Spinal injuries can be physically and emotionally devastating. Depending on the area of the spine impacted, victims can become severely disabled due to paralysis and chronic pain.
The Social Security Administration includes spinal injuries on its list of disabilities that qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits due to the wide variety of limiting effects a blow to the spine can cause. Individuals with diseases affecting the spinal column, such as arthritis, degenerative disc disease, or spinal stenosis, may also be eligible to receive regular benefit checks.
Disabling Effects of Spinal Injury
Spine problems occur for a variety of reasons, including car accidents, sports injuries, violent attacks, aging, infections, cancer, genetics, and improper lifting. Injury to the cervical, lumbar, or thoracic spinal column can restrict a person’s physical capabilities substantially. Many spine injury victims become wheelchair bound and may need in-home care. The many effects of spine injuries include:
- Paralysis of the arms, legs, torso, or neck
- Chronic back pain
- Chronic leg pain
- Muscle weakness
- Sexual dysfunction
- Muscle spasms
- Bladder/bowel problems
- Numbness/tingling in extremities
- Limited range of motion
- Abdominal pain
- Headaches/migraines
- Loss of balance
- Poor coordination
- Motor loss due to muscle atrophy
- Poor reflexes
- Bedsores
- Breathing problems
- Loss of sensation
Hiring an Attorney to Prove Spinal Injury Disability
If you or someone you love has become disabled due to a spinal injury, hiring a skilled disability attorney can help you get the Social Security Disability Insurance benefits you need to cover income lost as a result of the injury. Since nearly two-thirds of all initial applications are typically denied, having a lawyer to help you with the SSD application process can be crucial to creating a strong argument as to why your claim should be approved. A legal professional will also share important information you’ll need to apply successfully, including details on what types of medical documentation the Social Security Administration favors.
If you’re considering hiring an SSD lawyer to help you apply for disability benefits, please take a moment to search our attorney directory.
Please explore our website and if you have questions or need further assistance, please e-mail the SSD Law Resource Center by completing the form to the right. We are here to help.