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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.

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Home | Long-Term Disability

Long-Term Disability

Why It Takes So Long to Receive a Decision on a Long-Term Disability Appeal

May 19, 2025 // by Nick Ortiz

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 …

Read moreWhy It Takes So Long to Receive a Decision on a Long-Term Disability Appeal
Category: Long-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability Denials and Appeals

What Does Disability Mean In A Long-Term Disability Claim?

May 12, 2025 // by Nick Ortiz

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 …

Read moreWhat Does Disability Mean In A Long-Term Disability Claim?
Category: Case Summary Blog, Long-Term Disability

The Appeals Process for Mental Health-Related Long-Term Disability Claims

April 25, 2025 // by Nick Ortiz

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 …

Read moreThe Appeals Process for Mental Health-Related Long-Term Disability Claims
Category: Long-Term Disability Denials and Appeals

How Long Does A Long-Term Disability Appeal Take?

April 14, 2025 // by Nick Ortiz

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, …

Read moreHow Long Does A Long-Term Disability Appeal Take?
Category: Long-Term Disability Denials and Appeals

New York Life’s Independent Medical Reviews and How to Respond

April 11, 2025 // by Nick Ortiz

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 …

Read moreNew York Life’s Independent Medical Reviews and How to Respond
Category: Additional Parts Of A Claim That Do Not Happen in Every Case, Long-Term Disability
Tags: New York Life

From Long COVID to Disability: Understanding the Surge in POTS, MCAS, and Other Complex Illnesses

April 9, 2025 // by Nick Ortiz

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 …

Read moreFrom Long COVID to Disability: Understanding the Surge in POTS, MCAS, and Other Complex Illnesses
Category: Long-Term Disability, Social Security Disability

Navigating Lincoln Financial’s Long-Term Disability Appeals Process: Responding to Independent Physician Reviews

April 4, 2025 // by Nick Ortiz

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, …

Read moreNavigating Lincoln Financial’s Long-Term Disability Appeals Process: Responding to Independent Physician Reviews
Category: Long-Term Disability Denials and Appeals
Tags: Lincoln

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

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

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

Why Choose The Ortiz Law Firm Over A Larger Firm?

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, the Ortiz Law Firm offers a personalized approach that sets us apart in the industry. 1. Personalized Attention Think about the difference between shopping at a small, …

Read moreWhy Choose The Ortiz Law Firm Over A Larger Firm?
Category: Social Security Disability, Working with a Long-Term Disability Attorney

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

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

Understanding The Importance Of Ongoing Treatment In Mental Health Disability Claims

December 18, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

Ongoing treatment is a critical factor in mental health disability claims, often serving as a foundational element in both the approval and continuation of benefits. Insurance companies and Social Security evaluate not only the severity of the mental health condition, but also the consistency and effectiveness of the treatment plan. Here’s why …

Read moreUnderstanding The Importance Of Ongoing Treatment In Mental Health Disability Claims
Category: Long-Term Disability, Social Security Disability

Peloton’s Hannah Corbin and Hashimoto’s Disease: A Hidden Struggle with Lasting Implications for Disability Claims

December 11, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

Hannah Corbin is widely recognized as one of Peloton’s most dynamic fitness instructors, motivating thousands with her high-energy classes. On the surface, she is the epitome of physical health. But beneath the surface, Hannah faces an invisible challenge that many wouldn’t expect from a fitness professional: Hashimoto’s disease. In a candid …

Read morePeloton’s Hannah Corbin and Hashimoto’s Disease: A Hidden Struggle with Lasting Implications for Disability Claims
Category: Long-Term Disability, News, Social Security Disability

What Employee Welfare Plans Are Exempt from ERISA Regulations?

