. In this blog post, we discuss long-term disability (LTD) claims for soft tissue disorders and the specific challenges and policy limitations associated with these claims. With this knowledge, claimants can navigate long-term disability claims for soft tissue disorders …
Are you researching how to transition from short to long-term disability? Short-term disability (STD) benefits provide crucial support for individuals during the initial stages of their disability. However, short-term disability coverage usually only pays benefits for a few weeks to several months. If your disability lasts long enough to exhaust your STD coverage, you will …
Navy Federal Credit Union (“NFCU” or Navy Federal) is the largest credit union in the world and the largest private employer in Pensacola and Escambia County, Florida, with nearly 10,000 employees at the Pensacola campus. Navy Federal has excellent employee benefits, including short-term disability (STD) and long-term disability (LTD) insurance benefits. These claims are typically administered …
A claimant with congenital hearing loss lost his long-term disability (LTD) lawsuit after the court found he never provided a physician’s certification of his inability to work — a basic requirement under the policy. Despite clear evidence of significant hearing loss, the absence of that certification was fatal to his claim at every stage, including …
Long-term disability coverage is important, especially for those in the oil, gas, or energy sectors. Workers often face dangerous conditions and physical demands in these industries that can lead to disability. These injuries range from minor sprains and strains to severe accidents and exposure to toxic substances, resulting in permanent disability. A long-term disability plan …
A vocational expert is a professional who provides testimony regarding the vocational aspects of a disability claim. The presence of a vocational expert in a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) hearing can significantly influence the outcome of a claim. By providing insights into a claimant’s work-related abilities and limitations, vocational experts contribute essential information for …
A writer/editor at CBS News who underwent open heart surgery lost his long-term disability (LTD) appeal after Zurich terminated his benefits when his condition showed measurable improvement. Both the district court and the Fourth Circuit found Zurich’s decision reasonable, rejecting his arguments that the insurer failed to account for job-specific stress and should have obtained …
Disability insurance claims for Amazon employees can be a crucial aspect of ensuring financial stability in times of unexpected hardship. Amazon employees often rely on disability insurance to provide a safety net when they cannot work due to illness or injury. For eligible employees—typically those working more than 30 hours per week—both short-term and long-term …
A claimant with spinal conditions won his ERISA lawsuit after MetLife cut off his long-term disability (LTD) benefits at 24 months, claiming he lacked “objective evidence” of myelopathy. The court found MetLife set too high a bar — the policy required only some objective evidence tending to establish the condition, not conclusive proof — and …
Most US workers are impacted by workplace stress. A 2023 article by Zippia Research reported that 83% of US workers suffer from work-related stress. That same article also revealed that 25% of workers say their job is the number one stressor in their lives. Constant stress is a characteristic of a toxic work environment, which …
If you receive long-term disability (LTD) benefits and have been approved for SSDI, you likely have questions. You may wonder if your insurance company can sue to recover the overpayment. The answer is: it depends. How Do Long-Term Disability Overpayments Happen? Long-term disabilityinsurance is designed to replace a portion of your income if a serious illness …
Recently, we appealed a claim denial issued by The Standard. The claim had been denied because the insurance carrier had determined that the claimant’s condition was caused or contributed to by a pre-existing condition. This is not an unusual basis for a long-term disability claim denial. However, upon further review, we determined this pre-existing denial …
It is not uncommon for a disability insurance company to order a peer review during the long-term disability (LTD) appeal process. If your insurer has requested a peer review report, you may have received a letter that states something like: “We are writing to update you of the status of your appeal request for the …
Are you or a loved one wondering how to apply for long-term disability? Understanding the process thoroughly is crucial to ensure you have the best chance of receiving the support you deserve. This post explains the application process and offers expert tips to help you navigate it confidently. This guide is written by a long-term …
The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers programs to provide financial assistance to those in need. Among these programs is the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program. Your SSDI claim may qualify for expedited TERI case processing if you have a terminal illness. What Is a TERI Case? The SSA established Terminal Illness (TERI) case processing …
Long-term disability insurance provides a source of income for those who are unable to work due to illness or injury. However, understanding the tax implications of long-term disability (LTD) benefits can be confusing. Many people wonder whether their LTD benefits are taxable and how much of their benefits will be subject to taxation. In this …