High Wage Earner? Common Challenges When Long-Term Disability Benefits In Florida Are Denied
Long-term disabilities in Florida can happen for various reasons. Injuries caused by accidents, worsening of chronic health issues, and sudden, severe illnesses can all leave you unable to work. When your condition is likely to prevent you from returning to your job for a year or longer, you may be entitled to long-term disability benefits.
Unfortunately, obtaining long-term disability benefits is typically not an easy process for high-wage earners. Our Orlando long-term disability lawyer explains common challenges you are likely to face throughout the claims process.
Insurers Are More Likely To Deny Long-Term Disability Benefits To High Wage Earners
High-wage earners are generally considered those who make six figures or more per year. An April 2024 Forbes report states that high-paying jobs are among the fastest-growing occupations in the country. They include people in the medical field, software developers and others in the IT industry, chief executives, certain sales representatives, airline pilots, athletes, musicians, actors, and other celebrities.
Being a high-wage earner helps in providing for yourself and your family, but it does not prevent you from getting sick or injured. When these result in long-term disabilities, long-term disability (LTD) benefits help make up for lost income. These benefits may be provided through your employer but are paid out by insurance companies. As for-profit businesses, they have a financial motive to deny or dispute claims filed by high-wage earners. Common reasons include:
- Disputes over policy terms;
- Disputes over whether you have a covered condition;
- Disputes over the overall amount you may be entitled to.
Four Common Challenges High-Wage Earners Face In Florida Long-Term Disability Appeals
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is a federal law that governs employer-provided benefits and how they are administered. If you are a high-wage earner and are facing a denied or disputed disability claim, you have the right to file an appeal. However, expect to face the following challenges:
- Proving your income: Be prepared to provide extensive evidence documenting your income, including wage statements, copies of your employment contract, and past tax returns.
- Proving you are unable to work: You must prove you are unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity and not just your specific job.
- When your income exceeds policy limits: Most policies limit monthly benefits and the maximum amount you are entitled to receive.
- Proving you have a qualifying condition: High-wage earners often face considerable stress on the job, leading to heart disease, mental health issues, and other disorders frequently disputed by insurers.
Contact Our Florida Long-Term Disability Lawyer Today
If you are a high-wage earner, you have a greater chance of being denied long-term disability benefits. To protect your rights in filing an appeal, contact Farrell Disability Law. We have extensive experience successfully handling these cases. We deal with insurers on your behalf and take whatever legal actions are needed to get the maximum amount you are owed. Request a consultation with our Florida long-term disability lawyer in our Orlando or Jacksonville office today.
Sources:
forbes.com/advisor/education/career-resources/what-are-the-highest-paying-jobs-in-the-u-s/#:~:text=Physicians%20and%20surgeons%20report%20the,paid%20occupations%20in%20the%20country.
dol.gov/general/topic/health-plans/erisa#:~:text=The%20Employee%20Retirement%20Income%20Security,for%20individuals%20in%20these%20plans.
ssa.gov/disability
