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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Nick Ortiz

What Not To Say In Your Social Security Disability Interview

Applying for Social Security Disability benefits can be a daunting process. You must present your case to the Social Security Administration in the best possible light. What you do not say to the SSA is just as important, if not more so, than what you do. In this article, we discuss what not to say during …

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Non-Lawyer Advocates vs. SSDI Attorneys: Understanding The Differences

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a government program that provides financial support to individuals who are unable to work due to a disabling condition. However, applying for and receiving SSDI benefits can be a complicated and challenging process, which is why many individuals turn to Social Security disability advocates for help. Social Security disability …

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Which Doctor Should You See To Claim Long-Term Disability Benefits?

If you’re unable to work due to a disabling condition, you may be eligible for long-term disability (LTD) benefits. However, obtaining these benefits is often a complex and challenging process. One of the key factors that can affect your chances of getting approved for long-term disability benefits is the medical evidence that you submit with …

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Paquin v. Prudential – Insurer Wrongfully Disregarded Treating Physicians’ Opinions

In this case, the claimant won a reinstatement of his long-term disability insurance benefits in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado. The Plaintiff’s Medical History and Claim History:  Mr. Paquin worked for Transistor Devices, Inc. as a Business Development Director. In 2003, Mr. Paquin contracted encephalitis from a mosquito infected by …

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Robinson v. Aetna – Claim Sent Back To Insurer To Assess Disability Under Plan’s “Any Occupation” Definition

Plaintiff Laverne Robinson brought a lawsuit against Aetna Life Insurance Company (“Aetna”) and Mondelez Global LLC Employee-Paid Group Benefits Plan (“the Plan”) for unpaid long-term disability (“LTD”) benefits under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”). Robinson was a former utility machine operator for Mondelez. As an employee, she could receive disability benefits under the Plan. Aetna served …

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What Not To Say At Your Social Security Disability Hearing

If you’ve filed a Social Security Disability claim and are headed to a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), it’s essential to be prepared. Knowing what to say and what not to say can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. In this article, we’ll explore some common mistakes claimants make …

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Medical Examinations For Social Security Disability Claims

You may be here because either your Administrative Law Judge or the Department of Disability Services (DDS) arm of the Social Security Administration (SSA) has scheduled an appointment for you to see one of their doctors, either a medical doctor or psychologist. These are commonly called Medical Examinations (ME) or Consultative Examinations (CE). Refer to …

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Can Your Long-Term Disability Insurance Company Force You To Use A Social Security Disability Claims Service? 

If you’re applying for long-term disability insurance, you may be required to apply for Social Security disability benefits along with your LTD claim. You may even be offered the services of companies like Allsup and Advantage 2000 to assist with your claim. However, as a knowledgeable long-term disability/ERISA and Social Security disability attorney, I strongly …

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Arenson v. Unum – Court Rules In Favor of Unum Under Deferential Standard Of Review

Today we review Arenson v. First Unum Life Insurance Company that was decided by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Gregg Arenson was a futures and options trade broker. He sued his former employer’s benefits administrator, First Unum Life Insurance Company (hereinafter “Unum”) under ERISA. He challenged Unum’s denial of his long-term disability …

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Moseley v. Unum – Unum Should Have Ordered An IME To Determine If Disability Was Mental Or Physical

Unum paid long term disability (LTD) insurance benefits to Susan Moseley, but stopped paying after a period of time pursuant to the mental illness limitation in her long term disability policy (a policy is also called a “plan” of benefits). Moseley appealed the case all the way to federal court, arguing that Unum abused its …

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