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Insurance can be confusing and frustrating. You and your family can be put into serious financial hardship when your insurance company has denied your disability claim. Allowing us to help you with your private long-term disability case will allow you to focus on managing your injury or illness. Call us today at 877-774-2889.
Disability Statistics
Cornell University has compiled a 2015 report of disabilities in the United States. The report found that in the U.S., 12.6% of people reported a disability. The number was higher in Florida (likely due to age demographics) at 13.3%. These numbers have stayed consistent over recent years. However, the numbers may increase or decrease in the future depending on changes in the law, healthcare or other factors.
What is a “Disability?”
A medical condition or illness that prevents you from working is generally considered a disability. In Florida, the Division of Disability Determinations is responsible for making a determination of medical eligibility for those who are applying for government disability benefits under:
- The federal Social Security Administration (SSA) disability programs, and
- The state Medically Needy
The SSA states that to be considered disabled, you must be unemployable “because of a medically-determinable physical or mental impairment(s):
- that is expected to result in death, or
- that has lasted or is expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months.”
Contact Mike Murburg, PA at 877-774-2889 if you are unsure of your disability status under the law.
What is “Long-Term” vs. “Short-Term” Disability?
Short-term disabilities are those that are generally overcome within a relatively short period. Generally, short-term disabilities include minor illnesses or injuries (such as a sprained ankle) that can be corrected quickly with proper treatment.
Long-term disabilities have a serious and lasting impact. These types of disabilities include:
- Sicknesses that last for months or that may never go away
- Recurring conditions (such as incapacitating migraines)
- Debilitating mental or emotional conditions
Disability Insurance
Private long-term disability insurance is a policy that you (possibly with the support of your employer) pay for out of each paycheck. The insurance is designed to protect you and your family in the event of a disability.
There are two major categories of disability insurance:
- Occupational-Disability Insurance: This type of insurance is designed to protect against injuries or illnesses that occur and impact your ability to perform your job. For example, if you are a roofer and suffer from a back injury that prevents you from being a roofer, then your occupational-disability insurance should provide you with compensation until you can return to work.
- General-Disability Insurance: General-disability insurance protects you if you are no longer able to perform any type of employment.
Paying disability insurance is very costly to insurance companies. As such, insurance companies will attempt to deny or limit the amount of insurance that they pay out. Sometimes, insurance companies will improperly deny coverage. Contact us immediately if this happens to you or a loved one. We have the experience and resources to fight the big insurance companies.
Mike Murburg, PA: Prepared to Handle Your Disability Case
Since 1986, Mike Murburg, P.A. has been fighting for the rights of the disabled. We work hard to provide each client with the service and attention his or her case deserves. Contact us today at 877-774-2889.