Many types of physical impairments may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Social Security Income (SSI). This includes crush injuries.
A crush injury to the hands and fingers can cause stiffness, decreased movement, a weakened grip and an inability to bend your fingers. This can make it hard to maintain substantially gainful employment and perform most work-related tasks.
If you have sustained a crush injury that prevents you from working, you may be able to obtain disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Our lawyers have years of combined experience handling SSDI and SSI claims and know how the SSA Blue Book is used to evaluate impairments.
Reach out today to schedule a free initial consultation. There is no obligation after this meeting to hire our firm. If you have a valid claim and decide to move forward, there are no upfront fees involved.
Licensed. Local. Lawyers. Ph: (920) 215-4788.
What Are Crush Injuries and How Do They Happen?
Crush injuries occur when a part of the body, such as the arm, hand, leg or foot becomes trapped, pinched or jammed under or between objects. The pressure caused by a crush injury can significantly damage skin, muscles, nerves or bones depending on the amount of force.
These injuries are most common in the workplace, particularly in settings involving the hands and fingers. The most serious crush injuries happen when heavy machinery is used. A hand may get pinned between a moving or stationary object or get caught and pulled into operating equipment. While performing work tasks, an item may accidentally drop or fall on a hand, leading to a hand crushing injury.
Crush injuries can also happen in a car accident. When gripping the inside of the steering wheel, your hands could get caught around the wheel or get pinned between two parts of a vehicle during impact. This can cause a disabling crush-related injury that may result in amputation.
Obtaining Social Security Disability for a Crush Injury
The SSA does not grant benefits for all impairments. Your crush injury must be severe enough and meet the SSA’s definition of a disability, which means:
- You have an impairment that prevents you from working
- You are unable to adjust to other work due to your impairment
- Your impairment has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year
Detailed medical records can mean the difference between getting a claim approved or denied. The SSA will closely examine your medical records and the other documentation you submit to assess how your physical impairment affects your life and your ability to function. The likelihood of medical improvement is also considered by the SSA.
The SSA will look at how much you can lift and carry, how long you are able to sit, stand or walk, as well as how well you can reach for things using your hands and fingers. They will also analyze the amount of time you have been dealing with your impartment and the way you have sought treatment for your impairment.
This is why it is important to visit your treating doctor on a regular basis for your crush injury. Be sure to speak with your doctor about the level of pain you are experiencing and your limitations. Perhaps you are unable to move around, hold and operate things with your hands or have difficulties maintaining daily activities. Your doctor can document these issues in your file, order the proper clinical tests and refer you to a specialist if needed. Doing so will help you get the treatment you need to recover.
Advantages of Working with an Experienced Lawyer
Many disability claimants who work with a lawyer have an increased chance of being approved for benefits than those without legal counsel. An experienced lawyer can review your situation and determine if your crush injury qualifies for disability.
If you have a valid claim, he or she could help with:
- Collecting relevant medical evidence to prove how your impairment is disabling
- Establishing your inability to perform your past work tasks due to your impairment
- Validating that your impairment is so severe that you cannot engage in any substantial gainful activity (this is generally work that brings in over a certain amount of money per month.)
A lawyer could assist you with the paperwork and make sure everything is filed on time for your claim. He or she could also help prepare you for your disability hearing and represent you at your hearing if your claim has been denied. You are within your right to appeal a decision.
The Initial Consultation Comes at No Cost to You. Contact Us
If you are looking to obtain disability benefits for a crush injury, a licensed Appleton Social Security Disability lawyer at our firm is here to help. We could also guide you through the appeals process if you have already received a denial notice. The initial consultation we offer is free of charge.
Our firm also handles disability claims on a contingency-fee basis, which means we charge zero upfront fees for our services. We only receive payment at the end if we help you obtain the benefits you need.
Call (920) 215-4788 Anytime, Day or Night.