Disability

Overview

Federal laws exist to ensure that people with disabilities are afforded the same rights, protections, and opportunities as those without. Equality for people with disabilities is considered a civil right. When an academic facility, employer, healthcare center, or other organization fails to abide by federal disability laws, the disabled person in question may take legal action to correct the violation and seek compensation for resulting damages.

Similarly, when someone develops a disability as a result of a workplace injury or health condition, they can seek compensation via Social Security disability benefits and/or long-term disability insurance. Social Security disability and long-term disability insurance serve much the same purpose and go hand-in-hand.

Statistics

• 61 million adults in the U.S. live with a disability.
• Nearly 50% of adults with disabilities deal with functional restrictions.
• Most Americans are more financially prepared to die than to become disabled, even though the chance of gaining a disability is 3-5 times more likely.
• About one in seven people ages 35-65 can expect to become disabled for five or more years.
• Social Security disability applicants generally must be under 65 years old.
• The Social Security Disability Insurance program pays an average of $722 per month. However, the criteria to qualify for this program is so strict that only about 35% of applicants are able to receive benefits.
• To be eligible for Social Security benefits due to a disability, you must have a disability that affects your ability to work.
• More than 375,000 Americans become totally disabled every year, and approximately 110 million Americans don't have long-term disability coverage.

Help for Chronic or Long-Term Disability

Social Security Disability Benefits.  In a successful Social Security disability claim, the disabled party can begin receiving the benefits they otherwise have received after retirement, generally including a monthly benefit check, and eventually qualification for Medicare.

Long-Term Disability Insurance Benefits. Long-term disability insurance exists to help pay for medical bills and lost wages after someone develops a long-term disability. Some occupations put workers at higher risk of injuries that could lead to a long-term disability; for workers in these occupations, it is recommended to invest in long-term disability insurance protection for themself and their family.

Veteran (VA) Disability Benefits. VA disability compensation offers a tax-free monthly payment to Veterans who were sick or injured during military service and continue to experience lasting or permanent damages as a result of that sickness or injury. This benefit can be applied for with the assistance of a VA attorney.

Hiring a Lawyer

if you or a loved one have suffered from one of these violations, it’s important to learn about your options for recovery by hiring a qualified and experienced disability lawyer.