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.
Vocational Rehabilitation (Vocational Rehab) is a program that helps people with physical or mental disabilities get or keep a job. Here in Florida, the Florida Department of Education Division of Vocational Rehabilitation administers the program. Their mission is “to help people with disabilities find and maintain employment and enhance their independence.” Their vision is “to …
If you’re unable to work because of an illness or injury, long-term disability insurance should be your safety net. But what happens if your claim is denied? This is where an experienced long-term disability attorney comes in. How Much Do Long-Term Disability Attorneys Charge? One of our office’s most commonly heard questions is: “How much …
Long-term disability lawsuits are filed when individuals are denied benefits they believe they rightly deserve. You might wonder if pursuing legal action is worth the effort. Understanding the potential worth of your lawsuit is critical as it helps you set realistic expectations and plan your future. These cases often involve complex calculations and legal intricacies. …
When it comes to long-term disability (LTD) claims under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), many claimants wonder if they can recover attorney fees if they win their case. The short answer is yes, it’s possible to recover attorney’s fees in an ERISA LTD claim, but it’s not guaranteed. The Legal Basis For Attorney …
I’ve had the privilege of helping many claimants appeal unjust long-term disability claim denials. One such case that stands out involves a claimant who had dedicated years to his role in management at JP Morgan Chase Bank. Unfortunately, he developed severe exertional and non-exertional conditions that severely affected his ability to work, especially given the …
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 easy. It’s filled with complexities and nuances that can …
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 Dictionary …
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. In this article, we will explain …
“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 Deputy Commissioner …
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. Senators can …
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. Understanding Adverse Benefit Determinations Adverse benefit determinations can …
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 changes are part …
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, and what you need to look for. …
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 of disability claims …
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 with …
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 trick …
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 insurance policies. If your disability claim …
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 progressively worsening health conditions, they …
