Depending on the type of accident or injury suffered by the plaintiff in a personal injury action, long- or short-term disability benefits might be available to the injured party. Often, disability benefits are paid through a policy provided by the injured party’s employer, an automobile insurance policy or otherwise through private insurance.
If you or a loved one has suffered an accident or injury resulting in disability, it’s critical to speak with an experienced disability lawyer right away to start understanding your disability rights and building a solid claim to get the care and compensation you deserve.
Short-term disability benefits normally cover the first three to six months of lost income after an accident. If a person’s injuries are significant, or if they have permanent or long-lasting disabilities, they may be eligible for long term disability benefits.
Disability benefits can help an injured party to maintain their income during the period of their injury in which they are unable to work. Disability benefits and the financial security they provide can help reduce stress and financially sustain an injured party through their personal injury action. Benefits can allow an injured party to focus on their recovery as opposed to having to return to work at the first opportunity.
Other benefits that may be available to an injured party include medical and rehabilitation benefits as well as attendant care benefits. Medical and rehabilitation benefits are meant to help pay for treatments that fall outside of Ontario Health Insurance Program (OHIP) coverage. A person who is catastrophically injured may receive up to $1,000,000, over their lifetime.
Attendant care benefits are also available to an injured party in order to pay for a registered nurse, occupational therapist, or other medical practitioner, if required. Similarly, for catastrophic injuries, the injured party may receive up to $1,000,000, over their lifetime.
In addition, an injured party may be eligible to receive a caregiver benefit if they were responsible for a person who required care before their injuries were sustained.
Disputes between an injured party and insurers may arise regarding disability benefits. Personal injury lawyers specialize in dealing with insurers and disagreements about benefit distribution. A personal injury lawyer can help you understand your disability rights, interpret a disability policy to the benefit of an injured party, and get you the medical care and compensation you deserve.
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