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.

You are here: Home / Archives for Nick Ortiz

Nick Ortiz

Sutton v. MetLife – LTD Policy Requires Objective Evidence, Not Conclusive Proof

The plaintiff, Sutton, filed a lawsuit against MetLife, the defendant, for the wrongful denial of long-term disability benefits under his employer’s plan governed by ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act). Background Under the disability plan’s policy documents, if an employee’s disability is attributable to a neuromuscular or musculoskeletal condition, benefits are normally paid for only …

Sutton v. MetLife – LTD Policy Requires Objective Evidence, Not Conclusive ProofRead More

Long-Term Disability Claims And Toxic Work Environments

Most US workers are impacted by workplace stress. A 2023 article by Zippia Research reported that 83% of US workers suffer from work-related stress. That same article also revealed that 25% of workers say their job is the number one stressor in their lives. Constant stress is a characteristic of a toxic work environment, which …

Long-Term Disability Claims And Toxic Work EnvironmentsRead More

Can An Insurance Company Sue To Recover An SSDI Overpayment?

If you receive long term disability benefits and have been approved for SSDI, you likely have questions. You may wonder if your insurance company can sue to recover the overpayment. The answer is it depends. What Happens If I Don’t Pay Back Long Term Disability? Under certain circumstances, disability insurance companies may be able to …

Can An Insurance Company Sue To Recover An SSDI Overpayment?Read More

The Standard Wrongly Applies Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion To Claim

Recently, we appealed a claim denial issued by The Standard. The claim had been denied because the insurance carrier had determined that the claimant’s condition was caused or contributed to by a pre-existing condition. This is not an unusual basis for a long term disability claim denial. However, upon further review, we determined this pre-existing …

The Standard Wrongly Applies Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion To ClaimRead More

Peer Review Reports In Long-Term Disability Appeals And Why You Should Respond

It is not uncommon for a disability insurance company to order a peer review during the long-term disability appeal process. If your insurer has requested a peer review, you may have received a letter that states something like: We are writing to update you of the status of your appeal request for the above referenced …

Peer Review Reports In Long-Term Disability Appeals And Why You Should RespondRead More

How To Apply For Long-Term Disability Insurance Benefits

Are you or a loved one wondering how to apply for long-term disability? Understanding the process thoroughly is crucial to ensure you have the best chance of receiving the support you deserve. This post explains the application process and offers expert tips to help you navigate it confidently. This guide is written by a disability …

How To Apply For Long-Term Disability Insurance BenefitsRead More

Social Security Disability For Terminal Illnesses (TERI)

The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers programs to provide financial assistance to those in need. Among these programs is the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program. Your SSDI claim may qualify for expedited TERI case processing if you have a terminal illness. What Is a TERI Case? The SSA established Terminal Illness (TERI) case processing …

Social Security Disability For Terminal Illnesses (TERI)Read More

Are Group Plan Long-Term Disability Benefits Taxable?

Long-term disability insurance provides a source of income for those who are unable to work due to illness or injury. However, understanding the tax implications of long-term disability (LTD) benefits can be confusing. Many people wonder whether their LTD benefits are taxable and how much of their benefits will be subject to taxation. In this …

Are Group Plan Long-Term Disability Benefits Taxable?Read More

Benefit Limitations In Long-Term Disability Claims For Chronic Fatigue Conditions

Chronic fatigue conditions are increasingly recognized for impacting a person’s ability to work and perform daily tasks. In many cases, sufferers of these conditions may need to resort to long-term disability (LTD) insurance. Unfortunately, the path to accessing these benefits is not always straightforward, with claimants often facing significant benefit limitations or wrongful denials. Claiming …

Benefit Limitations In Long-Term Disability Claims For Chronic Fatigue ConditionsRead More

Financial Assistance While Waiting On Disability – Florida Resources

Staying afloat while waiting to be approved for disability benefits is a tricky issue in most cases. Help might be available while waiting for Social Security or long-term disability insurance payments, but you must piece it together. Below are some resources for claimants in the state of Florida. There may be similar resources available to …

Financial Assistance While Waiting On Disability – Florida ResourcesRead More