• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer

Has your disability claim been denied or terminated? Call (888) 321-8131 for help!

  • Mail
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
Ortiz Law Firm logo

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.

  • ABOUT US
    • Nick Ortiz
    • Areas We Serve
    • Our Team
    • Our Case Results
    • Client Reviews and Testimonials
  • PRACTICE AREAS
    • Long-Term Disability Insurance
      • Administrative Appeals
      • Lawsuits
      • Lump Sum Buyouts/Settlements
      • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Occupations That May Qualify
    • Social Security Disability Claims
      • Initial Applications
      • Appeal a Denial
      • Hearings Before an Administrative Law Judge
      • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Disabling Conditions
  • DISABLING CONDITIONS
  • INSURANCE CARRIERS
    • New York Life Group Benefit Solutions (Formerly Cigna)
    • Lincoln Financial
    • Reliance Standard
    • Prudential
    • The Hartford
    • The Standard
    • MetLife
    • Guardian
    • Unum
    • Insurance Company Tricks And Tactics
  • RESOURCES
    • Appeal a Long-Term Disability Denial
    • Long-Term Disability Buyout Calculator
    • eBooks, Guides, and More
    • Disability Law Blog
    • Video Library
    • Long-Term Disability Glossary
    • Abbreviations in Social Security Disability Claims
  • CONTACT

Home | Disability Law Blog | Page 3

Disability Law Blog

How To Prepare For The SSA Psychological Exam

March 31, 2025 // by Nick Ortiz

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 …

Read moreHow To Prepare For The SSA Psychological Exam
Category: Social Security Disability

King v. Reliance Standard – Indiana Court Sides with Claimant in ERISA Disability Benefits Dispute

March 28, 2025 // by Nick Ortiz

In King v. Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company, the insurer failed to issue a timely decision or seek an extension within the 45-day deadline for reviewing Megan King’s appeal of her terminated long-term physical disability benefits. Under the Department of Labor’s regulations, this failure allowed King to consider her claim “exhausted” and …

Read moreKing v. Reliance Standard – Indiana Court Sides with Claimant in ERISA Disability Benefits Dispute
Category: Disability Case Summaries
Tags: Reliance Standard

Long-Term Disability Benefits For Google Employees

March 24, 2025 // by Nick Ortiz

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 …

Read moreLong-Term Disability Benefits For Google Employees
Category: Long-Term Disability

$150 Thousand In Potential Future LTD Benefits Recovered For Former Claims Adjuster With Fibromyalgia

March 21, 2025 // by Nick Ortiz

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 …

Read more$150 Thousand In Potential Future LTD Benefits Recovered For Former Claims Adjuster With Fibromyalgia
Category: Disability Case Summaries
Tags: Lincoln, Our Results

Watson v. Reliance Standard – Illinois Social Worker Wins Long-Term Disability Case

March 19, 2025 // by Nick Ortiz

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 …

Read moreWatson v. Reliance Standard – Illinois Social Worker Wins Long-Term Disability Case
Category: Disability Case Summaries
Tags: Reliance Standard

UnitedHealth Group Account Executive Wins Hartford Disability Appeal

March 17, 2025 // by Nick Ortiz

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, …

Read moreUnitedHealth Group Account Executive Wins Hartford Disability Appeal
Category: Disability Case Summaries
Tags: Hartford, Our Results

Ortiz Law Firm Recovers $485,000 In Disability Benefits For HEB Employee

March 14, 2025 // by Nick Ortiz

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, …

Read moreOrtiz Law Firm Recovers $485,000 In Disability Benefits For HEB Employee
Category: Disability Case Summaries
Tags: Lincoln, Our Results

Why You Don’t Need A Local Attorney For Your Social Security Disability Claim

March 10, 2025 // by Nick Ortiz

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 …

Read moreWhy You Don’t Need A Local Attorney For Your Social Security Disability Claim
Category: Social Security Disability

Olah v. Unum – A Clinical Research Associate’s Battle for Disability Benefits

February 28, 2025 // by Nick Ortiz

Lori Olah, a clinical research associate, was initially approved for long-term disability benefits following spinal surgery. However, Unum terminated her benefits less than a year later, citing medical reviews that claimed she could perform sedentary work. Despite Olah’s appeal and supporting evidence from her treating physician, the court upheld …

Read moreOlah v. Unum – A Clinical Research Associate’s Battle for Disability Benefits
Category: Disability Case Summaries
Tags: Unum

What Happens If A Disability Insurance Company Ignores My Long-Term Disability Appeal?

February 26, 2025 // by Nick Ortiz

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 …

Read moreWhat Happens If A Disability Insurance Company Ignores My Long-Term Disability Appeal?
Category: Additional Parts Of A Claim That Do Not Happen in Every Case, Long-Term Disability Denials and Appeals

Ortiz Law Firm Wins Guardian Long-Term Disability Insurance Appeal

February 21, 2025 // by Nick Ortiz

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 …

Read moreOrtiz Law Firm Wins Guardian Long-Term Disability Insurance Appeal
Category: Disability Case Summaries
Tags: Guardian, Our Results

Is My Church-Affiliated Disability Insurance Plan Covered By ERISA?

