Seeking Short-Term Disability After an Ohio Car Accident

Ohio Car Accidents & Short-Term Disability

Some car accidents leave victims with a lifetime of treatments, therapy, and pain. Other car accidents, however, can cause serious short-term injuries and illnesses that only last for several months.

Even car accident victims who face a short-term medical issue can lose out on income because they are unable to work. However, these individuals may be able to recover short-term disability benefits after an Ohio car accident.

If you or a loved one has suffered from a short-term disability that was caused by a car accident, you should consult our experienced Ohio car accident lawyers at Kisling, Nestico & Redick today.

For a free and confidential consultation, contact us at 1-800-HURT-NOW.

What is a Short-Term Disability?

A short-term disability policy is designed to provide an employee a percentage of their salary for a particular time frame if they are sick, injured, and unable to perform their job duties. In most cases, it pays approximately 40-60% of an employee’s weekly gross income.

Short-term disability coverage typically begins anywhere from one to 14 days after an employee sustains a condition that inhibits their ability to work. Although the time for short-term disability varies, it is usually between nine and 52 weeks.

In most cases, employees must use sick days before their short-term disability kicks in if their conditions keep them out of work for an extended time frame. If an employee still cannot work after their coverage period is over, a long-term or permanent disability plan will take effect.

Car Accident Injuries That Warrant Short-Term Disability

Even minor car accident injuries can interfere with your ability to work and make it challenging to support yourself and your family. Some common car accident injuries that may warrant short-term disability claims include:

Brain Injuries

Head injuries are common in car accidents, and even a mild TBI or concussion can prevent you from working, at least temporarily. The effects of a TBI after a crash can include memory loss, headaches, inability to focus, balance issues, and more.

Whiplash

When whiplash is severe enough after a car accident, this can also result in time away from work and possible short-term disability. Generally, your whiplash will need to involve damage to your spinal, severe neck pain, or soft tissue damage, and be supported by medical documentation

Back Injuries

When back injuries after a car accident involve debilitating spinal cord damage, it could significantly harm your ability to work. This is especially common when car accidents require back surgeries, aggravate existing injuries, or cause limited mobility.

Broken Bones

Depending on the nature of your employment, a broken hand, leg, arm, or other bone fracture can have a major impact on your ability to work. You may not be able to return until you regain full use of your broken bone, which can take a long time if you need surgery, physical therapy, or other treatments.

Knee & Joint Injuries

If a car accident results in severe joint injuries, like a hip or knee injury, it may be impossible for you to walk or sit as the job demands.

Burns

A vehicle fire, explosion, or chemical exposure are all common in a car accident. When burs are serious enough, they can be debilitating, disfiguring, and keep you from working due to the painful and prolonged recover times.

Anxiety & PTSD

The long-term phycological effects of a car accident can include mood swings, irritability, and anxiety regarding driving and other activities. This type of trauma can certainly have a negative impact on a victim’s day to day life, especially their ability to work.

Who Pays for Short-Term Disability?

A short-term disability policy can be a free benefit from an employer or one that is paid by an employee. It can also be obtained through a third-party vendor such as Aflac. Regardless of whether you acquire short-term disability through your employer or a third-party vendor, you must meet specific requirements to start receiving coverage.

Short-Term Disability ERISA Requirements

ERISA is a federal law that sets the minimum standards for voluntary, private pension and healthcare plans, including short-term disability. It requires employers to give their employees information on how to file a claim, what to do if the claim is denied, and what rights they have to file a lawsuit if it is rejected. Since the language in ERISA is written by lawyers, it can be challenging to understand without the help of one by your side.

How to File a Short-Term Disability Claim

The process of filing a short-term disability claim seems simple, but it can be complicated if you are not familiar with it and do not understand the requirements of your policy. Here is a brief overview of the process:

• Obtain the claim form: The claim form can be found in your company’s HR department or even online.
• Complete the form: You will have to provide the date you stopped working as well as details on your injury or medical condition and contact information.
• Ask your employer to complete their portion of the form: Your employer will need to provide information about your job responsibilities, salary, tenure, and more.
• Receive doctor validation: Your doctor will need to prove that you have a condition that prevents you from working for a short period and sign the form.
• Submit the form: Once the form has been completed, it should be submitted according to the detailed instructions.

Failing to fill out the form correctly or missing essential deadlines can lead to a benefit denial, making legal representation imperative.

Get Legal Help with Your Short-Term Disability Claim

It can be challenging to collect the short-term disability benefits you may be entitled to without a highly skilled lawyer by your side. Just like most businesses, insurance companies that offer short-term disability are dedicated to making as much money as possible. They often do this by trying to find reasons to deny benefits.

To avoid being in a situation where you have applied for short-term disability after a car accident and denied coverage, it’s essential to work with a skilled lawyer. A car accident attorney can carefully review your policy and determine its specific deadlines and evidence requirements.

Furthermore, they can guide you through the process of filing a claim and help you collect all necessary evidence and documentation from your doctor to prove the disability your car accident caused. In the event you need to transition your short-term disability coverage to long-term disability, a skilled attorney can help this happen smoothly.

Contact Kisling, Nestico & Redick Today

If a car accident has taken away your ability to work for a short period of time, you should reach out to the Ohio car accident lawyers at KNR as soon as possible.

For a free consultation and to learn more information about your legal options, contact us at 1-800-HURT-NOW today.