Frank N. Darras, Lawyer to the Pros, Tells Athletes to Review Disability Insurance Policies
The National Football League (NFL) is beginning to gear up for another thrilling season. These pro-footballers are already deep into practices to prepare for the upcoming season.
One thing that hasn’t changed, however, is the need to protect themselves in the event they suffer adisabling or career-ending injury. Athletes have several options when it comes to disability insurance including buying it in college through the NCAA or purchasing an individual policy. Athletes new to pro-football particularly need to get their disability insurance policy in place before they begin practice sessions (The $5 Million Question: Should College Athletes Buy Disability Insurance?; The Atlantic, April 11, 2013).
These new athletes should follow along the lines of what Jadeveon Clowney and other top college athletes are doing. Clowney took advantage of the NCAA’s “Exceptional Student-Athlete Disability Program” and purchased a $5 million policy. Clowney is well aware of the dangers inherent in football but his passion for the sport won’t let him sit out in fear of a potential injury.
“I admire Clowney for showing other future pro-athletes that a disability insurance policy is a necessity,” declares Frank N. Darras, America’s top disability insurance lawyer to the pros. “I’m always afraid that athletes new to the NFL won’t stop and think about the benefits of an individual disability insurance policy or will settle for one that doesn’t cover all their needs. With the amount of serious injuries we see during every football season, I hope more young men take the time to protect their future income with the right disability insurance policy.” (Jadaveon Clowney Insures Health, ESPN, March 8, 2013)
Most athletes tend to invest in an own-occupation disability insurance policy. These types of policies are geared more towards those with specialized talents who have a lot to lose if they can no longer participate in their sport. These policies allow the policyholder to collect benefits even if they find another job doing something different. For instance, if a football player suffered a major injury or chronic illness and could no longer play professionally, he could get a job sports casting while still collecting benefits from his policy.
“All athletes should talk with their insurance agent or a top disability attorney as soon as possible to make sure they can get a disability insurance policy that fits their lifestyle. Insurance agents are especially helpful when deciding how much coverage the athlete wants versus how much they are willing to spend. I don’t want any of these pro-athletes to worry about their income if they are seriously injured. They should spend the time with their family and healing their injury, not worrying about paying the bills,” says Darras.
Frank N. Darras is available for interviews on insurance matters and professional sports.