Car crashes are some of the most common causes of disabilities and death worldwide. The World Health Organization’s estimate places the number of car crash deaths at 1.25 million annually. Disabilities that result from car crashes are estimated to be 20 million to 50 million per year. More than 970 people died, and around 75,000 were injured in 2018 in Michigan alone.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is a U.S. agency that provides insurance for retirees and the disabled. It also provides benefits for those involved in car crashes. If you have been involved in a crash and have suffered disabilities, then you may qualify for these benefits.
Who Can Apply for Disability Benefits?
Applying for a disability benefit can be a bit tricky. Not everyone can qualify, and there are factors to be considered if one wants to apply. The following are some of the factors that can affect a person’s disability benefits application:
- Job type: People who have worked jobs that are covered by Social Security can apply for disability benefits.
- Time and duration of work: The SSA will also consider if a person has recently worked and the length of that work. Take note that Social Security should still cover this job. The time and duration are earned in the form of work credits.
- Age: The number of work credits needed for a disability benefit varies with age. Younger people need fewer work credits to qualify for disability benefit.
Aside from these factors, the SSA also looks at the specific effects of the disabilities on the applicant.
What Are The Requirements For The Disability to Be Considered?
The SSA also considers the disability of the applicant. The disability in question must have specific effects on the lifestyle of the applicant. Some of these considerations are the following:
- The severity of the condition: Only disabilities that severely impact a person’s ability to perform working or everyday tasks will be considered.
- Ability to return to previous work: The SSA will usually only consider disabilities that prevent the applicant from returning to a previous job. The ability of the applicant to perform tasks relevant to that job plays a crucial role in this process.
- Duration of the disability: The disability in question must have lasted for a year or more. SSA also considers the expected time for the disability to last.
- Ability to adjust to new work: Finally, the ability of a person to do other types of work is also considered in the application process.
In addition to the information above, the SSA’s definition of disability only includes a complete inability to work. That means that the agency will not pay for partial or incomplete disability. For more information why many claims are denied visit our page out the top 5 reasons why your disability claim was denied.
What Common Disabilities Are Considered?
The SSA keeps a list of the disabilities that can allow a person to qualify for benefits. Some of the most common of these that can come from car crashes are the following:
- Musculoskeletal conditions: these are conditions that affect a person’s bones and muscles. Some common disabilities considered are:
- Broken bones, especially if they interfere with work
- Muscular injuries, most notably torn muscles, tendons, and ligaments
- Whiplash, which can lead to head, spine and neck injuries
- Skin disorders: many conditions can affect the skin. Some of the ones considered by the SSA are:
- Burns, depending on the severity
- Deformations of the skin that can interfere with work
- Nervous system problems: some notable nervous system conditions are the following:
- Brain damage
- Loss of sensory functions
- Traumatic brain injury and brain damage
- Mental health problems: the SSA also considers mental health disorders that result from accidents. Some of the common mental health problems are the following:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Other mental health problems caused by brain injuries
- Others: The ones mentioned above are not the only ones considered by the SSA. You may view their full list on their site.
Are You Suffering from a Disability Because of a Car Accident?
Your disability may make you eligible for disability benefits. If your disability is interfering with your ability to work, then you will need all the support you can get. The Clark Law Office can help you with your social security disability claim. We have been serving Okemos and Lansing for years and are the best lawyers that you can find in the area. You may contact our Lansing car accidents lawyers at +1 (517) 347-6900.
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