Although some car accident injuries heal within weeks, serious ones, such as spinal damage, create challenges that last for months, years, or even a lifetime. People who suffer these personal injuries may face ongoing pain, loss of mobility, mounting medical bills, lost wages, and uncertain futures. In some of the most serious cases, filing a long-term disability claim becomes a necessary step toward financial recovery and stability.
What Types of Spinal Injuries Commonly Occur in Car Accidents?
Car accidents frequently cause herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, and spinal cord damage. Herniated discs happen when the cushioning between vertebrae ruptures, pressing on nearby nerves and causing pain or numbness; fractured vertebrae result from the force of impact, which can destabilize the spine. Spinal cord injuries represent the most serious category because they can lead to partial or complete paralysis, affecting movement and sensation below the injury site.
How Do Spinal Injuries Lead to Long-Term Disability?
Severe spinal damage can prevent people from returning to work or performing daily activities without assistance. Resulting conditions such as paralysis, chronic pain, and nerve damage often require ongoing medical treatment, including surgery, physical therapy, and pain management. When it is impossible for the accident survivor to maintain employment, they may qualify for long-term disability benefits through private insurance policies or employer-sponsored plans that provide income replacement during extended recovery periods or permanent disability.
What Documentation Is Needed for a Disability Claim?
Medical records form the foundation of any disability claim, so highly detailed documentation from doctors, specialists, and hospitals is needed to prove the extent of the injury. Diagnostic tests like MRIs, CT scans, and X-rays show the physical damage to the spine; treatment records demonstrate ongoing care, while statements from physicians explain how the injury limits work capacity. Employment records and job descriptions can also establish what tasks the injured person can no longer perform because of their condition.
What Challenges Arise When Filing These Claims in Cherry Hill?
Insurance companies often dispute disability claims by arguing that injuries are less severe than reported or that claimants can perform other types of work. Claim denials happen frequently, requiring appeals that demand additional evidence and legal knowledge; these processing delays create financial hardship for people already struggling with medical expenses. Insurance adjusters may also misinterpret policy language or medical reports, leading to unfair decisions that require legal intervention to overturn and obtain the client’s deserved benefits.
How Long Does the Claims Process Take?
The timeline depends on the insurance company, the severity of the injury, and whether the claim faces any disputes. Initial decisions typically take 45 to 90 days after submission, although this period can extend if the insurer requests additional information. Denied claims that go through the appeals process may take several months or even years to resolve. During this time, medical treatment continues, making it important to maintain thorough records and consistent communication with healthcare providers.
When Should Legal Help Be Considered?
Seeking legal assistance makes sense when an insurance company denies a claim, delays payment without justification, or offers a settlement that does not cover actual losses. Attorneys who handle disability claims know how to interpret policy language, gather supporting evidence, and challenge unfair decisions. Our Cherry Hill car accident lawyers can also calculate the full value of a claim by accounting for medical expenses, lost income, and reduced earning capacity, which many people overlook when dealing with insurers on their own.
Cherry Hill Car Accident Lawyers at Pressman, Doyle, Bloom, & York Give Guidance on Your Spinal Injury Claim
If you or a loved one is facing spinal injuries and long-term disability from a motor vehicle crash, contact the Cherry Hill car accident lawyers at Pressman, Doyle, Bloom, & York. Our legal team will review your case and fight to secure appropriate compensation for your injuries. Call us at 856-843-8990 or complete our online form today for a free consultation. We have offices in Cherry Hill, NJ, and Media, PA, and serve clients in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.