Disability insurance policies often have different definitions of disability that apply after a certain amount of time. The definition is usually related to what kind of work you are capable of performing and what kind of work you were performing prior to the disability.
In most disability insurance policies, the definition change from own occupation to any occupation after a certain amount of time. There are also “specialty occupation” policies that based your disability on whether you can perform your own specialty occupation.
Specialty Own Occupation
If your policy is a specialty own occupation policy, then the definition of disability in your LTD policy means you must be unable to work in your specialty occupation.
One example of a specialty occupation policy would be for attorneys who specialize in litigation and spend a significant amount of their time in or preparing for court, arguing motions, and litigating.
A specialty own occupation definition of disability would mean that you must be unable to perform the material and substantial duties of a litigator. Even if you could perform general legal work such as drafting and reviewing documents, you would still meet the definition of disability if you could no longer work as a litigator.
Who Should Have a Specialty Own Occupation LTD Policy?
People who are highly specialized in their field should consider having a disability insurance policy that has a specialty own occupation definition of disability. We see many doctors, lawyers, and dentists who specialize in a specific area have this type of coverage.
I Am an Attorney With a Specialty Own Occupation Policy Who is Disabled. What Do I Do Now?
If you believe you may need to file a claim for disability soon, one important thing to keep in mind is to not change your occupational duties before you file your claim. If you do so, you could erode your occupation. Your occupation is the one you were working in at the time of disability.
Help from a Lawyer with Expertise in Disability Insurance
Disability insurance law is complex. Hiring an experienced disability attorney is important. Because all disability lawyers at this law firm focus on disability insurance claims, we have expertise in disability insurance law.
That means:
- We have experience with every major disability insurance company;
- We have a proven track record of success by winning major disability lawsuits;
- We have recovered millions of dollars in disability benefits for clients;
- We never charge fees or costs unless our clients get paid.
The firm can help at any stage of your disability insurance claim, including:
- Submitting a disability insurance claim;
- Appealing a long-term disability denial;
- Negotiating a lump-sum settlement; or
- Filing a lawsuit against your disability insurance company.
Call Dabdoub Law Firm today at (800) 969-0488 to speak with an experienced attorney about your case.
