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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.
You’ve just received a long-term disability denial from your insurance company. It feels overwhelming. The legal jargon, endless paperwork, and pushback from the insurance company can make anyone feel lost. That’s where having an experienced disability insurance lawyer comes in. Navigating through disability insurance law isn’t …
You might assume that a doctor or an independent reviewer decides your disability status. However, in almost all long-term disability insurance cases, the insurance adjuster is the gatekeeper between you and your benefits. Their job is to review your case, check medical records, and decide claims based on the applicable policy. The Role of the …
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has updated its list of occupations used in disability evaluations to ensure relevance to the current job market. When deciding if someone isn’t eligible for benefits, the agency must show proof that the person can do work that exists in significant numbers across the country. They rely on the …
Medical evidence is the most important part of a long-term disability insurance claim or a Social Security disability claim. The medical records provide evidentiary proof of the claimant’s disability. However, obtaining these records can be a daunting task, especially if you’re seeing multiple doctors and you’re worried about the cost. …
“Quarter of coverage” (QC) is a legal term, but you may also see the term “Social Security credit” (or just “credit”) used elsewhere. A QC is a basic unit for determining whether a worker is insured under the Social Security program. Latest Amount The amount of earnings required for a quarter of coverage in 2025 is $1,810. No …
Whenever there is talk of a government shutdown, our office phones explode. We get dozens – perhaps hundreds – of calls from claimants wanting to know how the shutdown will affect the processing of their Social Security disability claims. Former clients will call to see how the shutdown will affect their benefit payments. Social Security’s …
Dealing with a long-term disability claim can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding the requirements to file a claim and to be approved for benefits. Proof of loss is a crucial part of the process. Proof of loss the information you provide to your insurance company to show that your illness or injury …
Ever wonder if you can speed up your Social Security disability claim? You’re not alone. Navigating the labyrinth of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can be time-consuming, with some claimants waiting 12 months or more to receive a decision. However, a congressional inquiry might be the secret to cutting through the red tape. …
Adverse benefit determinations are critical aspects of ERISA long-term disability claims. They refer to a decision made by an insurance company or plan administrator that denies or limits a claimant’s benefits. Understanding adverse benefit determinations is essential for claimants navigating the complex world of long-term disability claims. …
I am pleased to share another recent success story where we helped a deserving client recover her long-term disability benefits after an unjust denial in her long term disability insurance claim. As the owner and founder of the Ortiz Law Firm, I find it immensely rewarding to see justice served and to assist individuals in …
Recently, the Social Security Administration (SSA) published a final rule aimed at improving the disability adjudication process. One significant change is the redefinition of past relevant work (PRW), which affects how disability claims are evaluated. This change will go into effect on June 8, 2024. Major Changes To Past Relevant Work: These …
An incontestability clause prevents insurance companies from canceling your disability insurance policy after a certain period unless you’ve committed fraud. Understanding this clause can save you from future headaches and give you peace of mind. In the following sections, we’ll explain how this clause works, why it’s important, …
As a long-term disability attorney, I have seen firsthand the difficulties individuals face when insurance companies unfairly deny their long-term disability benefits. I would like to share with you a case in which we successfully recovered MetLife long-term disability benefits for a claimant in Texas. This case not only highlights the complexities …
At the Ortiz Law Firm, we believe in giving back to the community that has supported us over the years. That’s why we are excited to announce our sponsorship of Pensacola Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build 2024 event. This annual event empowers women to take proactive steps to serve their communities by building homes for …
Have you ever wondered how to effectively communicate the daily challenges of living with a disability when filing a disability claim? A client recently mentioned Spoon Theory to me. It is a universally recognized concept in the disability community that provides a powerful visual metaphor to explain the limited energy reserves that many people …
Facing a Social Security disability hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’re not prepared for the curveballs they might throw at you. Have you ever wondered what kind of trick questions an SSA judge might ask during a disability claims hearing? In this post, we’ll examine some common …
In Gill v. UNUM Life Insurance Company of America, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California decided a dispute over long-term disability (LTD) benefits. The plaintiff, Terrance Gill, was a project manager at Union Bank when he applied for LTD benefits. He received benefits under a UNUM policy governed by the Employee …
When dealing with a long-term disability denial, understanding if your claim falls under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) can significantly impact the process and outcome of your claim. ERISA, a federal law that sets standards for most employer-sponsored retirement and health plans, also governs certain long-term disability …
I recently had the privilege of representing a client whose long-term disability (LTD) benefits were wrongfully terminated after ten years of receiving monthly benefits. Our client, a 62-year-old from Rhode Island, had previously thrived in a highly demanding cybersecurity role as a data security specialist. However, because of severe and …
Navigating the complexities of a long-term disability denial can be overwhelming. After facing a denial, understanding how to request your claim file and policy is crucial. Reviewing your claim file is essential to gain insight into the reasons behind the denial and to explore potential avenues for appeal. This guide will walk you through the …
Are you wondering how to secure Social Security disability benefits for your dependents? Understanding the ins and outs of this process can be crucial for providing financial support for your loved ones. Disability benefits for dependents can offer monetary help to improve their well-being significantly. This blog post will guide you through the …
In Easter v. Hartford Life & Accident Ins. Co., the plaintiff, Audrey M. Easter, a former Social Worker for Intermountain Healthcare, was insured under a disability insurance plan administered by Hartford. Under this plan, Defendant Hartford was the claims administrator responsible for determining benefits and the payor of those claims. ERISA …
Social Security disability video hearings have become an increasingly common way for claimants to present their cases to administrative law judges. With the convenience of virtual platforms, these video hearings offer a practical solution for individuals who may face challenges attending in-person hearings for a variety of reasons. In this blog …
Understanding the Date Last Insured (DLI) is crucial when applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). The DLI serves as a cutoff point for individuals seeking SSDI benefits. But what exactly does it mean, and why is it significant? Understanding the Date Last Insured The Date Last Insured represents the last date a person is …