Legal Definitions - wholly disabled

In the context of insurance, the term wholly disabled refers to a situation where an individual's illness or injury prevents them from performing the core, essential tasks required for their specific job or profession in the way those tasks are typically carried out.

It means that the person is so severely impaired that they cannot fulfill the fundamental responsibilities of their occupation, making it impossible for them to continue working in their customary role.

• Example 1: A Construction Foreman with a Spinal Injury

  Imagine a highly experienced construction foreman who suffers a severe spinal injury in an accident. This injury leaves them unable to lift heavy materials, climb scaffolding, or stand for extended periods to supervise work on a job site. These physical demands are fundamental and customary for a construction foreman.

  This illustrates "wholly disabled" because the foreman can no longer perform the essential physical duties required to manage a construction site in the usual manner, even if they could theoretically do some administrative tasks. Their core occupational responsibilities are impossible to fulfill.

• Example 2: A Professional Concert Pianist with a Neurological Condition

  Consider a renowned concert pianist who develops a progressive neurological condition that causes involuntary tremors in their hands. While they might still be able to move their fingers, the tremors prevent them from achieving the precision, speed, and control necessary to play complex musical pieces to a professional standard for an audience.

  This demonstrates "wholly disabled" because the pianist cannot perform the substantial and material acts of their profession – playing intricate music with flawless execution – in the customary and usual manner required for a concert performer.

• Example 3: A Commercial Airline Pilot with a Severe Inner Ear Disorder

  Picture a commercial airline pilot who is diagnosed with a severe, untreatable inner ear disorder that causes chronic vertigo and disorientation. Despite their extensive training and experience, this condition makes it unsafe and impossible for them to maintain spatial awareness or operate an aircraft.

  This exemplifies "wholly disabled" because the pilot is unable to perform the absolutely critical and customary duties of their occupation – safely controlling an aircraft and maintaining orientation – due to their medical condition.