Accidents and illnesses are inevitable, and they happen often unexpectedly. When you fall victim to these unfortunate events, you can expect the worst to happen. If not death, you face the probability of becoming disabled.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines disability as “a complex multidimensional experience.” The WHO report further states that approaches vary globally when it comes to measuring disability.
Developing countries such as Namibia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Zambia have disabled people with met and unmet needs. In the same report, it was revealed that Namibia, for example, has 90.5% need for health services, but only 72.9% were met. In Zimbabwe, there is a 68.2% need for medical rehabilitation. However, only 54.8% was received by people with disabilities.
These figures are alarming for governments and private institutions that aim to address the needs of disabled people. While it takes a tedious process, governments and private entities are taking efforts to address this situation such as providing a disability compensation.
But what is a disability compensation, and who is eligible for it?
A disability compensation is a percentage of your wage or salary that can be hiked by COLAs (cost-of-living adjustments) and/or lowered by changes in taxes, other benefits, and earnings from work. A person is eligible for a long-term disability compensation if the injury he obtained has a relation to his work. If the worker is unable to fulfil his task because of limited ability, he may collect the benefits of long-term disability.
Employers, however, weigh certain factors before granting a worker long-term disability compensation. Before you can receive this benefit, you must prove the following:
- Your disability was due to a work-related incident. This does not necessarily mean you were in your workplace. If you were tasked to go someplace to perform a duty and met an accident, it becomes a factor for consideration.
- Your injuries are too severe.
- Your doctor gives limitations on what you can do and can’t do.
Now that you know what a disability compensation is and who are eligible for it, how can you get proper compensation? Here’s what you can do:
Consult an Expert
In matters like this, it is best to get in touch with experts. A St. Petersburg long-term disability lawyer can help you with your concerns. Someone who’s been in the service for years and has a good track record is your best choice. With a lawyer by your side, you can increase your chances of getting your long-term disability compensation.
Be Informed
Aside from expert advice, make sure you gather information. Know your rights and understand them fully. If you know your benefits and how you can acquire them, you can avoid exploitations.
Communicate with Your Employers
It is best not to sever ties with your employers at this point no matter how complicated things may get. Make sure that you still treat them with utmost respect and courtesy as this can also affect your benefits in the long run. Treat them kindly and let them know you mean well. Continue to offer your services and ask for an adjustment in workload or schedule if possible.
Dealing with a long-term disability is already difficult, but not being able to receive the benefits that are due to you is another huge dilemma. Make sure you are fully aware and open to consulting expert advise. Fight for your rights and get what you deserve.
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