Wolf & Pravato's Blogs: Trending Disability Insurance Legal Questions From FindLaw Answers

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We see a lot of great questions in our Answers community every day. Here's a look at some recent questions relating to disability insurance from our FindLaw Answers boards:

1. What's the difference between long-term and short-term disability insurance? Should I get one type over the other? Or should I get both?

Whether you go for short-term or long-term disability insurance, either form will give you some amount of added security against the possibility of losing income from an injury or illness. There are pros and cons to each form of disability insurance. So deciding which policy is right for you basically depends on your age, occupation, health, and financial circumstances.

Like the name suggests, short-term disability insurance provides benefits for a relatively short period of time (between three months and two years). Though benefits don't last long, policies are less expensive than long-term policies. Long-term disability policies, on the other hand, can last until the policyholder reaches 75 years old -- or as long as he or she remains disabled. To determine which policy is right for you, discuss your situation with a local disability lawyer.

2. I filed a claim with my disability insurance provider after I suffered a work-related injury that forced me to stop working. My claim was denied. What should I do next?

This poster was injured on the job, leaving him or her no longer able to work. Adding insult to injury, since the disability claim was denied, he or she is now left without an income to pay off mounting medical bills. No wonder the poster is frustrated -- it seems like a no-win situation...

Luckily, most disability plans have an appeals process. Oftentimes, claims are denied because documents are missing, or because further medical examinations are required.

Even if the reason for the initial denial is one that seems like it can be easily remedied during the appeals process, it's generally a good idea to work with an experienced lawyer to make sure deadlines are met and all necessary paperwork is provided. You can get started with your appeal right away by getting a free case evaluation by a local attorney.

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