Working can be a dangerous activity. Construction workers may operate near heavy machinery and fast-moving traffic, firefighters can run into burning buildings, and even office workers can be subjected to repetitive motions that can leave them injured. Although the workers’ compensation system may prove beneficial for those who are unable to work for a certain period of time, for many Floridians, their injuries are too severe to resume normal life. For these individuals, it may be wise to seek out Social Security disability benefits.
These benefits may be useful to more individuals than many think. In fact, a study recently found that government workers are more prone to workplace injuries than those in the private sector. Statistics show that there were approximately five injuries or illnesses per every 100 government workers, with police officers and firefighters being the most susceptible. This compares to just three injuries or illnesses per 100 private sector workers.
There are a couple of reasons experts point to for this discrepancy. First, some claim that government workplaces are less safe. Others state that government employees have better disability insurance, thereby causing them to make more disability claims than their private sector counterparts. Regardless of the cause, though, far too many individuals are finding themselves so severely injured that they are unable to work and pay all of their bills.
Those who find themselves in this position need to consider the possibility of filing for SSD benefits. A successful claim could bring monthly payments that can help cover lost wages, medical expenses, and other bills. After all, those who have suffered a disabling condition at work need to be able to focus on their health, and not overwhelmingly concern themselves with how they are going to put food on the table.
Source: City-Journal, “The Doughnut Disability,” Steven Malanga, Feb. 16, 2017
