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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.
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 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 obstacles. …
The case of Howard Schmill v. Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (MetLife) involved a long-term disability (LTD) claim under a plan governed by the Employment Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Please note that the Ortiz Law Firm did not handle this case. Schmill, a Louisiana resident, was a foreman at Turner Industries Group, LLC, …
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 will delve into long-term disability 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 …
Are you researching how to transition from short to long-term disability benefits? 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 …
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 …
This case involves Viso, who filed a long-term disability insurance claim with Federated Insurance due to congenital hearing loss. The policy provided for up to 60 months of disability insurance benefits should Viso become disabled before age 65. The policy included the following definitions: Viso’s physician, Dr. Steven Dear, partially completed his Statement of Disability, …
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 …
The case involves a dispute over long-term disability (LTD) benefits between Geiger, the claimant, and Zurich American Life Insurance Company of New York (“Zurich”), the administrator of an ERISA-regulated benefits plan. Background Geiger worked at CBS News in New York as a writer/editor. In March 2018, at the age of 58, Geiger could not go …
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. Understanding the ins and outs of this process is essential for protecting one’s financial …
The plaintiff, Sutton, filed a lawsuit against MetLife, the defendant, for the wrongful denial of long-term disability benefits under his employer’s plan governed by ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act). Background Under the disability plan’s policy documents, if an employee’s disability is attributable to a neuromuscular or musculoskeletal condition, benefits are normally paid for only …
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 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. What Happens If I Don’t Pay Back Long-Term Disability? Under certain circumstances, disability insurance companies may be able to take legal …
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 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 above …
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 disability …
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 …
Chronic fatigue conditions are increasingly recognized for impacting a person’s ability to work and perform daily tasks. In many cases, sufferers of these conditions may need to resort to long-term disability (LTD) insurance. Unfortunately, the path to accessing these benefits is not always straightforward, with claimants often facing significant benefit limitations or wrongful denials. Claiming …
Staying afloat while waiting to be approved for disability benefits is a tricky issue in most cases. Help might be available while waiting for Social Security or long-term disability insurance payments, but you must piece it together. Below are some resources for claimants in the state of Florida. There may be similar resources available to …
Understanding the nuanced world of long-term disability (LTD) claims means understanding the differences between objective and subjective evidence. Objective evidence is physical, measurable proof of a condition, while subjective evidence typically comprises reported symptoms and experiences. The interplay of these two forms of evidence can significantly influence the outcome of a disability claim. Objective Evidence …
