Many Oklahoma residents work hard for years to build a career and earn a living for themselves and their families. A person’s job may be a significant part of his or her identity, or at least it consumes a substantial amount of the person’s time. As a result, when someone suffers a work-related injury, it can send shockwaves through the individual’s personal and professional life.
While individuals may believe it is unlikely that they will suffer a work-related injury, the statistics show otherwise. According to a recent study conducted by the United States Department of Labor, private employers reported more than 3 million workplace injuries and illnesses in 2013. This number actually represented a decrease from the year before, although the specific numbers varied by sector.
More than half of the 3 million workplace injuries involved injuries that were of a more serious nature. This meant that workers missed days away from work, for instance, as a result of the injury.
When individuals suffer a more serious workplace injury, it can drastically alter their ability to earn an income and meet their monthly living expenses. Individuals who suffer a work-related injury may be able to take advantage of Social Security disability benefits for injuries, in addition to other benefits they may be eligible for.
In order to qualify for Social Security disability benefits, individuals must file a claim with the Social Security Administration. The claim must contain certain information about the person’s work history and the injury that was suffered that led to their inability to work. The agency will then consider the person’s claim and make a benefits determination.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, “Employer-reported workplace injury and illness summary,” Dec. 4, 2014