The term ‘disability’ encompasses various conditions that can significantly impair one’s ability to engage in activities due to physical or mental limitations.
Understanding these commonly recognized disabilities is important. They often serve as catalysts for legal action when individuals’ livelihoods are compromised by someone else’s medical negligence or other misconduct, resulting in permanent impairment. Ten of the most common disabilities include the following:
1. Arthritis
This condition affects millions, limiting functionality in various ways. It leads to severe joint pain, which may restrict mobility or the ability to perform fine motor tasks, which is part of assessing disability.
2. Heart Disease
Recognized as a leading cause of death, heart disease encompasses many different cardiac conditions, including congenital defects and congestive heart failure.
It’s a good idea for those with serious cardiac conditions to seek legal guidance if they believe their condition might qualify them for disability benefits or if they think it has resulted from another party’s negligence.
3. Degenerative Disc Disease
Renowned for its impact on the aging population, degenerative disc disease causes significant discomfort as spinal discs wear down. If it impedes basic functions like walking or sitting comfortably over extensive periods, these may be signs that you will be approved for disability. This may occur if the disease interferes with daily tasks and employment capabilities.
4. Respiratory Illness
A considerable number of individuals are approved for Social Security Disability due to respiratory illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)/ This disease could potentially be life-threatening and prevent a person from working.
5. Mental Illnesses
Mental health conditions comprise a significant portion of Social Security disability claims, with disorders like bipolar disorder and PTSD entering the top 10 frequently approved cases. The impact on everyday functioning can be severely debilitating.
6. Cancer
It’s unsurprising that cancer ranks in the list of disabilities, given how pervasive it is within our society. Aggressive cancers may also automatically qualify individuals upon diagnosis due to their severe impact on function and life expectancy.
7. Stroke
Often leading to drastic, long-term effects on individual health and day-to-day capabilities, stroke ranks as another top disability. It can result in challenges such as impaired mobility or communication barriers — issues serious enough that they often qualify individuals for disability benefits due to the substantial limitations imposed on their daily lives and activities.
8. Nervous System Disorders
These encompass a range of conditions, including epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. Such disorders can cause neurological and cognitive impairments severe enough to inhibit an individual’s functionality.
9. Diabetes
If not effectively managed, diabetes can lead to significant health complications that might affect vision and circulation in extremities, leading to neuropathy or even amputation.
10. Immune System Disorders
Conditions affecting the immune system, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, can cause extensive symptoms that significantly inhibit a person’s ability to maintain gainful employment. Individuals grappling with these disabilities may consider seeking legal advice to understand their options for social security benefits or other avenues of compensation if their condition is linked to another’s actions.
Depending on how these conditions manifest and impact daily life, they may form the basis for legal action. In some circumstances, short-term and/or long-term disability, as well as a personal injury lawsuit, could be an option.
A Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You Pursue Disability Benefits
When it comes to qualifying for long-term and short-term disability benefits, a wide range of medical conditions may be eligible depending on the specifics of your situation and insurance policy criteria.
Severe medical issues that are chronic or progressive – such as serious heart conditions, advanced cancer, and nervous system disorders – are likely to qualify for long-term disability when they render an individual unable to work.
Short-term disability is designed to cover non-permanent disabilities that prevent individuals from working for a temporary period. Conditions requiring surgery, like spinal injuries or recovering from certain acute medical procedures, could potentially be covered under short-term plans.
If you’re having trouble with understanding what qualifies, it’s beneficial to work with an experienced disability lawyer who can provide clarity. A legal team can help you get all that you’re entitled to.
Contact the Atlanta Medical Malpractice Law Firm of Malone Law for Help Today
If you or a close one have suffered from medical malpractice in Atlanta, GA, please call Malone Law at (770) 390-7550 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation today.
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