Professionals Who Need Long Term Disability Insurance The Most
There will always be a need for physical labor in offices, factories, warehouses, and supermarkets, among other settings. DarrasLaw has represented thousands of hard-working Americans from all types of occupations who have sustained injuries and/or disabling illnesses. These injuries and sicknesses have impacted their ability to return to work at the same frequency, regularity or capacity. Many of our clients are career professionals in:
- Construction
- Nursing and Healthcare
- Retail
- Food and Hospitality
- Utilities
- IT
Their occupations demand they be continuously on their feet. Mental and physical wellness is required for them to accomplish their occupational duties. When injury or illness struck and prevented them from working, and they did not qualify for workers’ compensation because they were injured off-the-job they came to us to discuss how their long-term disability (LTD) insurance could be activated.
An LTD occurs when an insured, as a result of an injury or illness cannot perform the important duties of his or her regular occupation, or in some cases is unable to do any occupation by which they are trained, educated, or suited.
As you can imagine, a nurse, police officer or forklift operator who suddenly cannot walk, stand, bend or lift cannot resume their normal work. More importantly, disabled workers with LTD should not have to dip into their savings to pay bills while they sought treatment and recovered.
Examples of Long-Term Disabling Injuries
Physical and mental wellness is vital to everyone’s reliability and daily job performance. Remember, what happens off-the-job can impact your health and ability to work and your income.
For example, if you are injured in a car accident and need months of rehabilitation, receiving your LTD benefits in a timely fashion will provide peace of mind so that you can eventually return to a job that involves turning patients or carrying boxes or loading freight.
The same holds true if you develop a disabling illness or are diagnosed with a life-threatening condition, like cancer or a neurological disorder. Certain non-life-threatening conditions, like maternity leave, may also qualify for LTD.
Some mental illnesses like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), insomnia and depression could also prevent you from preforming your duties. Nurses and health professionals have reported an increase in PTSD due to their increased hours, stress and workloads amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The day-in and day-out stress has been too much for even the most experienced professionals, and DarrasLaw has stepped in quickly to secure their LTD insurance benefits while they sought treatment.
Private or Group LTD Plans
When it comes to individual or group-sponsored long-term disability insurance benefits, the definition of disability varies according to the terms and specific policy provisions or certificate. Let’s review the most common plans offered by employers and also a individual disability option.
Group disability insurance: These are association related sponsored group plans provided through a union or professional organization. As long as you remain in good standing with the organization, you may qualify for short or long-term group disability insurance benefits. Group policies are also generally subject to restrictions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). ERISA eliminates your right to a jury, precludes emotional distress or punishment damages and has time sensitive claim requirements.
Employer-sponsored disability insurance: Short and long-term disability insurance is often included as part of your employer’s employment benefits package, similar to your health insurance. It is linked to your job—meaning it is valid while you’re employed—and your employer will typically cover at least a portion of your disability insurance premiums so the benefits may be taxable. ERISA applies to most employer sponsored plans so be careful as time requirements are unforgiving.
Individual disability insurance: This is a private insurance policy you purchase from an agent or broker to protect yourself. It generally follows you throughout your life, and is unrelated to your employment status. If you pay your premiums personally, individual benefits will be sent to you tax-free. People who file as self-employed or independent contractors, and those who have financially planned well, likely have this type of policy. Individual policies usually protect you in your occupation and last to age 65 or normal retirement age. These policies provide terrific consumer rights and remedies so buy your individual coverage first, than stack your group LTD on top.
No Matter Your Injury or Illness, Contact DarrasLaw Today
If you suffer from an injury or illness that makes it difficult or impossible to perform the physical or mental demands of your occupation, call America’s top-rated individual and group long-term disability lawyers and ERISA attorneys at DarrasLaw. Frank N. Darras and his firm have recovered nearly $1 billion in wrongfully delayed, denied, and terminated insurance benefits. To schedule your completely free disability policy analysis and free claim consultation, call us today at (800) 898-7299 or contact us online.