Protect Your Rights To Long-Term Disability Benefits In Florida When Accidental Injuries Happen

Serious injuries can happen due to falls, fires, car crashes, recreational accidents, or other causes. Unfortunately, in addition to the lost income while you recover, accidental injuries can cause future lost earnings and benefits due to long-term disabilities.

Fortunately, benefits available through your employer or the Social Security Administration (SSA) can provide a safety net, helping to compensate for your losses. Our Orlando long-term disability lawyer explains how to protect your rights in a claim when accidental injuries happen.

Accidental Injuries That Increase The Risk Of Long-Term Disability

Accidental injuries are one of the most common causes of long-term disability among Florida residents, according to the state Department of Health. They impact thousands of people throughout the Sunshine State each year, jeopardizing their health and causing symptoms that prevent them from working for months or years afterward.

Long-term disabilities in Florida can happen as a result of even seemingly minor accidents. Common types of injuries that are likely to negatively impact your health both now and in the future include:

• Sprained or torn muscles and tendons, which take long months to heal and are vulnerable to repeat injuries;
• Broken bones and dislocated discs, which may require extensive time off and surgery to repair;
• Back or neck injuries, causing pain and limited mobility long after;
• Head or brain injuries, which can cause long-term cognitive, physical, or emotional impairments;
• Amputations, crushing injuries, and third-degree burns, which dramatically impact the lives of victims.

Protect Your Rights In A Florida Long-Term Disability Claim

In some cases, accidental injuries are caused by the reckless behavior of others involved. When this happens, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses in an injury claim. In other cases, your actions or inactions may be to blame. In either situation, long-term disability benefits in Florida may be available, though when you begin receiving them and the amount you are entitled to is likely to be influenced by any injury settlements.

Long-term disability benefits may be available through an employer-provided policy or the Social Security Administration. When injuries happen, take these steps to protect your rights in a claim:

• Get medical attention immediately after your accident and keep copies of all medical records;
• Get a statement from your doctor that confirms your diagnosis and your disabled status;
• Keep records of all lost wages and any out-of-pocket costs;
• Keep a disability journal, documenting how your injuries impact other areas of your life;
• Get copies of employer-provided long-term disability policies and review whether you are covered;
• Review whether you have earned the required work credits and meet other eligibility criteria for Social Security disability benefits.

Request A Consultation Today With Our Florida Long-Term Disability Lawyer

Accidental injuries can have major impacts on your health and may prevent you from working long afterward. Long-term disability benefits may be available either through your employer or the SSA. To get the benefits you are entitled to, contact Farrell Disability Law. Request a consultation today with our Florida long-term disability lawyer in our Orlando or Jacksonville office.

Source:

floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/prevention/injury-prevention/index.html#:~:text=In%202021%20