DISABILITY 101
It Can Happen To You:
- Close to 90% of disabling accidents and illnesses are not work related, and therefore not covered by workers’ compensation.
- In the last 10 minutes, 498 Americans became disabled
- In the home, a fatal injury occurs every 12 minutes and a disabling injury every 3 seconds.
- In the U.S., a disabling injury occurs every 1 second, a fatal injury occurs every 4 minutes.
- Every 19 seconds someone is injured in an auto accident.
- Every 4 seconds someone is injured in some kind of accident.
- 1 in 3 working Americans will become disabled for at least 90 days or more before age 65
- 9 out of 10 individuals underestimate their own chances of becoming disabled.
If Your Income Stops, Consider This:
- A Harvard University report reveals medical problems contributed to 62% of all personal bankruptcies filed in the U.S.
- Only about 35% of those who apply for Social Security benefits actually qualify for them.
- If you have saved 10% of your income each year, 1 year of being totally disabled could wipe out 10 years of savings.
- The average individual disability claim lasts 31.6 months.
The Most Common Reasons For Short-Term Disability Claims Are:
- Musculoskeletal disorders affecting the back and spine, knees, hips, shoulders, and other parts of the body
- Injuries such as fractures, sprains, and strains of muscles and ligaments
- Digestive disorders, such as hernias and gastritis
- Mental health issues including depression and anxiety
- Drug and Alcohol dependency
- Pregnancies
The Most Common Reasons For Long-Term Disability Claims Are:
- Musculoskeletal disorders affecting the back and spine, knees, hips, shoulders, and other parts of the body
- Cancer
- Heart Attack
- Stroke
- Injuries such as fractures, sprains, and strains of muscles and ligaments
- Mental health issues including depression and anxiety
- Drug and Alcohol Addiction
Sources:
– Council For Disability Awareness
– Social Security Administration
– National Safety Council
