When determining if a workplace injury qualifies as a disability, one key detail is how long the condition is expected to last. If it’s a permanent condition that will persist for the rest of someone’s life, it often can be defined as a disability—as opposed to a similar condition that will heal or improve over time.
There is a wide variety of conditions that could be classified as disabilities, depending on the circumstances and how long they are expected to last. Below are three examples to consider.
1. Hearing loss
In many cases, hearing loss is a permanent condition. This is especially true when individuals are exposed to high decibel levels for extended periods. For instance, someone who spends 30 years working in a noisy environment may retire with hearing loss that will never heal.
2. Traumatic brain injuries
Traumatic brain injuries can become permanent because the brain cannot always produce new neurons. As a result, when there is excessive damage to the brain, the only option is to seek out new neural pathways and create new connections. This often leads to some initial healing after the injury, but progress may plateau and further recovery might not occur.
3. Spinal cord injuries
Much like the brain, the spinal cord often cannot repair nerve damage or create new nerve cells. The injured person may have to live with permanent symptoms related to the injury.
Adjusting to a permanent disability can be difficult and expensive. If you’re in this position after a workplace accident, be sure you know what legal options you have.
