Ask the Attorney; can I Collect Social Security Disability for a Broken Bone?

Long Beach Attorneys Explain:
Collecting Social Security Disability for Broken Bones

A broken bone (also called a fracture) is not only extremely painful – it can be financially painful as well. Time off work due to a broken bone can be economically devastating. However, collecting Social Security Disability for a broken bone is very difficult.

Our experienced Social Security Disability Attorneys have successfully won SSDI cases for many individuals with broken bones. But certain important criteria must be met in order to do so. That is why it is important to speak to an experienced Social Security Disability attorney if you are attempting to collect SSDI for a broken bone.

The place of the broken bone in the body, the severity of the break, how you are impaired by the fracture and the duration of the impairment all play a role in determining if you can collect Social Security Disability for a broken bone.

As with any Social Security Disability Case, you must prove to the Social Security Administration:

(1.)         The impairment from the broken bone is severe enough to keep you from working in any job (not just your previous job); and,

(2.)         The impairment must be anticipated to last for at least 12 months or longer.

Most fractures heal within the 12 month time period. However, there are several complications that can occur with broken bones that result in impairment that does qualify for social Security Disability.

Broken Bone Complications that May Qualify for Social Security

Immediate complications – occurring at the time of fracture – that may qualify for SSDI:

  • Injury to major blood vessels, organs, muscles or joints
  • Hypovolemic shock – which is when major organs stop working due to loss of body fluid

Early complications – occurring within a few days after the fracture – that may qualify for SSDI:

  • Infection
  • Compartment syndrome – compression of nerves, blood vessels & muscles due to swelling
  • Blood Clot – also called an embolism
  • Adult respiratory distress syndrome

Late complications – occurring a while after the fracture – that may qualify for SSDI:

  • Improper healing
  • Bone not rejoining properly
  • Shortening of the bone
  • Bone infection
  • Healing in a deformed way
  • Bone death due to lack of oxygen
  • Sudeck’s Dystrophy (muscle atrophy)
  • Volkmann’s Contracture (claw hand)
  • Myositis Ossificans (bone growing within the muscle)

Our Long Beach Social Security Attorneys Can Help

Since many bone fractures unfortunately do not automatically qualify for Social Security Disability, it is very important to speak to an attorney about your case. Our experienced Social Security Disability attorneys have helped men and women with severe fractures – or complication from fractures – successfully collect the Social Security Disability benefits they deserve.

Our attorneys know the Social Security Disability “system” inside and out. We know what medical records and documentation are required to “prove” your case. And we fight tirelessly to get you the Social Security Disability benefits for which you qualify.

Call Our Long Beach Social Security Attorneys: 562-622-4800

Long Beach Social Security attorneys serving Los Angeles, Orange County & Southern California, including: Anaheim, Carson, Bellflower, Compton, Downey, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, La Habra, La Mirada, Lakewood, Lomita, San Pedro, Santa Ana, Torrance, Wilmington, Whittier and Yorba Linda.