Long-Term Disability Benefits In Florida For Loss Of Vision Or Hearing
The ability to see and hear clearly is easy to take for granted. Unfortunately, there are a variety of common conditions and circumstances in which you could suffer serious hearing or vision loss. When these worsen to the degree that it impacts your ability to work, you may be entitled to disability benefits in Florida. Our Orlando long-term disability lawyer explains how to protect yourself when facing this type of difficult situation.
Hearing Loss A Common Cause Of Long-Term Disability
May is Better Hearing Month. It raises awareness of a serious problem and a common cause of long-term disability in Florida. It is sponsored by the American Academy of Audiology, which reports that more than one billion people are at risk for hearing loss.
Listening to music or programs on personal devices in loud settings is currently one of the most common culprits. Other factors that increase hearing loss risks include:
- Attending loud concerts and other ear-piercing events;
- Suffering any type of head trauma;
- Impacted ear wax and chronic ear infections;
- Genetic and age-related hearing loss.
Unfortunately, even relatively mild hearing loss can have serious impacts on your health. Your hearing impacts your balance, which can result in dizziness, and you may be unable to hear signs of potential hazards at home, in the workplace, or while engaged in your usual activities. Depending on the degree of hearing loss you suffer, and whether it is expected to keep you from working for a year or longer, you may be entitled to disability benefits in Florida.
Disabilities Due To Vision Loss
In addition to Better Hearing Month, May is also Healthy Vision Month. The Georgetown University Health Policy Institute reports that an estimated 20 billion Americans suffer from some degree of vision loss. This can occur as a result of:
- Glaucoma;
- Diabetes;
- Age-related eye diseases;
- Accidents resulting in head and brain injuries;
- Accidents in which the eyes are exposed to overwhelming bright light and toxic chemicals.
Disability benefits are also available for vision loss in Florida. These can help compensate for lost income if you are unable to work. Long-term disability benefits may be available through your employer or by filing a claim through the Social Security Administration.
To protect your rights to benefits, make sure you have a firm medical diagnosis and statements from your doctor attesting to your disabled status. Keep copies of lost income and other costs, and keep a journal documenting how hearing or vision loss impacts other areas of your life.
Contact Our Florida Long-Term Disability Lawyer And Request A Consultation
To protect your rights in a claim or to appeal denied long-term disability benefits in Florida, get Farrell Disability Law on your side. We have extensive experience handling these types of cases and can help you get the maximum amount you are entitled to. Call or contact our office and request a consultation with our Florida long-term disability lawyer in our Orlando or Jacksonville office today.
Sources:
audiology.org/practice-resources/public-awareness/may-is-better-hearing-month/
hpi.georgetown.edu/visual/#:~:text=Almost%2020%20million%20Americans%20%E2%80%94%208,people%20age%2065%20and%20older.
cdc.gov/visionhealth/healthyvisionmonth/index.htm
ssa.gov/disability