Long Covid And Your Rights To Long-Term Disability Benefits In 2024
While the COVID-19 pandemic is officially over, some people continue to deal with ongoing and potentially devastating after-effects. Doctors and scientists continue to learn more about long COVID and the potentially disabling conditions it can cause. Our Jacksonville long-term disability lawyer explains what you need to know about the disorder and your rights to disability benefits in 2024.
Long-Term Disabilities Resulting From COVID-19
COVID-19 remains a concern for public health and safety officials. The Florida Department of Health conducts ongoing testing, documents cases, and offers resources for patients and people at high risk of suffering complications due to the illness.
Since the early days of the pandemic, people have recovered from COVID-19 only to suffer other troubling symptoms and health problems in the aftermath. They are known as long-haulers. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), long COVID is considered a disability in 2024 due to the many troubling and life-impacting symptoms it can cause:
- Excessive fatigue;
- Brain fog and confusion;
- Memory impairments;
- Muscle weakness;
- Joint pain;
- Chest pain and heart palpitations;
- Blood clots;
- Breathing disorders.
Long COVID can cause damage to the heart, lungs, and other important body organs and symptoms. It can also make you more likely to develop autoimmune diseases and neurological disorders and has become a common cause of long-term disabilities in Florida.
Protecting Your Rights To Long-Term Disability Benefits For Long COVID In 2024
Much has been learned about long COVID over the past several years. The NIH advises that even a relatively minor case of the infection can have impacts on your health for long after.
In 2024, long COVID is officially considered a disability under the Americans With Disabilities Act. When it prevents you from working, you may be entitled to long-term disability benefits, either through your employer or the Social Security Administration (SSA). However, getting these claims approved continues to be a challenge. To protect your rights to benefits, it is important to take the following steps:
- Keep a journal documenting your symptoms, when they started, and the impact they have on your life;
- Get medical care from a provider who is experienced in diagnosing and treating long-term COVID;
- Undergo any medical testing and treatment recommended;
- Keep copies of all medical records and any lost wages you suffer as a result of the condition.
Contact Our Florida Long-Term Disability Lawyer
Despite all we have learned about the coronavirus and the potentially debilitating impacts an infection can have on your long-term health, disability claims for long COVID continue to be denied in 2024. The good news is that many of these claims end up being approved on appeal.
If you are denied long-term disability benefits or encounter problems filing a claim, contact Farrell Disability Law. We have extensive experience in these cases and act as a strong legal on your side throughout the application and appeals process. Request a consultation with our Florida long-term disability lawyer in our Orlando or Jacksonville office today.
Sources:
floridahealthcovid19.gov/
hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-providers/civil-rights-covid19/guidance-long-covid-disability/index.html
ada.gov/
ssa.gov/disability/professionals/documents/EN-64-128.pdf
