Hi Chaos,

This is a tough place for anyone to be in, and although I can share advice on how I would proceed, only you and your husband really can decide these things.

Regarding STD/LTD the one thing I would caution is if this is the route you take please, please make sure that you do it with the recommendation of your treating physician(s) and have this in writing. Then follow up with your physician(s) making sure that every single day you take off is recommended by your doctors and is documented in writing while you are receiving or claiming disability benefits. Also, please read your contract for such benefits thoroughly as some are written so that once you exhaust STD that in order to receive LTD you must not be able to work at "any" job, NOT just the job you are currently doing. This is why it is important to have complete documentation of your work ability. They may also require you at some point to provide documentation on activities of daily living, an independent exam etc., so be prepared for that. When I first went out on disability after my head on collision I was required to supply all medical records and details of my abilities every 3 months or whenever they decided to ask for it even though I had been approved. I also was required per my benefit contract to keep my employer informed through letters from my doctor of my ability to work and any special accommodations that could help me return to work if that was possible (it wasn't for me but, that might be the different for you) so again please don't make this decision without fully understanding the contract of your benefits or you may end up surprised by a denial or worse approval for a couple of weeks and then later a denial. Personally.. I would recommend if you do decide to go that route to take some time but not leave your employment permanently that way if circumstances change or there is a hiccup in the benefits application that you haven't already left your employer. Sounds like you enjoy your job so maybe with some additional help at home whether that be your husband or even hired help to make dinner, or help with chores might be worth thinking about, so that you can continue to work at a place and position you enjoy as long as pain will allow.

Regarding your settlement - I do hope this is settled but please, please keep in mind that as with any lawsuit there are no guarantees, so try not to put to much stock in any promised $$ until the day you are holding that in your hand. Many things can go wrong.. between now and then. I hope it works out for you sooner rather than later.

Starting a new business is way more stressful than one can imagine.. so maybe you should only make one big change at a time. It also might be prudent to wait until you are settled with your case prior to starting that since both are so draining mentally and physically especially if you end up in trial.

You do have a lot on your plate!! Keep discussing and thinking things through thoroughly (measuring the pros and cons of each), be realistic and keep in mind things don't always go as planned so having a plan 'B' is never a bad idea. I'm sure you will make the best decisions for you and your families needs.