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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.
At the Ortiz Law Firm, we fight for people who have been unfairly denied long-term disability benefits. Our recent success story highlights the importance of perseverance and strong legal advocacy when battling insurance companies like Lincoln National. Case Overview Our client, an airline operations agent, became disabled in March 2023 due to a …
You’ve filed your long-term disability (LTD) appeal. You followed the instructions, submitted medical records, maybe even worked with your doctor or an attorney. Now comes the hardest part: waiting. You may be checking the mail or your inbox daily, wondering when the insurance company will respond. If it’s been several weeks—or even months—you’re …
Our client was forced to stop working due to a combination of disabling conditions, including essential tremor, chronic pain and neuropathy, and complications from right shoulder surgery. New York Life initially approved her long-term disability (LTD) claim and paid benefits during the 24-month “own occupation” period. However, after that period …
When people think of disability, they often picture someone who can’t work at all. But when it comes to long-term disability insurance, the word “disability” can mean very different things—depending entirely on how it’s defined in your policy. Understanding the exact definition of “disability” in your plan is critical. It’s the basis for whether …
I’m honored to share another story of how we helped a client recover the long-term disability (LTD) insurance benefits she desperately needed after her claim was unfairly denied. This is a testament to the power of perseverance and expertise when it comes to fighting for our clients’ rights against large insurance companies like New York …
At the Ortiz Law Firm, we fight to make sure insurance companies live up to their obligations. Recently, we helped a Charles Schwab financial manager regain the claimant’s long-term disability (LTD) benefits after Lincoln National wrongfully terminated the claimant’s disability claim. Denial of a Valid Disability Claim Our client is disabled and …
Court: United States District Court for the District of MinnesotaInsurance Carrier: Unum Life Insurance Company of AmericaClaimant’s Employer: Geraghty, O’Loughlin & Kenney, P.A.Claimant’s Occupation: Medical Malpractice Trial Attorney Long-Term Disability Benefits Denied Despite Cancer Diagnosis Mark W. Hardy, a Minnesota medical malpractice …
Navigating the appeals process for mental health-related long-term disability (LTD) claims can be particularly challenging. Unlike physical conditions that can be documented with imaging and lab results, mental health disorders rely on more subjective assessments that insurers often undervalue or dismiss. Insurers may also use various tactics to …
Court: United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana Insurance Carrier: Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (MetLife) Claimant’s Employer: HP, Inc. Claimant’s Occupation: IT Administrator [Note: This claim was not handled by the Ortiz Law Firm. The claim is being summarized here as being educational and informational on how …
At the Ortiz Law Firm, we understand how devastating it can be when a disability insurance company unfairly denies your claim for benefits. Recently, we had the privilege of helping a brilliant lead research scientist who was struggling with Lance-Adams Syndrome. This condition caused debilitating tremors, ataxia, and startle-induced myoclonus, …
Some hearings require more effort than others, and today’s hearing before an Administrative Law Judge was one of them. It was a case where I really had to work as the claimant’s attorney to help him win the claim, but the effort paid off. The Challenge: A Medical Expert Who “Missed” Key Evidence The hearing …
Court: U.S. District Court for the Northern District of CaliforniaInsurance Carrier: Sun Life and Health Insurance Company, Inc.Claimant’s Employer: Physiatry Medical Group, Inc.Claimant’s Occupation: Physician Background: A Physician’s Battle with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Dr. Jerry Sobel, a physician employed by Physiatry Medical …
When filing a long-term disability (LTD) appeal, many people ask: “How long will it take?” Unfortunately, the answer is “it depends.” There are two main phases to the appeal timeline: We’ll break down what happens in each phase—and why the entire process can take several months or more. Phase 1: Preparing the Appeal Under ERISA, …
When appealing a long-term disability (LTD) claim denial with New York Life, the employee reviewing your LTD claim may not be a medical professional, but they will likely consult with one. New York Life (NYL) will often ask an independent physician to re-evaluate a claimant’s medical condition and determine if it is consistent with the …
Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), refers to a range of symptoms that persist or develop long after the acute COVID-19 illness. Estimates suggest that between 5% and 30% of COVID-19 survivors develop long COVID, representing tens of millions of people worldwide. Now, clear patterns are emerging …
When appealing a long-term disability (LTD) claim denial with Lincoln Financial Group, claimants often encounter an independent physician review. Lincoln, like many other insurance companies, uses these independent reviews to re-evaluate a claimant’s medical condition and determine if it is consistent with the reported functional limitations. Here, …
On April 1, 2024, The Standard announced the completion of its acquisition of the Life & Disability business of Elevance Health. This move marks a significant expansion of The Standard’s presence in the employee benefits marketplace, particularly in the areas of life and disability insurance. While the press release highlights a strategic …
Preparing for a psychological exam required by the Social Security Administration (SSA) can be stressful, but knowing what to expect can make a big difference in how you handle the process. Psychological consultative exams are often requested when the SSA doesn’t have enough information to determine the impact of mental health on your ability to …
Court: United States District Court, Northern District of Indiana, Fort Wayne DivisionInsurance Carrier: Reliance Standard Life Insurance CompanyEmployer: MedtronicClaimant’s Occupation: Senior Case Specialist Background: A Long-Term Disability Claim Interrupted Megan King, a Senior Case Specialist for Medtronic, suffered significant physical …
Working at Google offers many rewards, but it also comes with high expectations and unique challenges. Google employees are expected to be innovative, adaptable, and consistently deliver top results in a fast-paced environment. Whether you’re a software engineer, a project manager, or part of Google’s extensive support teams, these …
We recently had the privilege of representing a former claims adjuster for an insurance company who faced an overwhelming array of health issues. Her life was deeply affected by chronic severe pain and a series of debilitating conditions, including osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and complications following breast cancer, among others. Lincoln …
Cheryl Watson, a licensed clinical social worker and research coordinator at the Hektoen Institute, faced an uphill battle to secure long-term disability benefits. After years of enduring fatigue, cognitive difficulties, pain, and other symptoms, Watson stopped working in March 2013. Diagnosed with conditions including fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue …
At the Ortiz Law Firm, we recently had the honor of helping a dedicated Account Executive for UnitedHealth Group who was wrongfully denied long-term disability benefits by The Hartford. Our client had been unable to work for several years, due to numerous debilitating conditions, including ongoing pain from bilateral hip replacements, …
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, …