Spinal Cord Injuries and Long-Term Disability Benefits in Canada

A spinal cord injury (SCI) refers to damage to the spinal cord resulting in loss of function, sensation, or mobility, typically caused by trauma such as accidents or falls, or by diseases affecting the spinal cord like tumors or infections.

Paraplegia and quadriplegia, resulting from spinal cord injuries, profoundly impacts mobility and daily life functions. Knowing how it affects long-term disability benefits is crucial for individuals navigating denial challenges.

Understanding Paraplegia and Quadriplegia

Paraplegia is the loss of sensation and movement in the lower body due to spinal cord injuries. It can lead to paralysis, impaired bladder and bowel function, and secondary health complications.

Quadriplegia is a paralysis condition characterized by the loss of function or movement in all four limbs and typically involves significant impairment or loss of sensation and motor control below the neck due to spinal cord injury or disease.

The Rick Hansen Spinal Cord Injury Registry at the Praxis Spinal Cord institute in Vancouver, British Columbia, has documented that over 86,000 people in Canada live with a SCI. Over half of those individuals live with a traumatic SCI. Nearly 1,500 people sustain a traumatic SCI each year.

Spinal cord injuries can result from various causes, including:

Traumatic Injuries:

These occur due to accidents such as motor vehicle crashes, falls, sports injuries, or violence leading to damage to the spinal cord.

Non-Traumatic Injuries:

These are caused by medical conditions like tumors, infections, inflammation (e.g., transverse myelitis), or degenerative diseases (e.g., spinal stenosis) affecting the spinal cord.

Ischemic Injuries:

Occur due to reduced blood flow to the spinal cord, often seen in cases of spinal cord infarction or vascular malformations.

Penetrating Injuries:

Result from gunshot wounds, stab wounds, or surgical complications that directly damage the spinal cord.

Sports Injuries:

Particularly in high-impact sports like football, rugby, or gymnastics, where severe falls or collisions can lead to spinal cord trauma.

Medical Procedures:

Rarely, complications during surgeries involving the spine or nearby areas can lead to spinal cord damage, although this is uncommon with modern surgical techniques.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Long-Term Disability

Individuals with spinal cord injuries like paraplegia or quadriplegia often require assistive devices, modifications to living spaces, and ongoing medical care. Long-term disability benefits can provide financial support for medical expenses and living costs.

Sustaining a SCI can profoundly impact an individual’s ability to perform the duties of their job, often necessitating the need to claim Long-Term Disability (LTD) benefits. Here are some ways in which an SCI can affect work performance:

Loss of Mobility:

Depending on the severity and location of the spinal cord injury, individuals may experience partial or complete paralysis, affecting their ability to stand, walk, lift objects, or perform tasks requiring mobility. Jobs that involve physical labor, manual handling, or frequent movement may become inaccessible.

Motor Function Impairments:

SCI can lead to impaired motor function, including reduced strength, coordination, and dexterity in the limbs or hands. This can hinder tasks that require fine motor skills, such as typing, writing, operating machinery, or manipulating tools.

Challenges with Balance and Stability:

Individuals with SCI may experience difficulties with balance, stability, and posture control, making it unsafe to perform tasks that require standing for prolonged periods, working at heights, or operating heavy machinery.

Sensory Changes:

Spinal cord injuries can cause sensory changes, including numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in various parts of the body. This can affect the ability to detect and respond to tactile or temperature stimuli, posing challenges in tasks that require precise sensory feedback or tactile discrimination.

Fatigue and Energy Depletion:

Coping with the physical and emotional demands of living with an SCI can lead to chronic fatigue, reduced stamina, and energy depletion. Individuals may struggle to maintain focus, concentration, and productivity throughout the workday, affecting their ability to meet job requirements.

Pain and Discomfort:

Many individuals with SCI experience chronic pain, muscle spasms, or neuropathic pain, which can interfere with concentration, sleep quality, and overall well-being. Pain management strategies may require frequent breaks, medication adjustments, or ergonomic modifications in the workplace.

Psychological and Emotional Impact:

Adjusting to life with an SCI can lead to psychological challenges such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These mental health issues can affect motivation, confidence, and interpersonal relationships at work, impacting job performance and satisfaction.

Accessibility Barriers:

Workplaces may lack appropriate accommodations or accessibility features necessary for individuals with SCI, such as wheelchair ramps, adaptive equipment, or accessible restroom facilities. Without adequate workplace modifications, individuals may face barriers to full participation and inclusion in the workplace.

Given these challenges, individuals with spinal cord injuries may find it necessary to seek Long-Term Disability benefits when their condition significantly impairs their ability to meet job demands, maintain employment, and sustain a reasonable quality of life.

Is My Spinal Cord Injury Covered by my LTD Policy?

Most LTD policies cover disabilities resulting from spinal cord injuries like paraplegia. Understanding policy coverage specifics and exclusions related to mobility impairments is essential. Make sure read through the extent of your policy to know with certainty.

Spinal Cord Injury Disability Benefits

Securing disability benefits for paraplegia, quadriplegia, and other SCIs involves thorough medical documentation, including diagnosis, functional limitations, assistive device requirements, treatment plans, and prognosis from healthcare providers.

Can My Disability Benefits Be Denied?

Denials for paraplegia disability benefits can occur due to insufficient medical evidence, policy misinterpretation, or administrative issues. Knowing denial reasons and pursuing appeals promptly is crucial.

What To Do If My LTD Benefits Have Been Denied?

Seeking legal guidance from an experienced LTD disability lawyer is essential if benefits are denied. Lawyers can evaluate denial reasons, gather additional medical evidence, and advocate effectively for benefits.

Contact a Disability Lawyer About Your LTD Denial Today

Individuals facing LTD denial for paraplegia should seek legal representation without delay. At Preszler Injury Lawyers, our disability lawyers can protect your rights, negotiate with insurers, and pursue the disability benefits you deserve to support your quality of life and independence.