Experiencing an accidental injury or medical diagnosis can feel terrifying and overwhelming. However, when this situation prevents you from being able to return to your regular job for an extended period, you may be eligible for a long-term disability claim.
Long-term disability (LTD) insurance helps replace a portion of an injured or ill person’s original income when they can no longer work or work part-time because of a disability. It protects workers and prevents them from going without pay for the length of their disability. The benefit period can range from two years to retirement or until an individual is fully recovered.
Long-Term Disability Eligibility in Ohio?
While there are criteria for what makes someone eligible for long-term disability benefits, some cases are not always clear-cut and require extra consideration. Therefore, to increase your chances of eligibility, it is crucial navigating the filing process carefully.
Below are examples of incidents that would make an individual in Ohio eligible for LTD.
Scenario one: Susie has been working as a Billings Clerk at a bank near her home in Akron for the past two years. After weeks of feeling seriously fatigued and experiencing chest aches, she finally visited her doctor.
Several medical exams later, Susie received a stage two lung cancer diagnosis. As a result, she is due to start chemotherapy immediately. Her first course of chemo will last six months, but her doctor states that the road to a full recovery will likely take longer than that. Aware that she will no longer be able to work, Susie speaks with Human Resources to begin filing for long-term disability. She also consults with a disability attorney for extra advice and to avoid making mistakes during the filing process that could potentially delay her insurance approval.
Scenario two: John works for his city’s utility department. While conducting an onsite electrical inspection, he was the victim of a trip and fall accident that caused a severe spinal injury. Despite receiving immediate medical attention and treatment, John still experiences constant and excruciating pain that has been resistant to treatment. As a result, he cannot return to work and has run out of sick leave.
John’s supervisor has recommended filing for long-term disability benefits as a next step. John contacts a lawyer who informs him of the medical records needed and guides him through the filing process to ensure he receives benefits as quickly as possible.
Hire an Attorney for Long Term Disability Claim
Suppose an accident or medical condition has rendered you disabled for any period, and your case has been denied. In that case, it is important to contact an Ohio disability insurance attorney like Mike Warren of Warren Law Firm, who can help you understand your options and help you effectively navigate this period of not working. Contact us today!
Featured image by Thiébaud Faix