When you have been diagnosed with a severe medical condition or if you suffer serious injuries, you may wish to speak to a Kirkwood insurance attorney about your rights. Benefits may be available through your long-term disability insurance in Missouri.
The Importance of Long-Term Disability Insurance in Missouri
Most people don't think twice about insuring their cars or homes. The chance of an accident or damage occurring to these items is enough to warrant protection. However, many workers don't think about what will happen if they are damaged by sickness or injured in such a way that they are no longer able to work.
Most workers don't think about becoming sick or getting injured because they believe if it does happen, it won't be until later in life. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), even someone in their 20s has a 3 in 10 chance of becoming disabled before they ever reach the age of retirement.
And according to the U.S. Census Bureau, you have about a 1 in 5 chance of becoming disabled. The odds of getting sick or injured are higher than you might think.
Not only is the risk of being out of work fairly high, but the amount of time you are without income may also be a surprise. The Council for Disability Awareness indicates that the average disability for a worker lasts 2.5 years. Can you manage your family without income for that long?
Just as we protect our belongings, we should also protect what is perhaps our most valuable asset, our ability to work. This is why obtaining long-term disability insurance is so important. Yet even those who do carry it might find collecting benefits difficult for a variety of reasons. If this is the case, then you should contact a Kirkwood insurance attorney.
Overview of Long-Term Disability Insurance in Missouri
If you are unable to work, you might qualify for short-term disability benefits. However, if your injury or illness lasts longer than 3 months, you may then qualify for benefits under your long-term disability insurance plan. To discuss your options, you should meet with a Kirkwood insurance attorney.
In most cases you can expect about 50% to 60% of your income to be paid. This will depend on the specifics of your policy. All workers should have a good understanding of their insurance coverage.
Benefits from your long-term disability insurance in Missouri are typically paid out for 2 to 5 years, depending on the circumstances surrounding your injury or illness. However, in some cases, you may be entitled to benefits until you reach the age of 65.
How a St. Louis Insurance Attorney Can Help
Although you might be entitled to long-term disability benefits, you should know that the goal is to get you back to work as soon as possible. You may or may not be ready. If there is a question as to the return or if your benefits have been denied, a St. Louis insurance lawyer can help.
Even workers who are entitled to benefits can run into problems. The insurer wants to pay out as little as possible. They may even try to deny your claim. If you are having trouble getting the long-term disability benefits that you believe you are entitled to, then an attorney can work with you to determine what your rights are.
Navigating the insurance world can sometimes be tricky. You may wonder how to process your claim in such a way that you don't have to face a delay in receiving benefits you may be eligible for. Getting counsel from an attorney who handles these types of cases can improve your chance at a favorable outcome.
Contacting a St. Louis Insurance Lawyer
If you have been injured it's important that you seek legal guidance from a St. Louis insurance attorney who understands the intricacies of these very complex cases. The Kirkwood insurance attorney team at Bollwerk & Associates, LLC fights for Missouri residents. Contact us today - 1-314-315-8111.