December 9, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

Employee welfare plans play an important role in providing benefits such as health insurance, disability insurance, and life insurance to employees. Most of these plans are governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), a federal law designed to protect the interests of employees in these benefit plans. However, not all employee …

Read moreWhat Employee Welfare Plans Are Exempt from ERISA Regulations?
Category: Long-Term Disability

Invisible Disabilities: Overcoming Barriers In Long-Term Disability And Social Security Disability Claims

November 25, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

When you think of a disability, visible conditions such as mobility impairments or the use of a wheelchair may come to mind. But not all disabilities are immediately and visibly obvious. Millions of Americans live with invisible disabilities—health conditions that significantly affect their daily lives but aren’t immediately obvious to …

Read moreInvisible Disabilities: Overcoming Barriers In Long-Term Disability And Social Security Disability Claims
Category: Long-Term Disability, Social Security Disability

Long-Term Disability Benefits For Meta Employees

November 20, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads, is a leading tech giant known for its expansive reach and innovation in social media and communication platforms. Meta employees, whether in technical, creative, or business roles, work in an incredibly dynamic and fast-paced environment. Meta offers long-term disability …

Read moreLong-Term Disability Benefits For Meta Employees
Category: Long-Term Disability
Tags: Lincoln

Long-Term Disability For Bank Of America Employees

November 18, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

Bank of America employees work in a variety of roles, ranging from customer service and finance to technology and operations. Whether you’re a teller, loan officer, IT specialist, or involved in management, your job can be physically and emotionally demanding. Illness or injury can happen to anyone, and when it does, long-term disability (LTD) …

Read moreLong-Term Disability For Bank Of America Employees
Category: Long-Term Disability
Tags: MetLife

Navigating AICPA Disability Insurance Claims: A Comprehensive Guide

November 13, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

As a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), you likely have access to a robust disability insurance policy designed to protect your financial well-being in the event of a disability. Navigating the AICPA disability insurance claim process can be daunting, but with the right approach and support, you can …

Read moreNavigating AICPA Disability Insurance Claims: A Comprehensive Guide
Category: Long-Term Disability
Tags: Prudential

Long-Term Disability for L3 Technologies Employees

October 7, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

L3 Technologies is a major player in the aerospace and defense industry, providing advanced communications, electronics, and sensor systems for military, commercial, and government markets. Customers include the U.S. Department of Defense and its prime contractors, U.S. government intelligence agencies, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the …

Read moreLong-Term Disability for L3 Technologies Employees
Category: Long-Term Disability

Why You Don’t Need To Hire An Attorney In Your State To Appeal ERISA Long-Term Disability Claim Denials

September 20, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

If you’ve received a denial of your long-term disability (LTD) claim, you may be considering appealing the decision. While it’s a daunting process, the good news is that you don’t have to hire a lawyer in your home state to help you with your appeal—especially if your claim is governed by ERISA (the Employee Retirement …

Read moreWhy You Don’t Need To Hire An Attorney In Your State To Appeal ERISA Long-Term Disability Claim Denials
Category: Working with a Long-Term Disability Attorney

Attorney Fees In A Long-Term Disability Claim

July 30, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

If you’re unable to work because of an illness or injury, long-term disability insurance should be your safety net. But what happens if your claim is denied? This is where an experienced long-term disability attorney comes in. How Much Do Long-Term Disability Attorneys Charge? One of our office’s most commonly heard questions is: …

Read moreAttorney Fees In A Long-Term Disability Claim
Category: Working with a Long-Term Disability Attorney

Predicting The Worth Of Your Long-Term Disability Lawsuit

July 29, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

Long-term disability lawsuits are filed when individuals are denied benefits they believe they rightly deserve. You might wonder if pursuing legal action is worth the effort. Understanding the potential worth of your lawsuit is critical—it helps you set realistic expectations and plan your future. These cases often involve complex calculations and …

Read morePredicting The Worth Of Your Long-Term Disability Lawsuit
Category: Long-Term Disability
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I chose the Ortiz Law Firm because they were the only firm I could find that represents clients with M.C.A.S. and it was the best choice I could have possibly made. After receiving multiple denials I reached out to the Ortiz Law Firm for help. Mr. Ortiz and his entire staff were amazing to work with. Thanks to their expertise we were able to get STD/LTD and SSDI settlements. A special shout out to Tiffany and Amber for the great communication and help.

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Recent Posts

  • Why It Takes So Long to Receive a Decision on a Long-Term Disability Appeal
  • Ortiz Law Firm Helps Client Recover Long-Term Disability Benefits After New York Life Denial
  • What Does Disability Mean In A Long-Term Disability Claim?
  • New York Life Reverses Disability Denial for Navy Federal Credit Union Employee
  • Ortiz Law Firm Helps Financial Manager Recover Wrongly Denied Long-Term Disability Benefits

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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

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