Do you have a disability that hinders your ability to work or complete everyday activities? Although you’re grateful to be alive, the psychological impact of being is traumatic. Your mind is racing with thoughts about your condition, financial obligations, and the physical and emotional toll your disability will have on your family. While your thoughts and feelings are justified, failure to act will only make matters worse.
Visit Your Primary Doctor
Whether your disability results from a car crash, slip-and-fall incident, violent crime, workplace accident, or health condition, visiting your primary doctor is necessary. They’ll conduct a physical exam, x-rays, lab work, and other tests to assess the extent of your condition.
A physician is your first point of reference for a diagnosis and treatment options. They can give you details, including an estimated recovery time, referrals to specialists, scripts for medicine and devices, and a letter for your employer.
Notify Your Employer
Once you have the specifics from your primary doctor, you must notify your employer. Explain your circumstances and provide them with documentation like a police report, hospital invoice, and letter from your doctor. Ask about your options to secure employment.
Sometimes, your employer may provide reasonable accommodations, like allowing you to work from home. However, when this isn’t possible, you may qualify for programs like paid family leave. The program may not provide compensation, but it does secure your position for up to a year.
File The Appropriate Claim
When you cannot work, covering the one-time and ongoing costs of your disability is overwhelming. Luckily, you can receive assistance while you recover. The sooner you file a claim, the sooner you can get the funds or compensation necessary to survive. Although the type of claim you file will depend on your circumstances, here are a few standard options.
Car Insurance Claim – If you were involved in an auto accident, you’d file a claim with your insurance provider. Customers who aren’t at fault can receive funds to cover the repairs and medical expenses due to the accident.
Personal Injury Claim – If your disability is the result of an accident outside of the workplace or as a result of the negligence or intentional actions of a third party, you need to file a personal injury claim with a qualified attorney. They will do everything possible to help you get compensation for lost wages, future treatments, pain and suffering, and other costs not covered by the insurance company.
Worker’s Comp Claim – If your disability happened in the workplace, you must file a worker’s compensation claim with your employer. Your claim will entitle you to financial coverage for lost wages, medical bills, and ongoing treatment if eligible.
Social Security Claim – Individuals with a long or short-term disability may also qualify for assistance by filing a Supplemental Security Income claim. According to Benefits.com, if your disability renders you unable to work for more than 30 days but less than a year (short-term) or beyond (long-term), you could receive assistance from the state or federal government.
Consult A Mental Health Expert
No matter how you slice it, your disability will affect your mental health. Many patients suffer from chronic stress, anxiety, and depression following a disability diagnosis. As you follow your doctor’s instructions and adapt to your “new normal,” you should find a therapist to help you with your emotions.
A counselor will listen to your concerns, provide sound advice, and prescribe medications (if necessary) to help you cope. They’ll use cognitive behavioral therapy and other techniques to help you get through the grieving process, identify your triggers, and develop new routines to keep your feelings in check. You might also consider finding a therapist or support group for your family to help them deal with the impact of your disability on their lives.
When something happens to your physical or mental health that alters your quality of life, getting through the experience is overwhelming. Although you can’t control the past or predict the future, the above steps can help reduce stress and aid your recovery efforts.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
