The thought of being disabled, even for a temporary period of time, can be frightening for some people. It is unnerving to think that you might have to take time off from work for a period of time so you can heal properly.
Even if you are getting paid through Workers’ Comp during this time, it is still scary not to be able to make money during this period of time. Money might be tight during this time as you focus on making sure you heal to the best of your ability.
If you are permanently disabled, the thought of never returning to work is even more frightening. You might even be shuddering right now at the thought of not having the ability to pay your bills on time.
It is a very frightening concept to so many of us since we depend on that money to survive. Let’s take a closer look at the different types of disabilities and what happens in each situation.
“Definition of Disability”
The definition of disabled has two parts to it. The first part of it is the state of being disabled; the absence of competent physical, intellectual, or moral power, fitness, or the like; it is also an instance of the lack of those things.
The second part involves the legal capacity, incompetence, or disqualification. It is a physical impairment in medical terms and the inability to perform physical functions in a normal method. In the legal sense, disability is the permanent injury to your body from which you may or may not be compensated.
“Three Types of Disability”
There are three different types of disability you can qualify for. The first type is called temporary total disability, where you are totally unable to work. You receive medical treatment during this time.
The second type of disability is called temporary partial disability, where your recovery has reached a stage where you can work in some capacity.
The third type of disability is called permanent disability, which means you have permanent damage to a body part or might even lose it entirely. Maximum improvement from the injury has been reached and you’ll get no better at this stage of your healing.
“Getting a Second Opinion”
Getting a second opinion about the injuries you sustain at work is always a good route to take. If you are dissatisfied with the medical treatment you receive from a doctor, do not be afraid to get a second opinion.
If you feel like the doctor is not doing the best they should with your treatment, make sure to get a second opinion since your health is on the line. With cases of disability, you want to make sure you get back to your job as quickly as possible.
You may not be getting money from gainful employment during this time period so you might become stressed out from this lack of income stream. Getting a second opinion of your medical situation, if you’re healing slower than you think you should be, is always a good idea.
Greenville and Washington, NC Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
I’m Brian Ricci, a workers’ compensation lawyer serving the Greenville and Washington areas. If you or a loved one has sustained an injury at work, please call me at please call me at (252) 777-2222 or (800) 387-6406 for free, friendly advice.
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