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Professors often have demanding occupations that are misunderstood by long term disability insurance companies. Insurers may focus on whether a professor can sit, stand, walk, or speak in a classroom. But that narrow view misses much of what professors actually do.

Riemer Hess has handled the long term disability needs for accountants in both the public and private sectors. Examples of common disability issues that our firm has handled for our clients include: musculoskeletal injuries to the cervical/lumbar spine and lower extremities precluding the ability to sit for prolonged periods; injuries to the upper extremities limiting the use of a computer on a frequent basis; speech deficits limiting the ability to communicate with others effectively; cognitive deficits, fatigue, and systemic pain due to autoimmune diseases limiting the ability to maintain attention/concentration, process information efficiently, or work an 8-hour workday; mental illnesses that limit the ability to interact with others. 

Riemer Hess has handled the long term disability needs for dentists. Examples of common disability issues that our firm has handled for our clients include: musculoskeletal injuries to the cervical/lumbar spine and lower extremities precluding the ability to stand/walk or bend for prolonged periods; injuries to the upper extremities (e.g., arms, hands, fingers) limiting the ability to reach, grip and handle objects and perform fine manipulations; vision impairments; cognitive deficits, fatigue, and systemic pain due to autoimmune diseases limiting the ability to maintain attention/concentration, process information efficiently, or work an 8-hour workday; and mental illnesses that limit the ability to interact with others. 

Riemer Hess has handled the long term disability needs for clients with sales positions, particularly at banking and other financial institutions. Examples of common disability issues that our firm has handled for our clients include: musculoskeletal injuries to the cervical/lumbar spine and lower extremities precluding the ability to stand/walk or drive for prolonged periods; injuries to the upper extremities limiting the ability to lift and carry objects; speech deficits limiting the ability to communicate with others effectively; cognitive deficits, fatigue, and systemic pain due to autoimmune diseases limiting the ability to maintain attention/concentration, process information efficiently, or work an 8-hour workday; and mental illnesses that limit the ability to interact with others.

Trading is an intense, high-stakes profession that demands quick thinking, focus, and endurance. When illness or injury affects your ability to perform under pressure, it can become impossible to keep up with the fast pace of the markets. Unfortunately, disability insurers often overlook the mental and environmental challenges of trading, relying on narrow job definitions that don’t reflect reality.

Understanding how insurers define your occupation and how to clearly explain your actual duties is key to a successful long term disability claim.

Below we’ll answer common questions traders have about securing long term disability benefits.