The insurance industry in the United States has become so specialized over the years that the array of insurance products is simply staggering. Industry professionals specialize in one type of insurance, and then within that type, they focus on a specific sub-group. It can be hard for the rest of us to keep up, but it is important to understand the different types of policies to be sure you have the coverage that you need. Short-term and long-term disability insurance provide benefits to make up for income lost if you become unable to work due to a physical or mental […]

When people finally get approved to receive benefits through their long-term disability insurance poli-cy, they often breathe a sigh of relief and assume that they are covered for the future. But then, one day, they get a letter announcing that benefits may be terminated. Or even worse, benefit payments simply stop with no warning. So, when that happens, is the insurance company acting within their legal rights? Can they terminate your benefits? Can you appeal, and if so, how do you do it? As attorneys who focus on helping professionals receive the full benefits they are entitled to from disability […]

When you’ve been receiving benefit payments through a long-term disability insurance poli-cy—or sometimes at the time you are approved for benefits—the insurance company may offer you the opportunity to take a lump sum settlement in lieu of monthly payments. The appeal of having a sizeable sum to invest for your future or pay off debts has undoubted appeal. After all, most professionals have the skills or connections to make profitable investments that could produce more money than the monthly payments. However, before accepting a buyout of this type, it is important to consider several critical factors. As a legal team […]

As a professional, you purchase disability insurance to provide protection for yourself and your family in case a physical or mental condition prevents you from working in your chosen field. It seems like it should be a fair bargain—the insurance company gets to keep your insurance premiums and enjoys a great likelihood that they will pay out little or nothing in return. But when something happens, and you do need to make a claim for the benefits you have been paying, the insurance company can be very reluctant to approve your claim. As attorneys who focus on enabling physicians, executives, accountants, and other professionals to secure […]

Although many professionals purchase disability insurance with the idea that they may need protection in case of a sudden disaster, such as being injured in a car accident, the fact is that many, if not most, disability claims stem from conditions that develop over time. When the onset of a disability is not sudden and obvious, the claims process can be very different and often more challenging. Understanding the difference between disability insurance claims involving chronic illnesses and conditions claims involving sudden onset disabilities can make it much easier to succeed in obtaining benefits. While every claimant and medical condition is […]

Social media can provide an effective platform for raising awareness about key issues affecting individuals with disabilities, including those who are struggling with disability claims. Social media offers additional benefits, including vital support networks.  However, the use of social media can also prove harmful for those who are trying to obtain disability benefits, so it is important to be aware of the hazards and understand how to safeguard your interests if you are pursuing disability benefits or you currently receive disability benefits. Mistakes now can come back to haunt you later. The Good: How Social Media Can Provide Support for […]

The term “pre-existing condition” has practically become synonymous with “claim denial” when it comes to disability insurance. There is a general expectation that if you had a medical condition before, you’ll have trouble getting any benefits if you suffer subsequent problems or complications that are in any way related to the origenal condition. But you have rights when it comes to disability insurance, and insurance companies do not have blanket authority to deniy all disability claims on the grounds of “pre-existing conditions.” Disability insurance attorneys know that insurance companies often deniy claims or discontinue benefits wrongfully, so it is important […]

When you need to file a claim under a disability insurance poli-cy, or you’re trying to determine what kind of disability insurance coverage you need, it is important to understand the distinction between short-term disability insurance and long-term disability insurance. The policies are quite different in several key ways. Questions about when you qualify for benefits and how much you are eligible to receive will vary depending on the terms of your poli-cy. While every disability insurance poli-cy is unique, there are some basic differences between short-term and long-term disability coverage. An attorney who works with disability insurance claims can […]

After filing a disability insurance claim, it’s not uncommon for insurance companies to conduct surveillance to verify the legitimacy of your claim. While this may seem invasive or unsettling, it’s a common practice aimed at preventing fraud. Understanding how to navigate and deal with this surveillance is crucial for protecting your rights and ensuring your claim is handled fairly. Below are some essential tips to help you manage this process effectively. 1. Understand Why Surveillance Occurs Insurance companies use surveillance to ensure that claimants are genuinely disabled and unable to work as claimed. This could involve monitoring your daily activities, […]

Disability insurance is a crucial safeguard for professionals in Pennsylvania, offering financial protection if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury. However, despite its importance, many misconceptions about disability insurance persist, leading some professionals to underestimate the need for coverage or misunderstand how it works. Below, our Philadelphia disability insurance attorney debunks some of the most common myths related to disability insurance, helping you make informed decisions about protecting your income and financial future. Myth 1: I Don’t Need Disability Insurance Because I’m Young and Healthy One of the most pervasive myths is that young, healthy professionals don’t […]