Few people are adequately prepared for a sudden or unexpected loss of income due to no fault of their own. The cause for the loss of income can take many forms. Perhaps a negligent driver runs a stop sign and strikes your vehicle, leaving you in pain and unable to work. A work-related accident can stop or reduce your earnings. A chronic medical condition can worsen to the point where you can no longer work. A long-term job can be lost due to no fault of your own. A common denominator of these circumstances is that income has stopped or been reduced while expenses remain the same or can increase.
There are a number of potential sources for disability or wage benefits, depending on the circumstances of the individual. Among the most common sources of disability and wage replacement benefits include:
- Short or long term disability benefits, often provided either through an employer or via an independently purchased short or long term disability insurance policy;
- Unemployment benefits, for people who have worked for the amount of time required and who have lost their jobs due to no fault of their own;
- Social Security Disability benefits, for people who have worked for the amount of time required and who are disabled and unable to work due to a condition or conditions that have lasted or are medically expected to last for more than a year;
- A lawsuit against the negligent party that caused the loss of income;
- Workers’ Compensation benefits; and/or
- Supplemental benefits though your collective bargaining unit or employer.
It may, at first, seem like a good idea to promptly apply for each and every benefit to which you may be entitled. However, this approach can be a trap for the unwary. This is because the factors needed to qualify for disability and wage benefits from one source may disqualify or reduce the amount of benefits the individual might receive from another possible benefit source. You need an individualized plan that addresses these issues.
Please check back here periodically for more of our ongoing series on obtaining and coordinating disability benefits.
There are many qualified attorneys who specialize in one area of disability and wage benefit law. However, we suggest that your long-term interests may be better served to consult with High Swartz attorneys who will work together to coordinate a strategy designed to maximize your recovery among all available sources of wage replacement income and avoid possible pitfalls that can cost you money.
If you have sustained a loss of income, we suggest that your long-term interests may be best served by consulting with High Swartz attorneys who will work together to coordinate a strategy designed to maximize your recovery among all available sources of wage replacement income and avoid possible pitfalls that can cost you money.
High Swartz workers’ compensation attorneys have decades of experience handling Pennsylvania claims. Our Bucks County and Montgomery County workers’ compensation attorneys have knowledge and experience in all facets of workers’ compensation issues.
If you are considering filing a workers’ compensation claim, or have questions regarding a short or long-term disability or unemployment claim, please contact a High Swartz attorney.
If you have questions regarding Social Security Disability benefits, please contact Linay Haubert, Esq. at (215) 345-8888 or lhaubert@highswartz.com.
If you have questions regarding a personal injury claim, please contact Eric Marttila, Esq. at (215) 345-8888 or emarttila@highswartz.com
Our attorneys in Bucks County and Montgomery County are here to assist you.
The information above is general: we recommend that you consult an attorney regarding your specific circumstances. The content of this information is not meant to be considered as legal advice or a substitute for legal representation.
