Des Moines Disability And Injury Legal Blog

Being diagnosed with a serious medical condition can deliver a severe emotional blow. As these individuals struggle to cope with the reality of their conditions and seek ways to plan for their futures, they may also find it challenging to work. When their injury or illness leaves them unable to work and their condition is expected to last for a significant period of time or result in death, then they may be deemed disabled by the government, meaning that they might be able to qualify for Social Security disability benefits. The government assesses every condition differently for SSD benefits purposes, though, which is why Iowans need to understand exactly how they can qualify for benefits under their particular medical situation.

Parkinsonian syndrome, which derives from Parkinson's disease, is recognized by the Social Security Administration as a disabling condition. Before it can be deemed as such, though, a claimant for SSD benefits must prove that he or she meets certain requirements. To start, the individual must have sought treatment for at least three consecutive months. If, despite that treatment, the individual still suffers form impaired motor function in at least two extremities that causes extreme limitations, then he or she may be deemed disabled. This is often evidenced by showing challenges related to standing, balancing and using one's arms.

It's no secret that many Social Security disability claims are initially denied. There may be a number of reasons for these denials, including insufficient medical evidence and work history. As frustrating as this may be, a recent study may be shedding light on the lax review system SSD claims undergo, which could be costing countless Americans -- including those right here in Iowa -- the financial support they deserve under the law.

In many instances, Social Security disability claims are reviewed by doctors. The issue, as highlighted by recent reporting, is that many of these doctors are paid for each case that they analyze and make a decision on. This has caused some reviewing doctors to make decisions on as many as five claims per hour. These are rushed decisions that are likely based on only pieces of one's claim rather than its entirety.

There are many noble professions. Firefighter is certainly amongst them. While this occupation is noble, it is also dangerous. These brave men and women put their lives on the line on a daily basis to help keep Iowans safe. Sadly, even if they are able to survive each individual fire unscathed, these firefighters' exposure to airborne chemicals oftentimes causes them to develop occupational diseases such as cancer.

Tragically, this isn't an uncommon occurrence. In fact, nearly two-thirds of all firefighters who died in the line of duty did so after succumbing to cancer. And there are many retired firefighters battling cancer who are not accounted for in these statistics.

Construction is a dangerous industry. Workers in this field are at risk of being struck by moving vehicles and falling objects. They themselves can fall from scaffolding or rooftops, and operating machinery can lead to repetitive motion injuries as well as pinching and crushing injuries. Some workers who are injured on the job are lucky enough to obtain a full recovery, but they still face financial hardship while they are out of work thanks to lost wages and medical expenses. While workers' compensation benefits may be available to these individuals, what about those surviving family members who lose a loved one in a workplace accident?

One Iowa family may have to explore whether they can recover workers' compensation death benefits after a fatal construction accident. The incident, which occurred in Cedar Rapids, involved a 47-year-old man who fell from a beam. He was found in an alley with serious injuries. Although he was rushed to the hospital, he later succumbed to his injuries.