Suffering a workplace injury can create many challenges. Some injuries even have long-term effects that may qualify as permanent total disabilities.
You may be eligible for a significant insurance payout if a workplace accident results in a permanent total disability. That is why it is important to recognize the signs that will help you understand if your condition might prevent you from ever returning to work.
1. Severe and ongoing pain
Some injuries result in constant and debilitating pain that makes even daily tasks difficult. If treatment and rehabilitation efforts fail to reduce the pain over time, the injury may have caused irreversible damage.
2. Permanent loss of function
An injury that results in the permanent loss of use of a body part, such as an arm, leg or eye, often signals a permanent total disability. This type of loss significantly impacts a person’s ability to perform job duties, especially in physically demanding occupations.
3. Inability to perform basic job tasks
When an injury prevents a person from carrying out the essential functions of their job, this can indicate a permanent total disability. For example, a construction worker who can no longer lift heavy objects due to a spinal injury may find it impossible to return to work in their field.
4. Long-term medical treatments or surgeries
Injuries requiring ongoing surgeries or treatments, such as physical therapy or pain management, suggest a long-term or permanent condition. The need for continuous medical intervention may indicate that recovery to a level allowing work is unlikely.
5. Diagnosis of a chronic or progressive condition
Some workplace injuries result in chronic conditions or progressive illnesses. For example, a traumatic brain injury or severe spinal damage may worsen over time, reducing the chance of regaining functionality. These conditions often prevent workers from maintaining consistent employment.
If you notice any of these signs, seeking legal advice about your options for benefits or compensation can be the next step toward securing financial stability. Permanent total disability may entitle you to long-term support, so understanding the full impact of an injury is vital for the future.