An invasive cardiologist has a specific skillset and specializes in diagnosing and treating heart disease and illnesses. The job requires manual dexterity to perform minimally invasive procedures on a patient and a depth of knowledge to accurately diagnose and recommend treatment options. When an invasive cardiologist becomes ill or disabled to the point where they cannot work for months, many patients could suffer without the special skills of this kind of doctor.
The experienced long-term disability claims attorneys at Capitan Law recognize the difficulties that you, as an invasive cardiologist, face every day on the job and how a serious disability could affect your life and career. Our law firm focuses on helping invasive cardiologists and other medical personnel secure the long-term disability benefits they’ve paid for.
We offer insightful and specific advice and advocacy for your situation. Contact us by calling (267) 419-7888 or online to request a free consultation with one of our long-term disability insurance attorneys for help getting your benefits.
Long-Term Disability Insurance: What It Is and What It Covers
Long-term disability (LTD) insurance plans provide financial benefits for people who cannot work due to a disability. They usually kick in after you’ve been out of work for 90 days or more and after you’ve exhausted your short-term disability benefits. This type of plan provides income replacement benefits, usually between 50% and 80% of your pre-disability wages.
Different insurance companies set different terms and benefits for LTD policies, so it’s important to review your policy carefully to determine the extent of the benefits you purchased.
The Differences Between Workers’ Compensation and LTD Insurance Benefits
Workers’ comp and LTD have similar benefits for injured or disabled workers. Each one offers a wage replacement benefit, which can help someone pay their bills while out of work. However, one of the primary differences is when you’re eligible for benefits. Workers’ comp only applies to those injured on the job or who develop an occupational disease or illness. LTD, on the other hand, can provide benefits regardless of whether your disability is work-related.
Workers’ comp also covers medical care for the work-related condition, while your LTD policy will not. Finally, workers’ compensation is an employer-sponsored benefit – you don’t pay the premiums. Conversely, LTD is paid by the insured, even if it’s a benefit offered through your workplace.
What Kind of Benefits Does Long-Term Disability Insurance For Invasive Cardiologists Provide?
Each insurance company sets its own benefits for LTD policies. Some carriers may have multiple policies with different benefits. However, there are common benefits among LTD policies, including:
- Wage replacement. Although the average income replacement is 50-60% of what you were earning at the time of your disability, some policies may go as high as 80%.
- Waiver of premium. Many insurers will waive premium payments while you’re receiving benefits.
- Cost of living adjustments. You can purchase a policy or a policy rider that provides COLA adjustments, which result in higher benefit payouts due to inflation or an increase in the cost of living in your location.
Each policy is different, so carefully review your policy’s terms so you know what you are entitled to and what you need to do to claim your benefits. If you’re still unsure, reach out to our LTD attorneys, who can help explain your benefits and help you file your claim.
Common Disabling Health Conditions Among Invasive Cardiologists
Although an invasive cardiologist’s job doesn’t require heavy physical labor, the physical and mental toll this type of specialized medicine takes can be significant. Stress-related medical conditions and disabilities are common, as are:
- Repetitive motion injuries or strain due to performing delicate procedures
- Hypertension
- Vision loss or impairment
- Cognitive impairment or decline, which can affect a doctor’s ability to perform critical procedures properly
- Exposure to communicable diseases or infections
- Injuries from a vehicle or other accident, like a broken wrist, fingers, or legs that prohibit the doctor from performing surgical procedures
- Cancer or other long-term illnesses or disease
This isn’t an exhaustive list of long-term disabling medical conditions or causes. Check the terms of your policy to determine what the elimination period is, and after that time has passed, you should be able to file your LTD claim and receive benefits.
What Legal Issues Could I Experience with My LTD Claim?
You may have paid your premiums on time, in good faith, for months or even years, only to face some legal or other issues when you try to collect your benefits.
The insurance company may claim you have a pre-existing condition. It’s a common reason to deny claims.
Do you fit the policy’s definition of disabled? Some policies may provide coverage if you cannot perform your specific job, while others may only pay benefits if you cannot work in any job, not just the one you had before the injury. In some cases, the policy’s terms may say they’ll pay if you can’t perform your specific job for a period of time and then switch to an “any occupation” definition of disability, which could mean they won’t pay because they think you could work as a GP.
The insurer may claim they have insufficient medical proof that you are disabled and cannot work or improper documentation to support your claim. An attorney can help you collect the right documents and medical records for a strong claim.
The policy may have certain limitations or exclusions that prevent you from getting benefits. For example, mental health claims may be excluded, or there could be a deadline for filing a claim you missed.
These may not be the only hurdles you face in receiving benefits. An experienced LTD attorney can help you contest a denial or minimization of your claim or help you prepare an appeal of denied benefits.
Contact Our Long-Term Disability Attorneys Today
Do you need help with your LTD claim? The skilled long-term disability lawyers of Capitan Law proudly represent clients in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, with our offices in Pennsylvania. Contact us today for a free consultation with one of our lawyers by calling (267) 419-7888 or filling out our online contact form.
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