Reasons Why You Need Long-Term Disability Insurance

Updated on April 26, 2022

There are various types of insurance that many people buy, including vehicle, health, and life insurance. A less popular, but equally important, type of insurance is long-term disability coverage.

While many people may never think of it, the ability to lose income is a real possibility due to illness or injury. In some cases, an accident at work or on your off time can also leave you disabled and unable to collect a paycheck. In those cases, a long term disability lawyer can help recover any lost wages that may be the result of the disability caused by the accident. They can also help those who are disabled obtain compensation and payments from insurance.

There are a number of conditions that can lead to long-term disability and lost wages. The time to think about the best ways to protect yourself from lost wages is before you need it. Instead of thinking that such disabilities are uncommon, consider some of the major reasons that people often find themselves unable to work because of certain disabling conditions.

Arthritis

As many as a third of all disabilities that leave workers unable to do their jobs are musculoskeletal issues, such as arthritis. This is not just an uncomfortable ailment that can be treated with certain medication and creams. It is a common condition that can be debilitating. Such musculoskeletal issues can lead to severe pain and discomfort, making physical movements difficult. Even if not completely disabling, these conditions can reduce a worker’s productivity considerably and affect their job status as a result.

Back problems

Back problems caused by an accident or a chronic condition can make performing some tasks at work difficult, if not impossible. As the condition worsens, mobility becomes more difficult. The pain can intensify and leave workers unable to perform. Ongoing and intensifying back problems can lead to a loss of employment because the worker is no longer able to perform their job duties. In some cases, these worsening back problems may be the product of certain repetitive tasks at work. 

Cancer

While not typically considered a long-term disability, cancer can certainly force patients suffering from it to leave their jobs. Cancer in its many forms can create physical disabilities, as can the treatments used to fight off the cancer. It is possible that the aggressive treatments provided over a period of time leaves a worker unable to return to their job. 

Mental health

Another condition not often thought of as a long-term disability is deteriorating mental health. Certain types of depression, chemical imbalances and other mental health conditions can make it difficult for some workers to do their jobs consistently. While there are medications available to treat many of the conditions, some of those may leave workers unable to perform their jobs because they involve heavy equipment or other dangerous conditions that do not allow for impairment by medication. Certain disorders, such as bipolar or post-traumatic stress disorder, can also lead to long-term disability.

Diabetes

While both types of diabetes are treatable, the diagnosis can lead to a series of other health issues that require medication. The disease, along with some of its treatments, can impact some workers’ ability to do their jobs or result in the loss of limbs or other physical conditions that make working difficult.

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