Experiencing a severe bone fracture could mean that you may have difficulty performing everyday tasks while healing from the injury. In some cases, a victim may suffer a broken bone that could affect their ability to work for the foreseeable future. When this happens, it may be appropriate to seek disability benefits to handle medical bills, costs of rehabilitation, and many other related costs. If you sustain one or more broken bones in an accident, and you wish to apply for disability benefits, you should consult with an experienced Fayetteville, AR disability benefits lawyer as soon as possible.
Ken Kieklak, Attorney at Law, is dedicated to working victims of serious accidents to pursue the disability benefits needed to manage their medical condition. Our firm is here to discuss whether broken bones qualify for disability in the State of Arkansas.
Qualifying for Disability Benefits for Broken Bones or Fractures in Arkansas
Broken bones may seem like an injury that will gradually heal over time and allow a person to continue with their life as if the injury never happened. However, there are many times where a broken bone injury will cause a number of medical issues for a person. For example, a person’s bones may not heal properly, or it could be fractured in a way that will make it impossible to heal as it should.
To determine whether a person is eligible for disability benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has provided applicants with a list of conditions that qualify for disability benefits. Bone fractures are on the list of conditions that are acknowledged by the SSA, which can support a claim for disability benefits. Note, however, that it is not enough to simply claim you have broken bones in order to qualify for disability benefits.
There are other criteria the SSA may use to determine your bone fracture qualifies for disability benefits. Here are some factors the SSA may consider for musculoskeletal injuries like bone fractures:
- Whether the applicant’s fractured bones have not healed or set (nonunion)
- Whether the applicant will require future medical treatment like surgery or rehabilitation
- Whether the bone fracture will cause a person to be disabled for at least one year
If your bone fractures also affect your ability to work, this should also be documented by the applicant. For example, if an applicant’s previous position required frequent physical activity, it would be difficult or maybe impossible to perform the job with a severe bone fracture.
To learn more about filing for disability benefits for broken bones, you should continue reading and consult with an experienced Bella Vista, Arkansas disability attorney.
How to Apply for Disability Benefits for Broken Bone Injuries in Arkansas
If you were injured and can no longer work due to a severe bone fracture, you may be eligible for disability benefits. Disability benefits are provided two programs offered by the SSA. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance. As you might expect, there are different qualifications that must be met in order to successfully apply for either benefit.
Qualifications for SSI
To qualify for SSI benefits, an applicant must be one of the following:
- 65 or older
- Blind
- Disabled
Additionally, the applicant must show they have limited income and have no other means to support themselves. Applicants can also not own more than $2,000 in assets. This does not include a home or a vehicle.
Note, however, that the SSA will impose many other requirements before they approve your claim for benefits. For example, the SSA may require that you are examined by a doctor in order to evaluate the extent of your injury.
Qualifications for SSDI
Qualifying for SSDI benefits will also require an applicant to meet a variety of criteria. Specifically, the SSA uses a five-step process to determine whether an applicant can be granted disability benefits:
- Whether the applicant was engaged in substantial gainful activity and earned a substantial salary
- Whether the applicant’s impairment is severe
- Does the applicant have a condition that is listed by the SSA or equivalent to an illness recognized by the SSA?
- Whether the applicant can perform the functions of their previous job
- Can the applicant perform other types of work with their injury?
Our firm understands that handling an SSDI case can be time-consuming and complex, and we are here to guide you through the process. If your bone fracture injury prevents you from working, we will help you gather evidence to help you pursue the benefits you deserve. It is important not to delay after learning of your disability. Waiting too long to file for your disability benefits could negatively impact your case.
Contact Our Fayetteville Disability Lawyer to Discuss Getting Benefits for Broken Bones in Arkansas
If you were in a serious accident which resulted in fracturing of one or multiple bones, you should contact an experienced Arkansas broken bone injury lawyer to help you qualify for disability benefits. Committed SSDI attorney Ken Kieklak can help you discover whether broken bones qualify for disability in Arkansas. Handling your disability benefits case with the aid of an experienced attorney could make it easier to secure your benefits. To learn more about how you can pursue the disability benefits you deserve, you should contact Ken Kieklak, Attorney at Law, at (479) 316-0438 to schedule your free legal consultation. You may also use our online submission form to contact the firm.