In this Legal Minute Video, TWWHB partner, Stephanie Taylor, will talk about long-term disability benefits and a common misunderstanding we know many clients have with respect to their ability to work or perform certain procedures of their job although they have a disability. Here, Stephanie will explain that an inability to perform some procedures of your job—although not all—can qualify you for long-term disability benefits.
At TWWHB our mission is to help you. This is why we never require any fee or obligation to simply talk to you, discuss your case, and explain your rights. We handle many types of insurance claims, including those arising out of a long-term disability benefits denial, particularly for medical professionals. If you have a legal question that is not listed here or you have further questions about a topic we have covered in a Legal Minute Video, feel free to give us a call. Our attorneys are happy to talk to you about what has happened and make sure you understand your rights.
QUESTION:
Do I have to be totally unable to do any work in order to qualify for long-term disability benefits? For example, what if I can perform some work duties, but not all procedures?
ANSWER: No.
Stephanie Taylor: I am often asked what is the biggest mistake or biggest misunderstanding people have about long-term disability policies. I would say the biggest misunderstanding people have is that they have to be totally unable to do any work at all in order to be eligible for benefits. But most of these policies don't require that you be totally unable to do any work. Many of them define ‘total disability' as the inability to do all of the material or substantial duties of your occupation.
So, for example, if you're a doctor and you're able to continue working and do much of your duties, but you can't do certain procedures that are a pretty major part of your job, you're entitled to benefits.
It's really important that you read your policy, keep a copy of it, and understand the definitions. We're happy to read the policy for you and explain what it means, because we don't think you should leave any of your hard-earned money on the table when you've been paying premiums for this type of insurance.