In Richmond, people who suffer from disabilities brought on by workplace injuries are often able to get financial support if their health limits their ability to work. The two most common and widely used insurance programs for the disabled are Social Security and workers’ compensation.

A handicap is defined broadly as any limitation of mobility, thinking, ability, or activity. Injuries to the shoulder, back, or legs, blindness, nerve damage, concussions, paralysis, and hearing loss are a few examples. The difference between a temporary and permanent impairment may impact not only your way of life and level of mobility but also the types of financial benefits you are entitled to. For more information on how to make the most out of your workers’ compensation claim, contact a Richmond workers comp lawyer. 

What is permanent disability?

Any damage, either mental or physical, that causes a probable lifetime of impairment is deemed a permanent handicap.

For a handicap to be classified as permanent, your doctor has to determine that function is still impaired after you reach the peak of your recovery. In other words, your damage is considered permanent if you have received medical attention but are still experiencing the effects of the harm with little to no chance of recovery.

This might be considered to be medically stable with permanent disability by your doctor. Remember that legal definitions and categories for workers’ compensation disabilities might differ from state to state, even in Richmond. Furthermore, the Social Security Administration defines permanent or long-term disability differently.

Some examples of permanent disabilities:

  • PTSD
  • Chronic heart disease
  • Cancer
  • Arthritis
  • Loss of limb
  • Limited lifting and back pain
  • Loss of sight or hearing
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Loss of strength or motion in a body part

What is Temporary Disability?

An injury or disability of the body or brain that only lasts for a short period is regarded as a temporary disability. In such instances, the patient might notice reduced or lacking functionality for several days, weeks, or months, but with time and treatment, partial recovery is expected. 

Once an injured person is kept medically stationary, a temporary impairment turns into a permanent one. These types of disabilities are usually brought on by a single event or by physical overuse or repeated movements.

However, depending on the results of the medical evaluation, some short-term mental diseases and treatable harm from exposure to dangerous chemicals may also be identified as temporary disabilities.

Temporary disabilities include:

  • Fractured bone 
  • Concussion
  • Whiplash
  • Neck/back pain
  • Rehabilitation following sprain surgery
  • Ripped ligament