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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.
Are you navigating the complexities of ERISA long-term disability claims and seeking to ensure a full and fair review of your case? This article will delve into your right to a full and fair review under ERISA regulations to equip you with essential knowledge for a successful claim. What Is a Full and Fair Review …
Karen Jette, formerly employed as a legal assistant, filed for short-term disability (STD) benefits on July 23, 2013, and subsequently applied for LTD benefits on August 16, 2013, due to lower back pain. United of Omaha Life Insurance Company initially approved STD benefits and later approved LTD benefits on May 6, 2014, after an appeal …
Are you applying for Social Security benefits and wondering how to correctly fill out the SSA’s work history form? Understanding the importance of accurately completing this form is crucial, as it directly impacts your eligibility for benefits and the amount you may receive. We will guide you through filling out the SSA’s work history …
Long-term disability insurance offers financial protection if you cannot work due to an illness or injury. However, many employees encounter issues when claiming these benefits from their employer-provided policies. Understanding the potential challenges can help you prepare and navigate the process effectively. Issues with Employer-Provided …
The Zall v. Standard Insurance Company case involves a long-term disability claim filed by Eric S. Zall, a dentist and co-owner of a dental practice, under an insurance policy with Standard Insurance Company. Zall filed this claim in 2013, at the age of 48, because of chronic neck pain and right-handed numbness and weakness resulting …
Clear and strategic communication with insurance claims adjusters is essential for claimants seeking long-term disability benefits. Every interaction with the adjuster holds significant weight in the claims process, and effective communication is crucial to ensure you receive the benefits you deserve. However, many claimants face challenges in …
When applying for disability benefits, the support of your doctor is crucial. Their medical expertise and documentation are fundamental in proving the extent of your disability to the authorities. Without their cooperation and detailed input, getting your disability claim approved can become significantly more challenging. Understanding your …
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 …
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 …
Long-term disability (LTD) 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 …
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 often involve soft tissue disorders, such as back pain, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome. In this blog post, we discuss long-term disability (LTD) claims for soft tissue disorders and the specific challenges and policy limitations associated with these claims. With this knowledge, claimants can navigate …
Are you researching how to transition from short to long-term disability? 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 …
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 8,500 employees at the Pensacola campus. Navy Federal has excellent employee benefits, including short-term disability (STD) and long-term disability (LTD) insurance benefits. …
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 …
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 …
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, …
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 …
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. For eligible employees—typically those working more than 30 hours per week—both …
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 …
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 (LTD) 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. How Do Long-Term Disability Overpayments Happen? Long-term disabilityinsurance is designed to replace a portion of your income if a …
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 …