Long Term Disability for Bell’s Palsy Attorney
If you have been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy and are currently unable to work, you may be entitled to long term disability benefits. The claims process can be lengthy and confusing, and it’s critical that you have a solid, well-documented case if you are seeking disability benefits.
You will have the best chance of receiving benefits if you work with a disability attorney who knows how the process works and will build you the strongest case possible. Call us today at (267) 419-7888 to speak with a long term disability for neurological and cognitive disorders attorney from Abell and Capitan Law’s legal team about your claim.
What Is Bell’s Palsy?
Bell’s palsy is a condition in which the muscles of the face are suddenly weakened or paralyzed. Onset typically happens without warning, and symptoms get progressively worse over the course of two to three days. While anyone is theoretically susceptible to Bell’s palsy, it is most common between the ages of 15 and 60. The condition occurs most often in women who are pregnant and persons who already have specific medical conditions. These can include the seasonal flu, the common cold, other respiratory issues, and diabetes. Bell’s palsy is usually considered to be a temporary condition, although it may be a long term issue in some rare cases.
Symptoms
Bell’s palsy is generally accompanied by pain, discomfort, or numbness, usually on one side of the head or face. The symptoms can be like those of other medical conditions, so it’s critical to receive medical attention for proper diagnosis. Typical symptoms may include:
- Eyes watering
- Dry eyes
- Drooling
- Drooping mouth
- Partial or full loss of ability to taste food
- Difficulty smiling, squinting, or making facial expressions
- Heightened sensitivity to loud noises
- Affected eye movement, including blinking, and closing the eyelid
While the cause of this condition is unknown, it may be related to damage to the facial nerve. This may be accompanied by inflammation due to a response by the immune system. Bell’s palsy may also have an association with other medical conditions, including Lyme disease, multiple sclerosis, high blood pressure, injury, and viral infection.
Diagnosis and Treatment
It’s important to see a doctor so that they can specifically diagnose Bell’s palsy. While there is not a specific test for diagnosis, your doctor will examine the symptoms present as part of their evaluation. They may perform tests for other conditions to rule them out. These conditions may include a tumor or a stroke since the symptoms can be like the symptoms of Bell’s palsy. Your doctor will likely also seek to determine the degree of nerve damage, if any. Tests that your doctor may order can include MRI scans, CT scans, electromyography (EMG), and blood tests.
At present, there is no known cure for the condition itself. That said, symptoms usually begin to improve on their own after a period of time, usually between two weeks and six months. Your doctor may elect to treat specific symptoms or other accompanying conditions, such as any injury or infection. Your doctor may also prescribe other treatment methods, such as physical therapy, pain relievers, antiviral medication, or steroids for inflammation.
With Bell’s palsy, the potential for severe drying of the eye on the affected side of the face is common. To help mitigate this, your doctor will likely prescribe some type of treatment to protect the eye. This may take the form of eye drops or ointment to keep the eye from drying out. If the eye becomes too dry, it is more susceptible to the cornea being scratched. This is of particular consideration for situations such as working at a computer for long periods of time. This type of activity can easily lead to dry eyes due to the reduced frequency of blinking.
In most instances, Bell’s palsy does not cause any complications besides temporary symptoms. In time, the majority of individuals who are diagnosed with the condition will return to their previous level of facial muscle strength. Their ability to make normal facial expressions will generally return, including blinking and closing of the eye.
Do I Qualify for Disability?
For a person to qualify for benefits under long term disability, the key is that they must prove that they are unable to work due to their condition. It could also mean that they may be able to perform some of their normal work activities but that the special accommodations required would be unreasonable.
Bell’s palsy is usually not permanent, and the symptoms will typically resolve on their own with time. However, there are cases that are severe and in some rare instances, Bell’s palsy may be accompanied by long term symptoms that may last for years. Depending on the nature of your workplace and your assigned tasks, this could impact your ability to work due to your condition.
Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and determine which of your work functions you are currently able to perform. The claims process requires significant documentation of your medical diagnosis and the specifics of your condition. It’s critical that the evidence is thorough, supports your claim, and clearly demonstrates your inability to work. Documentation may include previous medical records, your doctor’s treatment plan, any prescription medication, and your prognosis for the future.
Contact Abell and Capitan Law Now
If you have been diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy and are unable to work because of this condition, you may be entitled to long term disability benefits. Whether your insurance policy is through your employer or you purchased it on your own, your policy should be there for you when you need it. However, the process of being approved for and receiving long term disability benefits is often lengthy and complex. This can be a frustrating experience, and you may be wondering if you even qualify for disability and whether you’ll ever actually receive any benefits.
When you choose Abell and Capitan Law to help you through your disability claims process, you can rest assured knowing that we are handling your claim. Long term disability law is all we do, whether it’s applications, appeals, claim management, settlements, or lawsuits. We have fought against the big insurance companies, and we know how they operate. Our prior satisfied clients tell our story best, and they are the reason we do what we do.
Call Abell and Capitan Law today at (267) 419-7888 for a free consultation with a member of our legal team. You can also submit a contact form online to get in touch with us. We are ready to discuss your case and your options with you. You shouldn’t have to worry about how you are going to support yourself and your family due to your condition. Let us take over for you so you can move on with your life and focus on what matters most. Call us today.