Chronic Pain and Long-Term Disability Benefits in Canada

When pain persists for a long period of time, or is ongoing, it may be called chronic. Some chronic pain may be tied to an individual’s chronic health condition, such as fibromyalgia or arthritis. Chronic pain can also be associated with the aftermath of a physical trauma incurred in a car accident, a slip and fall, or more.

Chronic pain comes in many different forms. Its effects vary on many factors in a given person’s life, from the nature of their illness and/or injuries to the social circumstances that make up their day to day. Some chronic pain comes and goes, with periods of remission, while other chronic pain persists without breaks. For some people, chronic pain can be so severe that they are unable to work, participate in social activities, or even enjoy a reasonable standard of life.

If you or someone you love is living with chronic pain, there may be financial support available to help alongside medical treatment and recovery. Long-term disability benefits exist in order to provide funds to individuals who are unable to work as a result of disabling conditions.

Unfortunately, eligible individuals are sometimes denied long-term disability coverage. If this has happened to you, you may be entitled to an appeal. At Preszler Injury Lawyers, we are happy to discuss your particular circumstances, and offer insights into possible next steps. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation with our long-term disability lawyers, and learn what a difference we might be able to make for you.

What Is Chronic Pain?

Pain originates in receptor nerve cells located all over the body. From the skin to inner organs, nerve endings collect information about the body’s status, to be sent to the brain for processing.

When we are ill, injured, or navigating another kind of issue, the receptor nerve cells transmit the sensation of discomfort or pain. With that information, our brain may decide to take action – often in search of relief.

While pain can be an essential means of understanding that something in the body needs our attention, it can cause tremendous suffering if it becomes chronic. Symptom relief is one of the most effective ways of treating chronic pain. Pain medication typically intercepts this message, reducing the pain signals our nerves transmit.

The following are examples of conditions commonly associated with chronic pain:

  • Arthritis
  • Cancer
  • Headaches, including migraines, tension headaches, and cluster headaches
  • Back pain
  • Neuralgias and neuropathies associated with damage to the central nervous system
  • Psychological factors such as anxiety or depression
  • And more

Special pain programs exist in many medical organizations such as hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation facilities. From neurologists to nurses and social workers, psychiatrists and psychologists, occupational therapists, and more, many different medical professionals may be involved in the treatment of chronic pain.

A Vicious Cycle: Chronic Pain’s “Terrible Triad”

Living with ongoing pain may cause a person to experience higher than usual levels of irritability, anxiety, and depression. These reactions may contribute to frustrating encounters with others, possibly leading to distancing from social encounters. Insomnia and fatigue may arise. These, in turn, may cause even more irritability and depression, which brings on more sleeplessness and isolation. The “terrible triad” of sleeplessness, suffering, and sadness.

Many different treatments, both physical and psychological, may be available to help an individual living with chronic pain find relief and potentially recovery. What any given person will need, how long healing may take, and how effective the treatment may be, will depend on the particulars of the given circumstances.

Long-Term Disability Coverage for Chronic Pain

When chronic pain disrupts a person’s ability to work, the financial impacts may cause immense stress on both the afflicted individual and their family. Stress may then exacerbate the pain and associated symptoms, furthering the cycle of suffering. In order to help alleviate some of the burden, long-term disability benefits may be available. This form of financial support may be able to cover up to 70% of a person’s regular income.

Sometimes, long-term disability benefits are denied to eligible policyholders. If this has happened to you, you may be able to file an appeal. At Preszler Injury Lawyers, we would be happy to discuss your questions and concerns, and offer insights into what may be possible for you. Contact us today to learn more.

Contact Our Ontario Chronic Pain Lawyers Today For a Free Initial Consultation

Chronic pain can impact every single aspect of a person’s life. When it impacts one’s ability to be able to earn an income, the resulting stress can have profoundly adverse effects on both the individual living with chronic pain and their family. Long-term disability benefits may be able to help offset some of the financial strain, allowing the affected individual to focus on what matters most: their health.

Our long-term disability lawyers understand that no two cases are the same. At your free initial consultation, we will listen carefully to your story, and offer any insights we may have as to what actions may be advantageous in your case. Contact us today to schedule a conversation with Preszler Injury Lawyers, and learn how we might be of service to you.