Orlando EMT Fired After Collecting Long-Term Disability For Pregnancy Complications

If you suffer pregnancy complications that impact your health and your ability to perform tasks on the job, you may be entitled to long-term disability (LTD) benefits. Our Orlando long-term disability lawyer explains the recent controversy surrounding a local case in which an EMT worker was terminated after being approved for LTD benefits and what you need to know to protect your rights in this situation.

Orlando EMT Speaks Out About Being Terminated Due To Pregnancy-Related Disability

An Orlando EMT worker is speaking out after being terminated by her employer due to receiving long-term disability benefits for pregnancy complications. According to a July 2023 WFTV News 9 report, while her pregnancy itself was uncomplicated, the woman slowly began experiencing steady declines in her health during the weeks and months after delivery. These prevented her from performing her duties as an EMT. While she might have been able to perform desk duty, this is not an option available to employees.

She claims to have started off taking personal leave and then short-term disability before applying for long-term disability benefits through her employer. However, once she was approved and received her first check, she received notice that she was terminated.

According to city officials quoted in the story, this is standard practice when an employee can no longer perform tasks associated with their jobs and chooses to receive long-term disability payments. The fired EMT claims the situation stems from ongoing discrimination faced by female workers and is hoping to raise awareness by telling her story. It raises two serious concerns: can you be fired for collecting LTD benefits, and are pregnancy-related complications covered?

While You May Be Entitled To Pregnancy-Related LTD Benefits, There Are No Guarantees In Terms of Your Job

Unfortunately, any worker can be terminated after receiving long-term disability benefits. This is particularly true in high-demand occupations, such as emergency workers.

Benefits are generally available for pregnancy-related complications, but you need to check the terms of your policy. Under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), your employer must provide a copy of all policy-related documents for free and at your request. To protect your rights in this situation, take the following steps:

• Review the terms of your LTD coverage and any policy exclusions;
• Visit your doctor and get a firm diagnosis of any pregnancy-related complications;
• Keep a journal detailing how these complications impact you at home and on the job;
• Speak with your employer regarding their specific policy for terminating workers who receive LTD benefits.

Our Florida Long-Term Disability Lawyer Is Here To Help

At Farrell Disability Law, we protect your rights when it comes to obtaining long-term disability benefits. Cases involving pregnancy complications can be complex, and it is not uncommon for claims to be denied. For help in getting the total amount of benefits you deserve, call or contact our Florida long-term disability lawyer online and request a consultation in our Orlando or Jacksonville office.

Sources:

wftv.com/news/local/orlando-emt-fired-after-using-long-term-disability-due-pregnancy-complications/I2V72AVXFJHSTFZOEEXPKE27GM/

dol.gov/general/topic/health-plans/erisa#:~:text=The%20Employee%20Retirement%20Income%20Security,for%20individuals%20in%20these%20plans.