Overcoming Obstacles With Florida Long-Term Disabilities In The Year Ahead
The new year starts as a blank slate, ready to be filled with new hopes, goals, and dreams. Unfortunately, if you are dealing with long-term disabilities in Florida, these have likely put a damper on your plans. In addition to having serious impacts on your health, they can have major adverse effects on your life at home and on the job. Our Orlando long-term disability lawyer explains how to overcome obstacles and make the most of the year ahead.
Obstacles In Dealing With Long-Term Disabilities
Long-term disabilities can happen due to accidental injuries, serious illnesses, or worsening chronic conditions. According to the Florida Department of Public Health, over 3.5 million people throughout the state suffer from some type of disability that impacts them on the job and in their daily lives.
As long-term disabilities require ongoing medical care, having health insurance is essential. In addition to the income provided by your job, you may rely on your employer to provide these benefits. Unfortunately, problems on the job are likely to become more common as you struggle with your condition. Health Guide advises that problems you may encounter include:
- Difficulty adapting to new limitations: It can come as a shock to realize you can no longer perform tasks that once were easy.
- Inflexible hours: You may face challenges in taking time off for symptom flares and to attend doctor visits or physical therapy.
- Lack of confidence: Long-term disabilities can impact your confidence, making you doubt your abilities on the job.
- Attitudes of co-workers: Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for supervisors or co-workers to downplay and refuse to accommodate your condition.
Protecting Yourself Against Long-term Disabilities In The Year To Come
If you suffer from a medically diagnosed long-term disability, state and federal laws can help to protect your rights in the workplace. Familiarizing yourself with these laws can help you overcome obstacles on the job. Consider how your condition may impact your ability to work in the year ahead as well. To overcome financial obstacles due to long-term disabilities, follow these tips:
- Review insurance policies available through your employer: In addition to medical coverage, you may be entitled to long-term disability insurance benefits.
- Review your eligibility for Social Security disability: If you have a qualifying condition and the required work credits, you may qualify for benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA).
- Keep a journal documenting your condition: This is good for your mental health, and provides important evidence when filing a long-term disability claim.
- Talk about what you are going through: Share your struggles with trusted family or friends and consider counseling, if needed.
Contact Our Florida Long-Term Disability Lawyer
Long-term disabilities can present serious obstacles on the job and in other areas of your life. Disability benefits help in adapting to the situation. Farrell Disability Law provides the trusted legal guidance needed in filing a claim. To protect your rights, contact our Florida long-term disability lawyer and request a consultation in our Orlando or Jacksonville office today.
Sources:
floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/people-with-disabilities/disability-and-health-program/DHP2021DataReport.pdf
helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/disability-at-work.htm
ssa.gov/benefits/disability/
