Lymphatic System Disorders and Long-Term Disability Benefits in Canada

The lymphatic system of the human body is an interconnected network of tissues, organs and vessels that move a colourless fluid called lymph throughout the body. Lymph is essential to maintaining fluid balance, as well as fighting infection.

The lymphatic system works in tandem with the cardiovascular system. Through its own series of lymph vessels that work similarly to veins, it collects waste products that may be too large to filter through small bloodstream capillaries, and brings them to larger veins. The veins, in turn, circulate the blood, which passes through the kidneys (key part of the urinary system) and is meticulously filtered.

When the lymphatic system is damaged and/or blocked, whether through inflammation, external injury such as a motor vehicle accident, or another source, lymphatic system disorders may occur. The impacts of such a disorder may be life-altering, depending on the context.

If you or someone you love have been affected by a lymphatic system disorder, there may be financial support available through a long-term disability claim. Contact our long-term disability lawyers today to book a consultation, and learn what Preszler Injury Lawyers may be able to do for you.

What Is the Lymphatic System?

Our blood is made up of four main components: red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Plasma is the liquid component of blood. About 20 litres of it flow through the permeable walls of our capillaries into the body’s tissues each day.

The tissues of the body soak up the blood’s nutrients, and about 17 litres of plasma return back to the bloodstream through the same capillaries. That leaves around 3 litres bathing the body’s tissues.

The lymphatic system picks up this remaining fluid, which is now called lymph. The lymph passes through lymphatic capillaries into lymphatic vessels, which keep the fluid moving until it returns to the bloodstream through large ducts that merge with the subclavian veins in the upper chest.

Key organs of the lymphatic system include:

  • Bone marrow: spongy tissue in the middle of particular bones, which makes blood cells.
  • Thymus: an organ in the upper chest, beneath the breastbone, where T-cells (a form of white blood cell) mature. T-cells provide immune support, fighting off invasive pathogens.
  • Lymph nodes: hundreds of bean-shaped glands scattered throughout the body, whose function is to monitor and cleanse lymph. Lymph nodes store important immune system cells.
  • Spleen: the largest of the lymphatic organs, located under the ribs and above the stomach, on the left side of the body. The spleen functions to filter blood, remove old and damaged cells, and maintain stores of red blood cells and platelets.
  • Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT): a mucous membrane lining important parts of the body such as the tonsils, upper airways, lungs, small intestines, and more. MALT initiates immune responses to protect the body.

Types of Lymphatic System Disorders

Disorders of the lymphatic system can range in severity from mild to life-altering. Infections, the removal of lymph organs, and injuries (such as pedestrian accidents) are just some potential causes of damage or obstruction of the lymphatic system.

Examples of lymphatic system disorders include:

  • Lymphedema
  • Podoconiosis
  • Intestinal lymphangiectasia
  • Lymphangiomatosis
  • Protein-losing Enteropathy
  • Filariasis
  • Splenomegaly
  • Tonsillitis
  • And more

Treatments for lymphatic system disorders may be able to resolve the issue, or significantly improve an affected individual’s quality of life. Depending on the circumstances, a person may need to take time away from work in order to focus on their health. This can have adverse financial consequences, possibly adding undue stress to an already stressful situation.

Long-Term Disability Coverage for Lymphatic System Disorders

Long-term disability (LTD) benefits are intended to provide eligible policyholders with 60-70% of their regular income while they are unable to work. Sometimes, insurance providers may deny an eligible policyholder their LTD coverage. If this has happened to you, you may be eligible for an appeal.

Our team of long-term disability lawyers at Preszler Injury Lawyers understand how frustrating it can be to navigate the administrative process of structuring a claim. We are here to listen, and to see how we may be of service towards getting you the result you deserve.

Whether you are just beginning your claims process, or if you would like to discuss appealing an insurance company’s decision, contact us today and schedule a free initial consultation with our long-term disability lawyers.

Contact Our Ontario Lymphatic System Disorders Lawyers Today For a Free Initial Consultation

The lymphatic system is essential to day-to-day functioning, from helping to maintain the fluid balance of the body to storing and delivering vital immune cells. Lymphatic system disorders can have profound effects on a person’s life, including their ability to maintain their commitments to work.

In Ontario, long-term disability benefits exist in order to provide support to individuals whose disabling conditions prevent them from being able to earn an income. Whether you are beginning the process of filing a claim, or have been denied coverage by an insurance company, our long-term disability lawyers are here to discuss your case. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation, and learn how Preszler Injury Lawyers may be of service to you.