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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 Denials and Appeals

Long-Term Disability Denials and Appeals

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

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

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

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

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

Will The Court Award Attorney Fees In ERISA LTD Claims?

July 24, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

When it comes to long-term disability (LTD) claims under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), many claimants wonder if they can recover attorney fees if they win their case. The short answer is yes, it’s possible to recover attorney’s fees in an ERISA LTD claim, but it’s not guaranteed. The Legal Basis For Attorney …

Read moreWill The Court Award Attorney Fees In ERISA LTD Claims?
Category: Long-Term Disability Denials and Appeals

How To Choose The Best Disability Insurance Lawyer To Help You Appeal Your Long-Term Disability Denial

July 17, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

You’ve just received a long-term disability denial from your insurance company. It feels overwhelming. The legal jargon, endless paperwork, and pushback from the insurance company can make anyone feel lost. That’s where having an experienced disability insurance lawyer comes in. Navigating through disability insurance law isn’t …

Read moreHow To Choose The Best Disability Insurance Lawyer To Help You Appeal Your Long-Term Disability Denial
Category: Long-Term Disability Denials and Appeals

What You Need To Know About Adverse Benefit Determinations In ERISA Long-Term Disability Claims

June 10, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

Adverse benefit determinations are critical aspects of ERISA long-term disability claims. They refer to a decision made by an insurance company or plan administrator that denies or limits a claimant’s benefits. Understanding adverse benefit determinations is essential for claimants navigating the complex world of long-term disability claims. …

Read moreWhat You Need To Know About Adverse Benefit Determinations In ERISA Long-Term Disability Claims
Category: Long-Term Disability Denials and Appeals

How To Get Your Claim File And Policy After A Long-Term Disability Denial

April 22, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

Navigating the complexities of a long-term disability denial can be overwhelming. After facing a denial, understanding how to request your claim file and policy is crucial. Reviewing your claim file is essential to gain insight into the reasons behind the denial and to explore potential avenues for appeal. This guide will walk you through the …

Read moreHow To Get Your Claim File And Policy After A Long-Term Disability Denial
Category: Long-Term Disability Denials and Appeals

3 Steps To Take If Your Long-Term Disability Claim Is Terminated

September 25, 2023 // by Nick Ortiz

Today, we will discuss the steps you should take if you previously received long-term disability benefits but the insurance company has terminated your claim. Here are the 3 steps to take following the termination of your long-term disability claim. Step 1: Request Your Claim File The first thing you need to do is request your …

Read more3 Steps To Take If Your Long-Term Disability Claim Is Terminated
Category: Long-Term Disability Denials and Appeals

The Standard Of Review In ERISA Long-Term Disability Lawsuits

September 8, 2023 // by Nick Ortiz

How will a federal judge make a decision about an ERISA lawsuit? There are two standards of review in ERISA cases: (1) the de novo review standard and (2) the arbitrary and capricious standard (also called the “abuse of discretion” standard). The judge will determine which standard applies to your claim based on the language …

Read moreThe Standard Of Review In ERISA Long-Term Disability Lawsuits
Category: Long-Term Disability Denials and Appeals

What To Do After A Final Long-Term Disability Denial

July 28, 2023 // by Nick Ortiz

Today, I want to talk to you about what to do after you receive your final long-term disability denial letter from the insurance company. When I say final, what that means is when you file for long-term disability benefits, if you’re denied, you usually have a right to at least one, if not two, appeals. …

Read moreWhat To Do After A Final Long-Term Disability Denial
Category: Long-Term Disability Denials and Appeals

Did Your Insurance Company Use The Wrong Policy Language To Deny Your Long-Term Disability Claim?

June 12, 2023 // by Nick Ortiz

Insurance companies often use “boilerplate” language when denying a long-term disability claim. Boilerplate language refers to a long-term disability denial letter that uses standard, pre-written language or a generic explanation rather than a detailed explanation specific to the individual’s claim. Boilerplate denials are often …

Read moreDid Your Insurance Company Use The Wrong Policy Language To Deny Your Long-Term Disability Claim?
Category: Long-Term Disability Denials and Appeals

Long-Term Disability Denials: 12 Reasons LTD Claims Are Denied

August 9, 2021 // by Nick Ortiz

When applying for long-term disability (LTD) insurance benefits, you must know that disability insurance companies deny many claims. Even if your disability insurance claim is initially approved, you need to know that your insurance company can terminate or cut off your benefits. If the insurance company decides you are no longer disabled, they can …

