There are several different types of insurance that will cover you and your loved ones in the event of a brain or spinal cord injury. These are Personal Injury and Liability insurance, Uninsured Motorist insurance, Worker’s Compensation, health and accident insurance, and short- and long-term disability.
Automobile Insurance
Because more brain and spinal cord injuries happen as a result of a car accident, automobile insurance is considered one of the major types of insurance used. Automobile insurance gives financial protection to both the driver and the person who has sustained the brain or spinal cord injury.
There are two basic options when it comes to car insurance. Personal Injury and Liability Protection must be carried by every driver, and will cover the injured party up to the limits of the policy. Uninsured Motorist Benefits are designed to be used by those who are injured by someone not carrying Personal Injury and Liability.
Worker’s Compensation
A person who sustains a brain or spinal cord injury on the job is entitled to Worker’s Compensation. Workers’ Compensation, by law, must be carried by every employer. If you or a loved one has experienced a brain or spinal cord injury at work, talk to the human resources department about benefits under Worker’s Compensation.
Health and Accident Insurance
There are a wide variety of heath and accident insurance options available, from those that cover everything from routine doctor’s visits on, to those that cover only catastrophic or major medical events. If you are unsure of your coverage, or the coverage of your loved one, contact the insurance provider for more information.
Short- and Long-Term Disability
This type of insurance policy is carried through a person’s employer. If you or your loved one sustains a brain or spinal cord injury, it’s a good idea to contact the employer as soon as possible, to determine if this benefit exists. Because the process of initiating short- or long-term disability is complicated, involves a significant amount of paperwork and physician documentation, and can take several weeks to be approved, it’s a good idea to put the process in motion immediately following injury.