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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.
A California physician filed an ERISA lawsuit after Sun Life denied his long-term disability claim for chronic fatigue syndrome. Despite multiple medical diagnoses supporting his condition, the insurer cited psychiatric history and lack of conclusive evidence. The court stayed the case and remanded it for further review, ordering a neuropsychiatric …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …
On April 1, 2024, The Standard announced the completion of its acquisition of the Life & Disability business of Elevance Health. Elevance Health is the parent company of Anthem. This move marks a significant expansion of The Standard’s presence in the employee benefits marketplace, particularly in the areas of life and disability …
Preparing for a psychological exam required by the Social Security Administration (SSA) can be stressful, but knowing what to expect can make a big difference in how you handle the process. Psychological consultative exams are often requested when the SSA doesn’t have enough information to determine the impact of mental health on your ability to …
In King v. Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company, the insurer failed to issue a timely decision or seek an extension within the 45-day deadline for reviewing Megan King’s appeal of her terminated long-term physical disability benefits. Under the Department of Labor’s regulations, this failure allowed King to consider her claim “exhausted” and …
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 …
We recently had the privilege of representing a former claims adjuster for an insurance company who faced an overwhelming array of health issues. Her life was deeply affected by chronic severe pain and a series of debilitating conditions, including osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and complications following breast cancer, among others. Lincoln …
Cheryl Watson, a licensed clinical social worker and research coordinator at the Hektoen Institute, faced an uphill battle to secure long-term disability benefits. After years of enduring fatigue, cognitive difficulties, pain, and other symptoms, Watson stopped working in March 2013. Diagnosed with conditions including fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue …
At the Ortiz Law Firm, we recently had the honor of helping a dedicated Account Executive for UnitedHealth Group who was wrongfully denied long-term disability benefits by The Hartford. Our client had been unable to work for several years, due to numerous debilitating conditions, including ongoing pain from bilateral hip replacements, …
I recently had the privilege of representing a 53-year-old client who previously worked as a production meat packer at HEB, Inc. She faced many serious health challenges that made it impossible for her to continue working. Her medical conditions included kidney failure, chronic pain in multiple joints, neuropathy in both arms and legs, …
When filing for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, many individuals may assume they need to hire an attorney who is physically located near them. However, in today’s digital age, this is no longer necessary. One of the most significant changes in the Social Security Disability claims process is the shift toward telephone hearings with …
Lori Olah, a clinical research associate, was initially approved for long-term disability benefits following spinal surgery. However, Unum terminated her benefits less than a year later, citing medical reviews that claimed she could perform sedentary work. Despite Olah’s appeal and supporting evidence from her treating physician, the court upheld …
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 …
When Guardian Life abruptly terminated one of our client’s long-term disability (LTD) benefits, we knew we had a fight on our hands. Her case illustrates the importance of challenging insurers who unfairly deny claims based on benefit limitations for mental and nervous conditions and why having experienced legal representation can make all the …
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 …
At the Ortiz Law Firm, we understand how devastating it can be to face a denial of long-term disability (LTD) benefits when you’re already battling significant health challenges. One of our recent cases is a testament to our unwavering commitment to helping clients secure the benefits they deserve. The Challenge Our client, a former data …
Preparing for your Social Security Disability hearing can be a daunting process, but being informed and organized can greatly increase your chances of success. Below is a comprehensive guide that links key resources and advice to help you effectively navigate the hearing process. 1. Pre-Hearing Preparation Before you attend your hearing, it’s …
Annette McEachin, a human resources manager, was covered under a long-term disability policy issued by Reliance Standard Life Insurance. After a car accident in February 2017, McEachin stopped working and was approved for disability benefits due to “head, neck, back pain, and headaches due to whiplash/post-concussion syndrome.” A second car …
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, a smaller law firm like the Ortiz Law Firm offers a personalized approach that sets us apart in the industry. 1. Personalized Attention Think about the difference between …
Preparing for a Social Security Administration (SSA) physical exam, also known as a consultative examination (CE), is essential for anyone applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The SSA typically schedules a CE when it needs more medical evidence to decide your claim, usually because your …
We recently won a significant victory for a client who was wrongfully denied long-term disability (LTD) benefits by New York Life (NYL). Our client, a former registered nurse, has been battling numerous debilitating medical conditions, including pudendal neuralgia, complex regional pain syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, PTSD, anxiety, major …