February 19, 2025 // by Nick Ortiz

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 …

Read moreIs My Church-Affiliated Disability Insurance Plan Covered By ERISA?
Category: Additional Parts Of A Claim That Do Not Happen in Every Case

Ortiz Law Firm Helps Client Recover Long-Term Disability Benefits From Lincoln

February 17, 2025 // by Nick Ortiz

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 …

Read moreOrtiz Law Firm Helps Client Recover Long-Term Disability Benefits From Lincoln
Category: Disability Case Summaries
Tags: Lincoln, Our Results

How To Prepare For Your Social Security Disability Hearing

February 14, 2025 // by Nick Ortiz

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 …

Read moreHow To Prepare For Your Social Security Disability Hearing
Category: Social Security Disability

McEachin v. Reliance Standard – HR Manager Challenges Termination of Long-Term Disability Benefits

February 12, 2025 // by Nick Ortiz

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 …

Read moreMcEachin v. Reliance Standard – HR Manager Challenges Termination of Long-Term Disability Benefits
Category: Disability Case Summaries
Tags: Reliance Standard

Why Choose a Small Law Firm Over a Larger Firm for Your Disability Claim?

February 10, 2025 // by Nick Ortiz

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 …

Read moreWhy Choose a Small Law Firm Over a Larger Firm for Your Disability Claim?
Category: Social Security Disability, Working with a Long-Term Disability Attorney

How To Prepare For An SSA Physical Exam

February 7, 2025 // by Nick Ortiz

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 …

Read moreHow To Prepare For An SSA Physical Exam
Category: Social Security Disability

Ortiz Law Firm Wins Long-Term Disability Appeal for RN with Complex Medical Conditions

January 31, 2025 // by Nick Ortiz

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 …

Read moreOrtiz Law Firm Wins Long-Term Disability Appeal for RN with Complex Medical Conditions
Category: Disability Case Summaries
Tags: New York Life, Our Results

Breen v. Reliance Standard – Pennsylvania Nurse Loses ERISA Disability Benefits Case

January 27, 2025 // by Nick Ortiz

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 …

Read moreBreen v. Reliance Standard – Pennsylvania Nurse Loses ERISA Disability Benefits Case
Category: Disability Case Summaries
Tags: Reliance Standard

What Happens at Step 3 of the SSDI Review: The DDS Medical Review

January 24, 2025 // by Nick Ortiz

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 …

Read moreWhat Happens at Step 3 of the SSDI Review: The DDS Medical Review
Category: Social Security Disability

Can You File A Long-Term Disability Insurance Lawsuit Anonymously?

January 1, 2025 // by Nick Ortiz

Filing a long-term disability (LTD) insurance 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 …

Read moreCan You File A Long-Term Disability Insurance Lawsuit Anonymously?
Category: Long-Term Disability Denials and Appeals

The Standard Reverses Disability Denial For HR Manager With Mast Cell Activation Syndrome

December 25, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

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 …

Read moreThe Standard Reverses Disability Denial For HR Manager With Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
Category: Disability Case Summaries
Tags: Our Results, The Standard

Mistakes You May Be Making With Your Doctor That Could Hurt Your Disability Claim

December 23, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

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 …

Read moreMistakes You May Be Making With Your Doctor That Could Hurt Your Disability Claim
Category: Long-Term Disability, Social Security Disability

The 5-Year Rules In Social Security Disability Claims

December 20, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

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 …

Read moreThe 5-Year Rules In Social Security Disability Claims
Category: Social Security Disability
  • Previous
  • Page 1
  • Page 2
  • Page 3
  • Page 4
  • Page 5
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 19
  • Next

Sidebar

Book cover: Top Ten Mistakes That Will DESTROY Your Long-Term Disability Claim

Free e-Book for LTD Claims

Discover the common pitfalls that can derail your long term disability claim.

Get Your Free Book

Our Clients Love Us

They are the best in everything.

Ricardo T.

See All Testimonials

Recent Posts

  • Challenging a Reliance Standard Long-Term Disability Denial: Understanding Independent Physician Reviews
  • Will Volunteering Affect My Long-Term Disability Insurance Claim?
  • SSA Adds 13 New Conditions to Compassionate Allowances List in 2025
  • Wessberg v. Unum – Minnesota Attorney Wins Long-Term Disability Lawsuit
  • When Disability Insurers Deny Long COVID Claims Due to Mental Health Limitations and Objective Evidence Requirements

Contact Us

Ortiz Law Firm is a national disability law firm specializing in long-term disability appeals, disability insurance lawsuits, and Social Security Disability claims. Contact us for a free case review.

(888) 321-8131
316 S Baylen St., Ste 590,
Pensacola, FL 32502

  • Mail
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube

Claims We Handle

  • Group Long-Term Disability
  • ERISA Disability Claims
  • Individual Disability Insurance
  • Social Security Disability Claims
  • Long-Term Care Insurance

Quick Links

  • About Us
  • Nick Ortiz
  • Free Resources
  • Video Library
  • Client Testimonials
  • Successful LTD Appeals
  • Nationwide Representation
  • Refer a Case

Our Pensacola Office


Sitemap | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2025 | Ortiz Law Firm | All Rights Reserved