New Years Resolutions To Protect Against Long-Term Disabilities In Florida

After all the shopping, decorating, and planning you do for others during the holiday season, the new year provides some much-needed time to focus on yourself. Making resolutions is a common and healthy practice that can help you reach your goals in the year ahead.

When compiling this year’s list, consider the potential for long-term disabilities, which is an unfortunately common problem. Our Jacksonville long-term disability lawyer explains more about the risks and resolutions that can help protect you if they happen.

Assess Your Long-Term Disability Risks

Most people fail to consider the potential that long-term disabilities will happen to them. However, according to the Florida Department of Public Health, more than 3.5 million residents of our state suffer from some type of disabling condition. This averages to one out of every three people.

Long-term disabilities in Florida can impact you regardless of your age or whether you are in otherwise good health. It is important to consider factors that could increase your risks so that you can plan accordingly. These include:

• Suffer from any type of chronic health condition;
• Leading an unhealthy lifestyle, such as not getting enough exercise or smoking and overindulging in food or alcohol;
• Doing any type of demanding job or being required to either stand or sit for long periods of time;
• Being diagnosed with a long-term illness or injury.
• No visiting your doctor regularly.

Protecting Yourself Against Long-term Disabilities In The Year To Come

Even if you do not have any risk factors, unexpected events can still happen and may leave you suffering from potentially disabling symptoms. To protect yourself in the year to come, follow these tips:

• Check to see if your employer offers long-term disability benefits: Under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), you are entitled to copies of all policy-related documents, free of charge and at your request.
• Check eligibility for Social Security benefits: Provided you have a qualifying condition, Social Security disability insurance can help offset lost wages.
• Consider purchasing your own policy: To ensure you have what you need financially, you may want to add a supplemental long-term disability insurance policy.
• Take care of your health: Eat a healthy diet, get plenty of sleep, take steps to reduce stress, and avoid behaviors that could put you at risk.
• Take precautions on your job: Address any work-related issues that increase long-term disability risks.
• Visit your doctor regularly: Get regular check-ups, undergo all recommended testing, and report any symptoms you suffer immediately.
• Keep a health journal: Carefully document any conditions you suffer from and how your symptoms impact your ability to work and other areas of your life.

Request A Consultation With Our Florida Long-Term Disability Lawyer

Farrell Disability Law helps clients suffering long-term disabilities get the compensation they need and are entitled to. For trusted legal guidance in filing a claim or appealing denied benefits, contact our office. Request a consultation with our Florida long-term disability lawyer in our Orlando or Jacksonville office today.

Sources:

floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/people-with-disabilities/disability-and-health-program/DHP2021DataReport.pdf

dol.gov/general/topic/health-plans/erisa#:~:text=The%20Employee%20Retirement%20Income%20Security,for%20individuals%20in%20these%20plans.

ssa.gov/benefits/disability/