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We see a lot of great questions in our Answers community every day. Here's a look

at some recent questions relating to disability insurance from our FindLaw

Answers boards:

1. What's the difference between

long-term and short-term disability insurance? Should I get one type over the

other? Or should I get both?

Whether you go for short-term or long-term disability

insurance, either form will give you some amount of added security against the

possibility of losing income from an injury or illness. There are pros and cons

to each form of disability insurance. So deciding which policy is right for you

basically depends on your age, occupation, health, and financial circumstances.

Like the name suggests, short-term disability insurance

provides benefits for a relatively short period of time (between three months

and two years). Though benefits don't last long, policies are less expensive

than long-term policies. Long-term disability policies, on the other hand, can

last until the policyholder reaches 75 years old — or as long as he or

she remains disabled. To determine which policy is right for you, discuss your

situation with a local disability lawyer.

2. I filed a claim with my disability

insurance provider after I suffered a work-related injury that forced me to

stop working. My claim was denied. What should I do next?

This poster was injured on the job, leaving

him or her no longer able to work. Adding insult to injury, since the disability claim was denied, he or she is now left without an income to pay off mounting

medical bills. No wonder the poster is frustrated — it seems like a no-win

situation…

Luckily, most disability plans have

an appeals process. Oftentimes, claims are denied because documents are missing, or because further medical examinations are required.

Even

if the reason for the initial denial is one that seems like it can be easily

remedied during the appeals process, it's generally a good idea to work with an

experienced lawyer to make sure deadlines are met and all

necessary paperwork is provided. You can get started with your appeal right away

by getting a free case evaluation by a local attorney.