Disability benefits can be tricky for many people, as navigating insurance claims and working with your employer can often be confusing and frustrating. When you lose the ability to work because of an injury or illness, you shouldn’t have to fight for disability benefits. The experienced attorneys at Mottaz & Sisk Injury Law are available to help you receive the benefits you deserve during your time of need.
Our disability lawyers can easily recognize the common traps in disability insurance claims. If you or a loved one are thinking about applying for disability or have been denied, we can help you receive the benefits you deserve. Our lawyers will work hard on your behalf so you can focus on taking care of yourself. The Mottaz & Sisk team will guide and assist you every step of the way until you have your disability benefits secured.
What Are Disability Benefits?
Disability benefits, or disability insurance, exist to replace a portion of a person’s income when they are unable to work. It can be used for both physical injuries and mental health issues. The disability insurance money is paid directly to you, just like a paycheck, so you can spend the money how you need.
Disability benefits are meant to act as a paycheck when you are unable to work. Many people on disability insurance need money to cover:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Travel costs for appointments
- Lost wages
- Loss of income
- Future pain and disability
While disability insurance policies vary from company to company, many can protect up to 70% of your income for a period from three months to the time you reach retirement. If you work for a company, your disability benefits would most likely come from an insurance policy that your employer is required to provide. If you work for the government or an associated entity, your benefits will come from the state.
What Is a Disability?
Unfortunately, the definition of a disability varies depending on what policy you have. Many disability insurance disputes arise from a disability not being listed as eligible, when indeed it is preventing someone from being able to work. Thankfully, the attorneys at Mottaz & Sisk have experience navigating the legal issues surrounding disability benefits and can help you do the same.
Some policies will define disability as the inability to perform your current job. Other policies define it as the complete inability to perform any job, not just your current one. Some will also exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions and self-inflicted injuries. In other cases, there might be a waiting period before the disability insurance covers pre-existing conditions.
Some examples of disabilities that disability benefits may cover include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Musculoskeletal problems, such as back injuries
- Cardiovascular conditions, including heart failure or coronary artery disease
- Senses and speech issues, such as vision and hearing loss
- Respiratory illnesses, such as COPD or asthma
- Neurological disorders, like MS, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, or epilepsy
- Mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, autism, or intellectual disorder
- Immune system disorders, such as HIV/AIDS, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis
- Various syndromes, such as Sjogren’s Syndrome and Marfan Syndrome
- Skin disorders, such as dermatitis
- Digestive tract problems, such as liver disease or IBD
- Kidney disease and genitourinary problems
- Cancer
- Hematological disorders, such as hemolytic anemias and disorders of bone marrow failure
Types of Disability Insurance
There are two types of disability insurance: short-term and long-term. The difference is the period you will receive benefits if you’re unable to work. A disability benefits lawyer can help you determine which type of insurance you should apply for and help you fight for benefits if they are denied to you.
Short-Term Disability Insurance
Short-term disability typically lasts anywhere from three to six months. It is meant to cover lost income during periods of temporary disability, such as after a car accident or injury that inhibits you from working. Short-term disability insurance can also be used while satisfying the elimination period for long-term benefits.
Long-Term Disability Insurance
Long-term disability insurance provides benefits for a much more extended period. The benefit periods are typically stated in years, ranging from 5, 10, 20, or even until you reach retirement age. This is provided you remain disabled and that no policy limitations or exclusions apply. If you or a loved one need to apply for long-term disability insurance, contact one of the knowledgeable disability lawyers at Mottaz & Sisk to help you through the process.
When Should You Hire a Disability Attorney?
In the process of applying and qualifying for disability benefits, it is never too soon to hire a knowledgeable disability lawyer. Whether you are considering filing a disability claim or your disability benefits have been denied, an attorney can help. There are many legal details that your disability lawyer is aware of and can use to your advantage. It is crucial to contact an attorney right away to help with the disability insurance process and ensure you receive the necessary benefits. Contact the lawyers at Mottaz & Sisk today to discuss your disability benefits case.
The Settlement of Disability Benefits Cases
When there is a dispute regarding disability benefits, it can be extremely frustrating for those relying on the benefits to survive. After an accident or mental health crisis, many people need benefits to make up for lost wages, medical bills, and other expenses their paycheck would generally cover. Being unable to work can be a scary time for many, which is why it’s essential to reach out to a benefits lawyer for help navigating the legal process.
Regardless of your disability, the experienced lawyers at Mottaz & Sisk can help you receive the benefits you deserve. Long-term and short-term benefits exist to help those who are unable to work. We will be with you every step of the way to ensure you receive the necessary benefits for your disability. If we can’t settle your claim in a way that’s best for you, we are prepared to take your case to court with arguments that will withstand a trial.
Mottaz & Sisk Are the Disability Attorneys You Can Count On
If you or a loved one are going through the disability process, the team at Mottaz & Sisk is here for you. We know it can be physically and emotionally taxing to file for disability insurance and then be denied. Hiring an experienced disability attorney will ensure you and your family get the benefits you need to make up for lost income, expensive medical bills, and overall recovery.
Whether you need short-term or long-term disability benefits in Minnesota, the lawyers at Mottaz & Sisk will be with you every step of the way. The process can be confusing and frustrating at times, but not when you have a compassionate attorney by your side. Our team will ensure you get the compensation you need, no matter what kind of disability you have. Disability insurance exists to help people in their time of need, and you are no exception. Get the benefits you deserve by contacting Mottaz & Sisk today.
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