Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers | July 5, 2024 | Personal Injury

Recent census data shows that over 85 million people living in the United States have a disability. This means up to one in four people in the US have a disability. While this includes both severe and non-severe disabilities, all of them cause limitations in a person’s daily life.
There are many types of disabilities. Below, we consider the top 10 disabilities in the US. Understanding disabilities can help you better navigate the aftermath of a personal injury.
1. Musculoskeletal System Impairments
Your musculoskeletal system includes bones, ligaments, cartilage, and other connective tissues. This system allows for things like sitting, standing, walking, and other movements.
Common musculoskeletal impairments include:
- Spine disorders
- Arthritis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Scoliosis
Up to a third of disabilities include musculoskeletal disorders. Many people who suffer from one of these conditions receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (SSDI).
2. Depressive, Bipolar, and Other Mood Disorders
Mood disorders account for over 10% of all disabilities nationwide.
Mood disorders include:
- Major depressive disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Seasonal affective disorder
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Anxiety
These mood disorders can impact almost every aspect of someone’s life, making it very difficult for them to function and work.
3. Nervous System Disorders
The nervous system is responsible for helping all the body parts communicate. It is also responsible for judgment and decision-making. The nervous system is composed of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and sensory organs.
Common nervous system disorders include:
- Epilepsy
- Neuralgia
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Brain and spinal cord injuries
According to the Social Security Administration, close to 10% of people receiving SSDI benefits suffer from a nervous system disorder.
4. Intellectual Disability
Intellectual disability is the term used to describe when there are limits to a person’s ability to learn at an expected level and function normally in daily life. There are many types of intellectual disabilities. Some begin before birth, and some manifest later during childhood and adolescence.
Some intellectual disabilities are:
- Fragile X Syndrome
- Developmental delays
- Down Syndrome
- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
In addition, some intellectual disabilities may be caused by an injury that occurs in childhood, such as a serious head injury, stroke, or infection.
5. Circulatory System Impairments
The circulatory system delivers oxygen and nutrients to cells and removes waste from the body. Arteries, veins, and the heart are part of the circulatory system.
Circulatory system impairments include:
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Stroke
- Peripheral Artery Disease
- Arrhythmia and Dysrhythmia
A problem with one part of the circulatory system can have an impact on your entire body. Approximately 7% of people who receive SSDI benefits experience a circulatory system issue.
6. Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder and Other Psychotic Disorders
The symptoms of schizophrenia spectrum disorders and other psychotic disorders may include:
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Catatonia
The symptoms of these disorders can make it difficult or impossible for someone to function properly at work and in social settings.
7. Other Mental Disorders
This classification includes other mental health disorders that don’t fit neatly with the other already-discussed categories of mental disorders. These disorders may nonetheless interfere with a person’s ability to work or function normally.
8. Injuries
About 3.5% of people who receive SSI benefits have become disabled due to an injury that renders them unable to work in the same capacity as before the accident. Some individuals are unable to work at all after sustaining an injury.
9. Organic Mental Disorders
According to the National Institutes of Health, an organic mental disorder is a decrease in mental functioning that is not caused by a psychotic condition.
Examples of organic mental disorders include dementia, amnesia, and Alzheimer’s.
10. Neoplasms
A neoplasm is an abnormal growth that affects 2.8% of those on disability benefits. These tumors may be benign, pre-cancerous, or cancerous.
The main types of neoplasms include fibromas, adenomas, and lipomas.
A Personal Injury Attorney Can Help You Pursue Compensation for Your Disability
If you experience one of the above disabilities or any other disability, you may qualify for SSDI benefits or other compensation. A personal injury attorney can help assess your damages and pursue all available compensation.
Contact Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers For Help Today
For more information, please contact the Stuart, Port St. Lucie, or Palm Beach Gardens personal injury law firm of Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve Martin County, St. Lucie County, Palm Beach County, and its surrounding areas in Florida:
Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Stuart
73 SW Flagler Ave
Stuart, FL 34994
(772) 444-7000
Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Port St. Lucie
1100 SW St. Lucie West Blvd. Ste 202
Port St Lucie, FL 34986
(772) 247-3374
Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Palm Beach Gardens
300 Avenue of the Champions Ste 220
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418
(561) 944-4000