Skeletal System Disorders and Long-Term Disability Benefits in Canada

The human skeleton is made up of over 200 bones. Bone is a rigid connective tissue made mainly of calcium and collagen. Our bones provide structure and protection to the rest of our bodies, maintain vital mineral reservoirs, create our blood, and more.

Disorders of the skeletal system can severely impact a person’s day to day life. Whether inherited or acquired through an adverse event such as a car accident, a skeletal system disorder may require a person to take time away from work in order to focus on their health.

There may be financial support available for individuals with skeletal system disorders through long-term disability benefits. To learn more, and discuss what may be possible in your particular case, contact our long-term disability lawyers today to schedule a consultation.

What Is the Skeletal System?

The skeletal system, sometimes referred to as the musculoskeletal system, consists of bones, cartilage, tendons, muscles, and other tissues that provide the body with structure. In terms of skeletal system disorders, we will focus on disorders of the bones.

The human body has two types of bones: cortical and trabecular.

Cortical bone, also known as compact bone, comprises about 80% of the bones of the adult skeleton. This dense tissue surrounds the inner cavity, which holds bone marrow, nerves, and blood vessels. Resistant to torsion and bending, cortical bone is key to the skeleton being able to bear the body’s weight.

Trabecular bone, also known as cancellous or spongy bone, comprises about 20% of the bones in the human body. It can be found at the ends of long bones, as well as in the skull, ribs, vertebrae of the spine, and the pelvis. This is a more porous bone than its cortical counterpart, often described as having a “honeycomb” structure. Trabecular bone is shock-absorbant, its structure forming and adjusting along the body’s particular lines of stress, in order to provide maximal support.

Bone marrow, found at the very centre of bones, is key in a process called hematopoiesis: the formation of blood. An originator cell called a hematopoietic stem cell develops into a “blast” cell that goes through several stages of division before specializing into either a red blood cell, white blood cell, or platelet.

Types of Skeletal System Disorders

Many different kinds of disorders can affect the skeletal system. A single personal injury accident can result in broken or fractured bones. Unsafe workplace conditions can create or exacerbate existing conditions that prevent a person from continuing with their ongoing responsibilities. Whether genetic or acquired, the impacts of a skeletal system disorder can be profound.

Examples of skeletal system disorders include:

  • Dislocated shoulder
  • Dislocated hip
  • Broken and fractured bones
  • Osteoporosis
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Osteomyelitis
  • Fibrous dysplasia
  • Osteomalacia
  • And more

In addition to posing physical challenges, orthopedic injuries and other skeletal system disorders can take an immense emotional and financial toll. Long-term disability benefits were made to provide support for individuals living with conditions that render them unable to work.

If your long-term disability claim has been denied, or if you would like assistance in filing one, our long-term disability lawyers may be able to help. Contact us today to learn more.

Symptoms of Skeletal System Disorders

There are many possible symptoms of a skeletal system disorder. Some have no symptoms at all. Osteoporosis, for example, may not present any symptoms before an accident, such as a trip or slip and fall, results in a broken bone. Other diseases, such as osteomyelitis, may present specific symptoms such as swelling, warmth, and redness at the site of infection.

General skeletal system symptoms to be mindful of may include:

  • Pain in the bones
  • Fractures resulting from low energy, low impact activities
  • Sprains
  • Persistent infections
  • Joint pain
  • Back pain
  • General weakness
  • And more

As always, seek medical attention from a licensed professional should you be concerned about a skeletal issue. Then, book a consultation with our long-term disability lawyers to see how we may be of service in helping you get the benefits to which you are entitled.

How Our Long-Term Disability Lawyers May Be Able to Help

If your skeletal system disorder forces you to step away from work, you may be eligible for long-term disability benefits. These benefits may provide an individual with 60-70% of their regular income. Contact our long-term disability lawyers to discuss your options.

Depending on the circumstances, individuals qualifying for the Ontario disability support program may be eligible for additional support towards the costs of housing, food, and other necessary expenses.

Our team of long-term disability lawyers prioritize client-centered service that prioritizes clear and timely information. At your initial consultation, we will ask clarifying questions and listen to the details of your story, in order to better position any legal support we may be able to provide.

We may be able to help you at any step of a long-term disability claims process. Whether you are just beginning to file your claim, or if your claim has been denied and you would like to pursue an appeal, we are here to listen and see how we may be of service to you.

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

Every case, and its outcomes, depends on a vast array of factors. At Preszler Injury Lawyers, we respect the uniqueness of each of our clients’ positions, and strive to provide tailored, compassionate service. Contact us today to book your free initial consultation with our Ontario skeletal system disorders lawyers, and see what we may be able to do for you.