Many of us start our working lives believing that we are invincible. Blessed to be relatively healthy, we may not consider the need for any type of protection from injury or illness. This type of positivity typically only lasts until something bad occurs either to us or to a loved one. More than 25% of […]
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Can You Work in a Different Occupation While Collecting Disability Income Benefits?
If you are unable to work due to a medical or mental health condition, you may be entitled to benefits under a long-term disability insurance policy. But what if you want to do some kind of work while you are on disability? Would do so lead to your benefits being terminated? There is a possibility […]
Continue ReadingCan Long-Term Disability Claims Be Denied for Pre-Existing Conditions
When you get coverage for long-term disabilities for pre-existing conditions from an insurance company, you probably assume that you will be awarded benefits if you are unable to work due to a disability. After all, that is the whole point of this type of policy — to provide compensation to individuals who cannot work because […]
Continue ReadingCan a Severance Agreement Eliminate the Right to Claim Disability Insurance Benefits?
When an employee leaves their job, either voluntarily or involuntarily, their employer may offer what is known as a severance package. These deals are often attractive, offering pay and/or benefits for a period of time after an employee leaves the company. Unfortunately, the agreements that underlie these packages are typically very unfavorable to employees. A […]
Continue ReadingExpectations on time-line in long-term disability claims
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) is a federal law that controls employee benefits, including group long-term disability policies. ERISA provides that you have 180 days from the date you receive an adverse decision (a denial or termination) to file an appeal. Hiring an attorney When you hire an attorney to handle your appeal, […]
Continue ReadingSocial Security Hearings and Centralized Scheduling
As of January 20, 2020, the Office of Hearings Operations has updated the Standard Operating Procedures to Centralized Scheduling Units. This means that there are new guidelines that will standardize communications between Regional Centralized Scheduling Units (RSCU) and representatives. With this change, the RSCU will request all representatives (or firms) to provide the dates that […]
Continue ReadingAre Independent Contractors Covered by Workers’ Comp?
Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides no-fault coverage for injuries and illnesses suffered by employees while on the job or as a result of their work. In New Jersey and the majority of other states, employers are required to purchase workers’ compensation coverage for their employees. So what happens is you are […]
Continue ReadingCan You Still Receive Workers’ Comp If You Fail the Drug Test?
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system of insurance that provides coverage for employees who have been injured or become ill on the job. In other words, if you are hurt or become ill because of your job (such as through an accident or exposure to toxic chemicals), you won’t have to prove that your employer […]
Continue ReadingCan You Receive Workers’ Comp for Trigger Finger?
When many people think of workers’ compensation, they view it as something that a person receives for an on-the-job injury, such as an accident or another major occurrence. In reality, workers’ compensation covers many types of workplace injuries and illnesses, such as occupational exposures and repetitive stress injuries. Also known as wear and tear injuries, […]
Continue ReadingHow Much Is My Workers’ Comp Case Worth?
If you are injured or become ill while on the job (or as a result of your work), then you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. This is a type of insurance that provides medical treatment and wage loss benefits to employees who have gotten sick or been injured on the job. These benefits […]
Continue ReadingWhat Should I Do If I Have Been Requested for a Workers’ Comp IME?
In New Jersey, workplace injuries and illnesses are governed by the workers’ compensation system. Workers’ comp is a type of insurance that all New Jersey employers are required to carry. In the event that an employee is injured or becomes ill due to a workplace accident or exposure, they are covered by this insurance regardless […]
Continue ReadingPrudential Disability Claim Denials
Long-term disability (LTD) insurance offers protection against uncertainty. If you become disabled due to an illness or injury, this type of policy will provide monthly payments to help you cover your expenses while you are unable to work. LTD policies are offered by a number of insurers, including the Prudential Insurance Company of America (Prudential). […]
Continue ReadingCigna Disability Claim Denials
Long-term disability (LTD) insurance can be incredibly important — perhaps even more critical than life insurance. LTD benefits offer monthly payments in the event that you are unable to work due to a disability. These payments can provide a financial lifeline in a time of difficulty. Too often, however, insurance companies that offer these policies […]
Continue ReadingWill I Be Followed By a Workers’ Comp Investigator?
Once you have filed a claim for workers’ compensation in New Jersey, there is a possibility that the insurance company handling the claim on behalf of your employer will hire a private investigator. As the insurance company gathers evidence through official channels, such as requesting reports from your doctor, the investigator may perform surveillance on […]
Continue ReadingHow Does the VA Rate PTSD?
In recent years, the impact of trauma on our lives has become a hot topic. More than ever before, experts and laypeople alike have recognized how conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can affect a person. This is particularly true for anyone who has served in the military. PTSD is incredibly common in veterans. […]
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