Personal Injury Law

Receiving Long-Term Disability? Expect to be Scrutinized

By Ben Glass

As more companies are looking for areas to cutback, long-term disability insurance seems to be on the list. In the past, employees often weren't even aware that this coverage was included as part of their benefits package, but things have changed. As the number of disability claims appear to be going up, many workers are finding that they have to pick up the tab.

If you are filing a disability claim in Virginia and your employer does still offer this coverage, you could still face an uphill battle. Disabled workers are being placed under a microscope and extensively questioned about symptoms, treatments and other medical updates. They are often pushed to get back to work before they are ready.

The March 2010 issue of Smart Money had an article about this very subject. The article, titled, 'Too Sick to Work? They Disagree,' looked into how workers are coping with the cutbacks in disability insurance benefits and the increasing pressure to get back to work. It mentioned that doctors and insurers are clashing over how much time workers need to recover.

Terry Smith, a principal in Mercer's health and benefits practice, explains the current dilemma that disabled workers face, by saying, 'These claims are now managed, whereas they used to just be monitored. It can be very intrusive.'

If you have applied for Virginia long-term disability benefits, don't expect a simple yes or no answer. The process has become a whole lot more complex.

Full post as published by Northern Virginia Personal Injury Lawyer on March 03, 2010 (boomark / email).