Read moreLong-Term Disability Denials: 12 Reasons LTD Claims Are Denied
Category: Long-Term Disability Denials and Appeals

How To Appeal A Long-Term Disability Denial: Your LTD Appeal Guide

June 24, 2021 // by Nick Ortiz

Facing a Long-Term Disability Denial? Here’s How to Fight Back If your long-term disability (LTD) benefits have been denied, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to face the appeal process by yourself. Insurance companies deny legitimate claims all the time, but you have the right to appeal and fight for the benefits you deserve. In …

Read moreHow To Appeal A Long-Term Disability Denial: Your LTD Appeal Guide
Category: Long-Term Disability Denials and Appeals

Why Are Long-Term Disability Denials So Common After Two Years?

December 28, 2020 // by Nick Ortiz

Many people on long-term disability worry about whether they will continue to receive benefits beyond the two-year mark, and for a good reason: Long-term disability denials are common after two years because most disability insurance policies change the definition of disability or will no longer pay benefits for certain conditions after benefits …

Read moreWhy Are Long-Term Disability Denials So Common After Two Years?
Category: Long-Term Disability Denials and Appeals

Why Most Long-Term Disability Appeals Suck!

October 1, 2020 // by Nick Ortiz

When most people file a long-term disability appeal, it is a really basic, one or two-paragraph appeal letter that says, “Look, long-term disability insurance company. I really think you got this one wrong. I think there is more than enough evidence to support my long-term disability claim. I want you to go back, take another …

Read moreWhy Most Long-Term Disability Appeals Suck!
Category: Long-Term Disability Denials and Appeals

Should I File An Optional Long-Term Disability Appeal?

July 23, 2020 // by Nick Ortiz

If your disability insurance company has denied or terminated your long-term disability claim, you should review your insurance policy to familiarize yourself with your appeal rights and requirements. Specifically, you should determine how many appeals you have the right to or are required to file before you can file a lawsuit against your insurer. …

Read moreShould I File An Optional Long-Term Disability Appeal?
Category: Long-Term Disability Denials and Appeals

Why Your Long-Term Disability Appeal Should Include A “Day In The Life Of” Video

July 15, 2020 // by Nick Ortiz

Creating a “Day In The Life Of” video to submit with your long-term disability appeal can be crucial to the success of your claim. Documenting your challenges and limitations on video can effectively convey the reality of your situation to the disability insurance claims adjuster. What is a Day in the Life of Video? A video …

Read moreWhy Your Long-Term Disability Appeal Should Include A “Day In The Life Of” Video
Category: Long-Term Disability Denials and Appeals

What To Do If Your Long-Term Disability Claim Has Been Denied

July 14, 2020 // by Nick Ortiz

If your long-term disability claim has hit a roadblock with a denial, you’re not alone in your struggle. Many individuals find themselves in a similar situation, unsure of what to do next. However, by being proactive and informed, you can work towards overturning the denial and obtaining the financial support you need during this challenging …

Read moreWhat To Do If Your Long-Term Disability Claim Has Been Denied
Category: Long-Term Disability Denials and Appeals

What Are Technical Denials In Long-Term Disability Claims?

July 14, 2020 // by Nick Ortiz

A technical denial of a disability claim occurs when you are denied based on a non-medical reason. If your claim has been denied for a technical reason, there is still time to seek an attorney specializing in long-term disability law. We have successfully represented claimants in disability cases across the United States.

Read moreWhat Are Technical Denials In Long-Term Disability Claims?
Category: Long-Term Disability Denials and Appeals

What If I Missed My Long-Term Disability Appeal Deadline?

July 14, 2020 // by Nick Ortiz

If you have applied for long-term disability benefits, you may experience a denial. When you receive notice from the insurance company that your claim has been denied, the clock starts ticking down for you to file an appeal. If you miss a deadline, you could forfeit your right to appeal the decision and not be …

Read moreWhat If I Missed My Long-Term Disability Appeal Deadline?
Category: Long-Term Disability Denials and Appeals

How To Appeal Your Long-Term Disability Case To Federal Court

July 14, 2020 // by Nick Ortiz

If you’re denied long-term disability insurance benefits by the insurance company, you may be eligible to appeal your long-term disability case to federal court. Litigation involves taking legal action or filing a lawsuit to protect your legal rights. Unlike an individual disability policy that is governed by state …

Read moreHow To Appeal Your Long-Term Disability Case To Federal Court
Category: Long-Term Disability Denials and Appeals
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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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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.

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316 S Baylen St., Ste 590,
Pensacola, FL 32502

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