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Los Angeles Long Term Disability Lawyer

Not everyone has the good fortune to live a comfortable life without having to work before the normal retirement age. Those that suffer from long term disabilities often wish they could go back to having a job even though their injuries prevent them from doing that or other things they love.

Many workers and employers purchase long term disability insurance to cover them in the event of a life-altering event that prevents them from working. The benefits from these insurance policies should provide injured workers enough money to support themselves and their families when they are unable to work.

Sadly, while it sounds good on paper, many insurers make delays and denials of those long term disability claims. If this is happening to you, you will be scrambling to find a way to take care of your expenses.

Statistics reveal that 6% of Los Angeles residents under the age of 65 live with some form of disability due to illnesses or injuries. Working with a Los Angeles long term disability lawyer can help you claim your disability benefits from your disability insurance. A Los Angeles disability attorney from the law firm of Pisegna and Zimmerman, LLC can ensure you get the benefits you deserve.

How Do I Know if I Can Seek Disability Benefits in Los Angeles?

Even with such a high number of citizens in Los Angeles that are under the age of 65 living with disabilities, not everyone can access disability benefits. Many people obtain disability insurance coverage through an employer, a professional organization, or a private agent.

Suppose you suffer from a disabling illness or injury that renders you unable to perform the key duties of your current job. In that case, you may be able to qualify for long term disability benefits. What you qualify for will vary based on the group-sponsored disability plans your employer offers or your own individual disability insurance policy.

Employer-sponsored disability plans are usually offered as part of your employee benefits package. For jobs that provide disability insurance, your employer may cover all or part of your disability premiums. Professional organizations or unions usually provide group-sponsored disability plans too.

The key difference is that employer-sponsored disability insurance only covers you while you are employed at your current job while the group sponsored-disability plans may cover you if you move to another employer sponsored by the union.

If you are not sure about your long term disability policy, do not contact any other lawyer. Instead, contact a Los Angeles long term disability lawyer at Pisegna and Zimmerman, LLC. We will work hard to get your long term disability benefits from your insurance company or union-sponsored employer. 

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What Are Long Term Disabilities?

Long term disabilities can be defined as injuries or illnesses that last 60 days or longer. Having a traumatic brain injury or being diagnosed with cancer may immediately qualify you to receive your benefits.

Depending on your insurance company and plan, you may receive total or partial income replacement. You may also be granted rehabilitation and occupational therapy and back-to-work assistance.

All this will depend on the terms of your plan. For some, the benefits may last for just a few months, while others may last until you reach the standard retirement age. Often, problems arise when looking at the fine print exceptions. There are also traps set by group-sponsored ERISA plans.

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) governs employers or group-sponsored disability plans that insure you. It is a complex set of federal laws that are always changing. This makes it difficult for those suffering from long term disabilities to get the coverage they need.

As the bills pile up, turn to the attorneys at Pisegna and Zimmerman to help you in your time of need. If you are denied disability benefits, your long term disability attorney can help you get what you’re entitled to and reduce your stress. 

What Conditions Are Covered by Long Term Disability Insurance?

There are two common types of conditions that affect the disabled population of Los Angeles. Ambulatory disabilities involve broken legs, back pain, nerve damage, and herniated discs. They prevent you from performing tasks like walking or climbing stairs, or make them very difficult to perform.

Cognitive disabilities are another form of long term disability. You may be unable to concentrate or make decisions because of physical, mental, or emotional impairments.

It’s also important to remember that quite often, an injury or illness can trigger others. For example, if you have extreme back pain, you may be unable to walk, sit, or stand for extended periods of time. The pain caused by this injury or the pain medication you must take may keep you from fully concentrating at work.

There are some disability plans that only provide limited benefits for common musculoskeletal conditions. However, by working with a Los Angeles long term disability attorney, you can get the benefits you need. Contact Pisegna and Zimmerman, LLC today to speak with a lawyer about your case.  

The disabling injuries and illnesses that could qualify you for benefits from your long term disability insurance or supplemental individual policy include:

  • Cancer (along with chemotherapy and radiation)
  • Car accident injuries
  • Spinal cord and neck problems
  • Surgical recovery
  • Heart problems (such as heart attacks, strokes, aneurysm, and COPD)
  • Knee injuries and replacements
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Lupus
  • Fibromyalgia

This is not an exhaustive list, so if you are suffering from an injury or illness that makes it impossible for you to work, contact Pisegna and Zimmerman, LLC, your Los Angeles disability attorneys, to help you obtain your long term disability benefits from your insurance company. 

Man having a headache

Why Work with a Los Angeles Long Term Disability Lawyer?

Whether you have multiple policies or just one, if you are unable to perform the essential duties of your job and the insurance company won’t honor your long term disability claims, contact Pisegna and Zimmerman, LLC for Los Angeles long term disability representation.

Many disabled people are denied their claim either on individual or group applications. These can be vague and trick you, resulting in a wrongful denial of your benefits.

If you have been denied the benefits you need, it is of utmost importance that you seek representation from Pisegna and Zimmerman law offices to help you file an appeal to get the benefits you need for financial stability. We offer a free policy analysis to help you see how your disabling condition is serious evidence that you deserve benefits.
Contact Pisegna and Zimmerman, LLC to discuss your long term disability benefits with an experienced Social Security attorney.

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