How Nurses Can Protect Themselves Against Long-Term Disability In Florida
Being a nurse is one of the most demanding occupations. Long hours, heavy tasks, and a high-stress environment can take a toll on their health, making long-term disabilities more likely to happen.
Unfortunately, after dedicating their lives to helping others, it can come as a shock when a long-term disability claim gets denied. Our Jacksonville long-term disability lawyer represents nurses in these cases, helping them get the benefits they are entitled to. The following explains how to protect yourself and your rights.
Florida Nurses At High Risk For Long-Term Disabilities
The Florida Hospital Association warns that the state faces a significant nursing shortage. In addition to impacting patient service, it can put nurses currently working at higher risk for long-term disabilities.
Long hours on their feet, lack of sleep or regular breaks, and the high demand of their jobs increase the risks of injuries and illnesses. Common conditions that can cause long-term impairments include:
- Back and neck injuries due to overuse;
- Repetitive stress injuries, such as carpel tunnel;
- Injuries due to slips and falls or getting struck by objects;
- Exposure to hazardous substances, such as radiation;
- High blood pressure and other stress-related conditions;
- Depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders;
- Acts of violence on the part of patients or their families.
Protecting Yourself Against Long-Term Disabilities
The National Institutes of Health reports that nursing is one of the most dangerous occupations in terms of long-term disabilities. Fortunately, long-term disability insurance is generally included in their employee compensation package. It helps offset lost wages if your condition prevents you from working for a year or longer. To protect yourself and your rights to these benefits, follow these tips:
- Make adequate sleep and a healthy diet a top priority;
- Report any injuries or troubling symptoms to your doctor immediately;
- Keep copies of all medical records and follow up with any recommended testing or treatment;
- If you are unable to work, get a firm diagnosis and statement from your doctor affirming you are disabled;
- Review the terms of your long-term disability policy to ensure your condition is covered;
- File for long-term disability benefits as soon as you become disabled.
Long-term disability claims frequently get denied by insurers, who may dispute your condition or the impact it has on your ability to work. Keep copies of all correspondence from the insurer, and be aware that you can appeal their decision.
For Professional Legal Help In Filing A Claim, Contact Our Florida Long-Term Disability Lawyer
Nurses work long hours caring for others, and the demanding nature of their jobs puts them at risk. Long-term disability benefits in Florida help compensate for lost income when injuries or illnesses prevent nurses from working for a year or more, but claims are frequently denied or downplayed.
The Farrell Law Firm has extensive experience dealing with disability insurers and provides the professional legal help you need during this difficult time. To discuss your options, contact our Orlando or Jacksonville office and request a consultation today with our Florida long-term disability lawyer.
Sources:
fha.org/FHA/FHA/Health-Care/Growing-the-Healthcare-Workforce.aspx
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11113033/
