Marcus Lattimore Retires after Suffering Serious Knee Injuries, Highlighting the Importance of a Permanent Total Disability Insurance Policy
As reported in USA Today, San Francisco 49ers running back, Marcus Lattimore, has just retired after struggling to recover from multiple knee injuries. In 2011, he suffered ACL and MCL tears to his left knee and then again to his right knee in 2012. Thankfully, he had the foresight to purchase an individual disability policy in case something like this happened.Read More
ESPN discusses that Lattimore has a tax-free $1.7 million individual, permanent total disability insurance policy. He bought it during his junior year at the University of South Carolina and it most likely cost him between $10,000 and $15,000 a year in annual premiums which is well worth the initial cost after his claim is processed. (Lattimore has $1.7M insurance policy, ESPN.com, November 9, 2014)
“San Francisco remains in decent shape at the position moving forward even with Frank Gore in the final year of his contract. Carlos Hyde, a second-round pick in May, seems to be in line as the next featured back. The Niners also re-signed injured Kedall Hunter to a contract extension on Monday. But it still stings that Lattimore, regarded by many as the best tailback prospect in the 2013 draft prior to his injury and also a very popular player, will not get the chance to be part of the team’s future,” (49ers RB Marcus Lattimore retires before ever playing a game: USA Today, November 5, 2014).
He never even really had a chance to play a game with the 49ers before his knee injuries caused him to retire. Lattimore experienced a devastating knee injuryduring his last season with South Carolina. Despite this, the 49ers picked him during the fourth round of the 2013 draft and did everything they could to help Lattimore recover. (49ers RB Marcus Lattimore retires before ever playing a game, USA Today, November 5, 2014)
“Lattimore made a super smart move when he purchased his individual disability insurance policywhile still at South Carolina,” states Frank N. Darras, disability insurance lawyer to the pros. “As we can see with his recent retirement, you never know when a brutal injury is going to strike and cost you your career. Lattimore spent years trying to recover and in the end his injuries were just too severe. I hope more young athletes realize how these kinds of injuries can come out of nowhere and take away their dreams of playing professionally.”
Permanent total disability means that a person is unable to do the important duties of their occupation due to illness or an injury. The illness or injury must be permanent and will continue throughout their lifetime, which is certainly true for Lattimore and his knee problems.
“Your insurance agent or a trusted disability insurance lawyer will be able to help you decide what type of policy you need based on your circumstances. Your agent may advise you differently based on how much insurance you need and will suggest certain riders accordingly. The financial stability of your future should be at the forefront of your mind because one injury can wipe out your savings in a short amount of time,” says Darras.