Has your disability claim been denied or terminated? Call (888) 321-8131 for help!
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.
I recently had the privilege of representing a 53-year-old client who previously worked as a production meat packer at HEB, Inc. She faced many serious health challenges that made it impossible for her to continue working. Her medical conditions included kidney failure, chronic pain in multiple joints, neuropathy in both arms and legs, osteoarthritis in …
When filing for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, many individuals may assume they need to hire an attorney who is physically located near them. However, in today’s digital age, this is no longer necessary. One of the most significant changes in the Social Security Disability claims process is the shift toward telephone hearings with Administrative …
When a disability insurance company ignores your long-term disability (LTD) appeal, it can be both frustrating and legally problematic. The appeals process is designed to give claimants a fair chance to challenge a denial, and insurance companies are legally obligated to respond to these appeals in a timely manner under most LTD policies and federal …
When Guardian Life abruptly terminated one of our client’s long-term disability (LTD) benefits, we knew we had a fight on our hands. Her case illustrates the importance of challenging insurers who unfairly deny claims based on benefit limitations for mental and nervous conditions and why having experienced legal representation can make all the difference. Our …
If you have a disability insurance plan through your church or a religiously affiliated organization, you may be wondering if it’s covered by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Understanding whether ERISA applies to your plan is important because it can affect how claims are handled, your rights under the plan, and your legal …
At the Ortiz Law Firm, we understand how devastating it can be to face a denial of long-term disability (LTD) benefits when you’re already battling significant health challenges. One of our recent cases is a testament to our unwavering commitment to helping clients secure the benefits they deserve. The Challenge Our client, a former data …
Preparing for your Social Security Disability hearing can be a daunting process, but being informed and organized can greatly increase your chances of success. Below is a comprehensive guide that links key resources and advice to help you effectively navigate the hearing process. 1. Pre-Hearing Preparation Before you attend your hearing, it’s important to be …
Annette McEachin, a human resources manager, was covered under a long-term disability policy issued by Reliance Standard Life Insurance. After a car accident in February 2017, McEachin stopped working and was approved for disability benefits due to “head, neck, back pain, and headaches due to whiplash/post-concussion syndrome.” A second car accident in December 2017 aggravated …
When facing the challenges of a disability claim, choosing the right legal representation can make all the difference. While larger firms have extensive staff and resources, a smaller law firm like the Ortiz Law Firm offers a personalized approach that sets us apart in the industry. 1. Personalized Attention Think about the difference between shopping …
Preparing for a Social Security Administration (SSA) physical exam, also known as a consultative examination (CE), is essential for anyone applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The SSA typically schedules a CE when it needs more medical evidence to decide your claim, usually because your existing records are inadequate …
We recently won a significant victory for a client who was wrongfully denied long-term disability (LTD) benefits by New York Life (NYL). Our client, a former registered nurse, has been battling numerous debilitating medical conditions, including pudendal neuralgia, complex regional pain syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, PTSD, anxiety, major depressive disorder, and migraines, that have left her …
In Lisa Breen v. Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania upheld the termination of Breen's long-term disability benefits. Breen, a registered nurse, was initially approved for benefits but later denied based on insufficient medical evidence. The court ruled that the insurance company's decision was not arbitrary or capricious, as the plaintiff failed to prove she was totally disabled from any occupation.
Seeing your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim status update to “Step 3 of 5: We started a medical review” can feel overwhelming. At this stage, the Disability Determination Service (DDS) in your state takes a closer look at your medical condition to decide whether you qualify for disability benefits. It’s normal to feel anxious …
Filing a long-term disability (LTD) lawsuit anonymously is generally not an option. In most cases, the legal system requires transparency, which means your name must be included in the lawsuit. This is because court proceedings are a matter of public record, and the parties involved in litigation (plaintiffs, defendants, and the legal representatives) must be …
At the Ortiz Law Firm, we are committed to fighting for individuals who have been unfairly denied long-term disability benefits. One of our recent clients, a hardworking human resources manager, faced an uphill battle with Standard Insurance Company after they wrongfully terminated her benefits. Our client suffered from a number of debilitating conditions, including Mast …
Navigating a Social Security disability or long-term disability insurance claim can be a complex and lengthy process, and one of the most critical aspects of your case is the medical evidence that supports your claim. The relationship you have with your doctor and how you communicate about your condition can make or break your chances …
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims involve a complex set of rules and regulations, several of which include a 5-year period. These rules address various aspects of the SSDI application and reapplication process, ranging from work history requirements to the evaluation of past employment. This article breaks down the three different 5-year rules that may …
Ongoing treatment is a critical factor in mental health disability claims, often serving as a foundational element in both the approval and continuation of benefits. Insurance companies and Social Security evaluate not only the severity of the mental health condition, but also the consistency and effectiveness of the treatment plan. Here’s why ongoing treatment is …
As we age, the chances of developing a medical condition that affects our ability to work can increase significantly. For older workers (typically defined by the Social Security Administration (SSA) as individuals over the age of 50) this reality plays an important role in Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims. The SSA takes age into …
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has permanently adopted remote hearings as a standard option for disability claimants, a practice first implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. This policy change is intended to provide greater flexibility and reduce wait times for individuals appealing decisions on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims. Expanded …
Hannah Corbin is widely recognized as one of Peloton’s most dynamic fitness instructors, motivating thousands with her high-energy classes. On the surface, she is the epitome of physical health. But beneath the surface, Hannah faces an invisible challenge that many wouldn’t expect from a fitness professional: Hashimoto’s disease. In a candid conversation, Hannah shared her …
Employee welfare plans play an important role in providing benefits such as health insurance, disability insurance, and life insurance to employees. Most of these plans are governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), a federal law designed to protect the interests of employees in these benefit plans. However, not all employee welfare plans …
At the Ortiz Law Firm, we understand how frustrating it can be when an insurance company wrongly denies your disability claim. A case in point is a recent appeal we handled for a Navy Federal Credit Union customer service representative whose short-term and long-term disability benefits were both in question by New York Life Group …
When you think of a disability, visible conditions such as mobility impairments or the use of a wheelchair may come to mind. But not all disabilities are immediately and visibly obvious. Millions of Americans live with invisible disabilities—health conditions that significantly affect their daily lives but aren’t immediately obvious to others. These can range from …