Each long-term disability (LTD) insurance policy is different as each insurance company will have it’s own definition of ‘disability’ that determines what, if any benefits you will receive. Some may cover you regardless of the severity or type of illness or injury you are suffering from, as long as your disability prevents you from being able to perform all, or significantly all of the duties required by your current job.

However, many policies exclude certain illnesses. In these cases, to be eligible to receive LTD benefits, such as income replacement and coverage for medical treatment, your medical condition or injury must be included in the definition of disability found in your insurance policy. In addition, some policies may exclude injuries or illnesses that are covered under Workplace Safety and Insurance policies. When deciding on a long-term disability insurance plan, check with the provider or insurance agent to find out what is considered a disability under that plan. If you or someone you care about suffers from a long-term disability and has disability insurance, you should contact a long term disability lawyer to be sure you are receiving all the benefits you are entitled.

Illnesses and injuries that qualify as a ‘disability’

Some of the most common illnesses and injuries that often qualify as a disability are:

• cardiovascular disease and stroke
• cancer
• mood disorders, including bipolar, anxiety, or depression
• PTSD
• mental health problems
• back injuries
• fractures
• brain injuries
• arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis
• diabetes
• nervous system disorders and seizures
• multiple sclerosis
• lupus
• fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome
• infection
• gastrointestinal illness (crohn’s, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis)

The following events or conditions can often lead to injury or illness that may qualify as a long-term disability, preventing you from working and making you eligible for a disability insurance claim:

• a serious car accident
• cancer
• a heart attack or stroke
• a traumatic event causing depression or PTSD
• back injuries
• accident causing broken bones or head injury
• arthritis, diabetes

Getting legal advice and help

Even when an individual has a legitimate cause for claiming their long-term disability benefits, often insurance companies will initially deny the claim, or offer an amount much lower than asked for.

If you or someone you care about suffers from a long-term disability and has disability insurance, contact our preferred experts. They can help you get the LTD benefits you are entitled to, even if your claim was denied. They offer a free consultation and do not charge up-front fees:

Neinstein Personal Injury Lawyers

Nicola (Nick) Giannantonio Legal Services

								
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