Each year many workers throughout the United States, including many from Houston, Texas, and the surrounding area, are injured in the workplace. While the types of injuries often vary, some injuries such as neck, back and brain injuries are not uncommon, especially in construction areas.
The two most common workplace injuries include overexertion, common for neck and back injuries, and falls, which could also lead to catastrophic injuries requiring long-term or even life-long care. Being struck or caught between equipment or objects is also common.
Such injuries could lead to lost wages and significant medical expenses and rehabilitation costs. The Social Security Administration runs the Social Security Disability Insurance program, or SSDI, which takes payroll taxes to pay for those who have suffered from a serious injury, illness or medical condition and are unable to work. Although the program is not designed to fully pay for lost wages or costs associated with your injury, they can help provide some financial relief while you work towards a recovery.
If you have been involved in a work-related injury and now suffer from a serious disability, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits for Injuries. In order to qualify, you must prove that the injuries are serious enough that you are unable to maintain gainful employment for at least a year or that the condition is expected to end in death. The process for filing a claim is not always easy, especially since you are already dealing with the condition.
Source: Claims Journal, “Top 10 Causes of Workplace Injuries: Liberty Mutual,” Denise Johnson, Jan 14, 2015