Am I Eligible For Long Term Disability Benefits Due To COVID-19

With businesses fully reopened, mask mandates largely gone, and a vaccine readily available, most of us are eager to return to normal and put the COVID-19 pandemic behind us. Unfortunately, some may find it more difficult to move on as they still struggle to recover from lingering side effects. Depending on the specific circumstances, these may entitle you to long-term disability benefits. 

Post-COVID Conditions and Long Term Disability Benefits

Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, records from the Florida Department of Health (DOH) indicate that more than 2.3 million confirmed cases were reported throughout the state. While some people suffered only minor symptoms and recovered relatively fast, others were known as ‘long haulers’, experiencing troubling symptoms for months after.

Many of these people may have been entitled to short-term disability benefits through their employers. These can help offset lost income, but they typically only provide coverage for a three or six-month time period. What about when COVID symptoms linger longer, preventing you from performing tasks on your job?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that doctors and scientists are still studying the potential for post-COVID conditions that can last for months or potentially years after infection. Even people who suffered a relatively mild case of COVID may still be experiencing the following symptoms:

• Excessive tiredness or fatigue;
• Joint and muscle pain;
• Dizziness on standing;
• Difficulty breathing and shortness of breath;
• Difficulty thinking or concentrating, referred to as “brain fog”)
• Heart palpitations and chest pain;
• Chronic cough and periodic fevers;
• Severe depression or anxiety.

Depending on the severity of these symptoms, the amount of time they last, and whether they are fully documented by your doctor, you may be entitled to long-term disability (LTD) benefits. You may also be covered in cases where COVID-19 caused damage to body organs or systems.

Organ Damage Due To COVID-19

The Mayo Clinic warns that while COVID-19 was a respiratory illness, it has the potential to cause long-term damage to different body organs. This includes:

• The lungs: COVID-19 can cause scar tissue to form on the alveoli, which are tiny air sacs within the lungs. This can result in permanent breathing problems.
• The heart: Imaging tests show that COVID can cause damage to heart tissues, increasing the risk of heart failure.
• The brain: Impacts on the brain increase the risk of strokes and seizures, as well as the potential to develop conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. 

COVID-19 can also result in chronic immune and inflammatory system disorders, impacting other body organs and tissues. When you suffer these or other serious conditions that prevent you from working for a year or longer, you may be entitled to long-term disability benefits.

Contact Us Today for Help

If you are experiencing long-term impacts as a result of COVID-19, Farrell Disability Law is here to help you get the long-term disability benefits you deserve. To request a consultation in our office, call or contact our Jacksonville long-term disability attorney online today.

Source:

mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coronavirus-long-term-effects/art-20490351