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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.
Receiving a long-term disability denial based on a “pre-existing condition” can feel frustrating and unfair. Many claimants are shocked to learn that their insurance company is refusing benefits based on medical treatment that occurred months, or even years, before they stopped working. If your long-term disability (LTD) claim was denied because of …
Disability loan discharge lets people who can’t work because of a disability have their student loans canceled. This is important for those whose health issues make it hard to get a job. It can apply to both federal and private student loans, but the rules and who qualifies can be different for each type. Knowing …
At Ortiz Law Firm, we recently helped a client secure the reinstatement of her long-term disability (LTD) benefits after Unum wrongfully terminated her claim. Through a strategic and comprehensive appeal, we were able to achieve a full reversal in less than 45 days. Background of the Claim Our client was initially approved for long-term disability …
You paid your disability insurance premiums faithfully. You trusted that you would be protected if you ever became too sick or injured to work. So when the denial letter from Lincoln Financial arrives, it can feel like a profound betrayal. In reality, the reason for the denial is rarely personal. Disability insurance companies operate under …
Getting out of bed can feel like a physical feat. Focusing on a simple work email feels impossible. If your depression has made your job unsustainable, you’re likely asking if qualifying for disability with depression is an option. The answer is yes, but a successful claim doesn’t start with a call to HR; it starts …
Navigating the world of long-term disability (LTD) benefits can feel overwhelming, especially when you are already dealing with a serious medical condition. If your symptoms are preventing you from working, understanding how to get long-term disability benefits is essential to protecting your income and financial stability. Long-term disability …
Fixing errors in your medical records is important—especially if you’re applying for long-term disability (LTD) or Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. Both insurance companies and the Social Security Administration (SSA) rely heavily on your medical records to make decisions. Even small mistakes—like an incorrect diagnosis or missing …
For many long-term disability (LTD) claimants, the struggle to keep working doesn’t stem from just one issue. It’s common to have both physical and mental health challenges—chronic pain, fatigue, or neurological issues often go hand-in-hand with depression or anxiety. But when it comes to insurance claims, this dual diagnosis can …
Your monthly disability check from MetLife provides a steady, reliable income. But what if the company offered you the next 10 or 20 years’ worth of payments all at once? This is called a lump-sum buyout—a single, large payment that replaces all future monthly checks forever. It’s an offer that can feel both exciting and …
Trying to explain how a bad day really feels can be overwhelming, especially when the right words disappear at a doctor’s appointment. What if you had a tool that could speak for you? Learning how to keep a symptom journal is one of the most powerful steps you can take, giving you a voice and …
If New York Life denied or delayed your long-term disability (LTD) benefits, you are not alone. We routinely hear from claimants who did everything “right”—submitted forms, followed treatment, and kept the insurer updated—only to receive a denial letter that feels prewritten. The reality is that disability insurers follow patterns. Don’t make the …
If New York Life denies or terminates long-term disability (LTD) benefits under an employer plan, your case is likely governed by ERISA. ERISA changes how the case is built, how a judge reviews it, and what you can recover compared to ordinary insurance lawsuits. Understanding these differences helps you plan the appeal and any lawsuit …
When you’re already receiving long-term disability (LTD) benefits, applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) may seem unnecessary. After all, you’re already getting monthly income. But applying for SSDI is often required by your LTD policy — and more importantly, it can provide powerful long-term advantages that protect your …
A denial from New York Life doesn’t mean your claim is over—it means you’re entering the most important phase of your case: the appeal. This stage decides what evidence the insurer (and a court, if needed) will review. A common mistake I see claimants make is assuming that more paperwork means a stronger case. In …
We recently helped a client get her long-term disability (LTD) benefits reinstated after they were wrongfully terminated by Prudential—without having to complete a formal appeal. This case highlights the importance of experienced legal help when insurance companies create confusion or apply the wrong standards. Background: Mental Health and Long …
If you’ve filed a claim for long-term disability (LTD) benefits, it’s only natural to want to check your insurance company’s online portal for updates. These portals are designed to help you stay informed—but more often than not, they end up creating confusion or even anxiety. Insurance Portals Are Often Incomplete or Misleading While LTD …
When New York Life denies long-term disability (LTD) benefits, the reasons usually fall into predictable patterns. Understanding those patterns helps you respond strategically, focusing your appeal on evidence that matters most and avoiding dead-end arguments. Below are the most common denial reasons we see, with practical ways to overcome each …
Timing matters. Knowing what to expect helps you plan medical visits, gather evidence, and decide when to escalate. Here’s how New York Life typically handles long-term disability (LTD) appeals under ERISA and what can speed things up — or slow them down. The Standard ERISA Timeline For most employer-sponsored LTD plans governed by ERISA, the …
If you’re dealing with a long-term disability (LTD) claim, it’s important to understand the documents that govern your benefits. Two key documents you’ll likely encounter are the Summary Plan Description (SPD) and the policy (or full “Plan”). While they may sound similar, they serve different purposes and carry different legal …
If New York Life denied your long-term disability (LTD) claim, submitting the right evidence on appeal may change the outcome. You need to gather as much evidence as possible, as this could be your one chance to stack the record that a court may later review. The focus should be on documenting your functional limitations, …
Imagine making it nearly to the end of your short-term disability (STD) benefit period—only to have your benefits denied with just a couple weeks to go. It’s a discouraging situation that many claimants face. Not only does the denial cut off a vital source of income, but it can also create doubts about pursuing long-term …
If you’re pursuing long-term disability (LTD) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you may think that starting your own business is harmless—as long as it doesn’t make money. After all, you’re not back to full-time work, and your condition still limits what you can do. But insurers and the Social Security Administration (SSA) …
Filing a disability claim—whether it’s for long-term disability (LTD) insurance benefits or Social Security Disability (SSD)—is a complex process. When you’re dealing with a serious medical condition and the stress of being out of work, it might be tempting to look for quick, easy solutions online. AI tools like ChatGPT and other …
If New York Life denied your long-term disability (LTD) claim, this isn’t the end of the process. Your administrative appeal is your opportunity to correct the record, add strong evidence of your limitations, and build a complete file that can support you later in court if necessary. This guide outlines the steps to take now …