Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers | February 4, 2025 | Personal Injury
Disabilities are surprisingly common. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 42 million Americans have disabilities that affect their hearing, vision, mobility, self-care, or independent living. These issues cause significant hardship for the disabled person and their families. Some require caretakers, and many can’t work.
In some cases, the disabled person may be entitled to compensation. Social Security insurance supports those with long-term disabilities, while workers’ compensation helps employees who have suffered on-the-job injuries.
A personal injury lawsuit could provide much-needed financial support after a preventable accident. However, this option will depend on the nature and cause of your disability.
There are many ways to measure the top 10 disabilities. For example, workers’ compensation only covers injuries resulting from work-related causes, such as repetitive movements or construction accidents. In this way, workers’ comp limits what medical conditions qualify for long-term disability.
Similarly, the Social Security Administration (SSA) pays benefits for disabilities that prevent workers from any gainful activity. As such, the agency only keeps statistics on severe injuries and diseases. Signs that you will be approved for disability from SSA include a diagnosis that your injury prevents you from working and will last at least one year or result in your death.
Based on these definitions, the following disabilities are the most common:
1. Back Pain
When examining what qualifies for short-term disability, back injuries often top the list. Back pain is the most common reason employees give for missing work. According to one survey, Americans miss 83 million work days per year due to chronic back pain.
Back pain can stem from congenital causes, such as scoliosis. It can also result from wear and tear on the discs. However, many cases arise due to accidents that damage discs, strain muscles, and fracture vertebrae.
2. Musculoskeletal Disease
Musculoskeletal diseases are the most common reason for Social Security claims. This family of diseases includes arthritis and autoimmune diseases that cause joint or muscle inflammation. This diagnostic class doesn’t include musculoskeletal injuries.
3. Musculoskeletal Injury
Musculoskeletal injuries are a frequent outcome of traumatic events or repetitive movements. They include both bone fractures and soft tissue injuries, such as strains, sprains, and torn cartilage.
4. Cognitive Disability
Cognitive disabilities can come about due to genetic defects, injuries, and dementia. For example, a brain injury can have effects like:
- Confusion
- Difficulty concentrating and solving problems
- Memory loss
These symptoms can affect the person’s ability to care for themselves or live independently.
5. Mental Illness
Mental illness can result from a chemical imbalance or a physical brain injury. Examples include autism, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
6. Endocrine Disease
The endocrine system regulates the body’s hormones. Disruptions can lead to tumors and metabolic disorders. Diabetes qualifies as an endocrine disease since it involves insulin.
These diseases can result from exposure to toxins. For example, certain pesticides have been linked to cancer.
7. Neurological Injury Or Disease
The nervous system controls the muscles and carries sensory perceptions. Nerve damage can result in paralysis, numbness, tingling, and weakness. Damage to the optic or auditory nerves can affect an individual’s vision or hearing, respectively.
8. Neoplasms And Cancer
Neoplasms occur when cells divide uncontrollably. Benign neoplasms can press on nerves and cause disfiguring growths and tumors. Malignant neoplasms, also called cancer, can spread to other body systems and ultimately result in death.
9. Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. Conditions like high blood pressure, and congenital heart failure can disable patients by reducing their strength and stamina.
10. Respiratory Disease
Respiratory diseases were a significant cause of death before smoking rates fell and air quality improved. However, lung cancer, COPD, and other respiratory illnesses are still a major cause of disabilities.
Some Disabilities Qualify For Compensation
Disabilities are common and can result from many types of injuries and diseases. You may be able to seek compensation for certain conditions. Search “disability lawyers near me” to learn more and determine your eligibility.
Contact our Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers from Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana, today.
We proudly serve Marion County and its surrounding areas.
Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers – Indianapolis Office
22 E Washington St #310
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 916-0000
