When Accidental Injuries Result in Long Term Disabilities

When accidents happen, they can leave you suffering potentially serious injuries. These can prevent you from working or providing for yourself and your loved ones. When they end up causing long term disabilities, you may be entitled to benefits to help offset your losses. 

When Long Term Disabilities Occur Due to Accidental Injuries

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), accidental injuries are a leading cause of death and disability in the United States. Each year, they send close to 40 million people to hospital emergency rooms. Among the most common causes of these injuries include: 

• Motor vehicle accidents involving drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians;
• Injuries that occur on another’s property, such as slips and falls;
• Sports or recreation injuries. 

Soft tissue injuries, such as those affecting the muscles, tendons, or ligaments, can occur as a result of the above and may leave you suffering permanent impairments. This is also true with back, neck, or head injuries, all of which can happen even in seemingly minor accidents or mishaps. In these cases, you may be able to seek compensation through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. However, it is important to not overlook any long term disability benefits you may be entitled to through employer provided policies or through the Social Security Administration (SSA).  

Disability Benefits for On-the-Job Accidents

Another common cause of serious and potentially disabling injuries is on-the-job accidents and exposure to hazardous substances. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, these prove fatal for over a hundred workers each year in Illinois, while leaving thousands of others injured. 

When you suffer an injury on the job or symptoms of an occupational illness, it is important to report it to your employer immediately. You may be entitled to benefits through the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC), which can cover a portion of your lost wages and medical expenses, in addition to providing compensation for long term disabilities. 

Just because you are receiving workers’ compensation, it does not exclude you from other benefits to which you may be entitled. Review the terms of any employer provided long term disability insurance coverage that is available, in addition to the guidelines for receiving Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) payments. 

Get Guidance From Our Chicago Long Term Disability Attorneys

At Bartolic Law, we provide the trusted legal guidance you need when injuries keep you from working. Let us help you get the maximum amount you are entitled to in benefits. To schedule a consultation, call or contact our Chicago disability benefits attorney online today.