Permanent Disability

What Does Permanent Disability Mean?

Permanent disability refers to a condition in which a person is no longer able to work full-time due to an injury, illness, or medical condition. This disability can be caused by either a physical or mental health issue. If the condition is work-related, the individual may be able to sue the employer for damages. In the United States, Social Security provides financial assistance to individuals with permanent disabilities. Outside of government programs, many workers also carry private disability insurance, which pays a portion of their income if a covered injury or illness keeps them out of work.

Insuranceopedia Explains Permanent Disability

Permanent disability is defined as a condition that lasts for at least a year or results in death, as confirmed by a physician. Social Security is clear on this matter: a person is considered disabled only if they can no longer work due to a medical condition. If the individual can demonstrate this in their application, Social Security will provide disability payments, which begin six months after the application is approved. However, if a person resigns from their job due to a disability but can find other substantial work that pays significantly above the minimum wage, they are not eligible for Social Security disability benefits.

If permanent disability is caused by a work-related condition or occurs at the workplace, the individual may also be entitled to seek damages from the employer through legal action. In most states, workers in this situation are first covered by workers compensation, which pays for medical care and lost wages without requiring the employee to prove the employer was at fault.