Many people think of long-term disabilities as injuries caused by workplace accidents. However, illnesses also qualify as long-term disability issues. A long-term disability could keep you out of work for three years or longer. Most people do not have the financial reserves to support themselves or their families without working for such a long period of time. If you have long-term disability insurance, it should cover a percentage of your wages. However, insurance companies are out to make a profit and will do as much as they can to avoid paying a claim, including insisting that your disability is “in your head.” If you need to apply for disability insurance or appeal a denial, fill out this form for a free case evaluation.
Long-Term Disabilities
Businesses with more than 15 people cannot fire someone with a long-term disability or individuals who miss work because they are caring for family members with a long-term disability, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act. While the act doesn’t provide a list of long-term disabilities, one may include:
- Multiple sclerosis
- Cancer
- Lupus
- Bipolar disease
- HIV/AIDS
- Crohn’s disease
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Degenerative disc disease
Of course, this is just a partial list, but these are some of the most common long-term disabilities.
Working With the Insurance Company
Keep in mind that when you apply for long-term disability, the insurance company will attempt to prove that you do not have such a condition. For that reason, documentation in the form of medical records is pertinent when you initially apply for disability and even more so if you have to appeal a denial.
An attorney will ensure you have all the required documentation to make the claim process as smooth as possible. If you’ve already been denied, you shouldn’t risk losing your claim on a technicality — retaining an experienced attorney is the best course of action.
Know your policy and what it provides. Some insurance may still provide payments if you cannot do a job that has your initial salary. Some may stop payments as soon as you go back to work, even if the work is a different job and you are not making your initial salary.
Working With a Long-Term Disability
If you can work, employers have to provide certain concessions. They must ensure that you have everything you need — within reason — to make your job manageable. Most businesses are already required to be handicapped-accessible. A business may need to add a ramp to a part of the building that is inaccessible, or it may need to add a TTY system for employees who have lost their hearing.