I Broke My Leg. Can I Get Short-Term Disability? (Solved)

Dealing with a broken leg can be a discomfort.

A bone fracture in the leg is very painful and could cause restrictions.

It is difficult to walk with a broken leg and even do essential things. Working with a leg fracture can be nearly impossible.

You will most likely need help to move around.

Getting aid will serve as a relief.

Is it possible to get a short-term disability if you break your leg? Keep reading for more details.

Types of Breaks That Can Happen in the Leg

Different bone fractures can happen to a person’s leg. There are several classifications.

Compound fracture

Also known as an open fracture, it is a crucial condition that requires urgent medical attention.

In this fracture, the skin is injured by the broken bone and has an open wound. The opening is primarily deep and exposes the bone.

Closed fracture

Unlike an open fracture, the skin is not injured by the bone. The skin surrounding the fracture is unscathed.

Complete fracture

The bone is split or divided into two or more separate parts.

Incomplete fracture

In this fracture, the bone cracks but doesn’t separate into parts.

Displaced fracture

Here, a gap occurs between the bones. This causes a bone misalignment and might most likely require surgery to fit the bones back in place.

Spiral fracture

As the name implies, it revolves around a long bone. Most spiral fractures are caused by twists during accidents, falls, or sports injuries.

Oblique fracture

This occurs as a diagonal break in the bone. The break happens across the bone.

5 Ways to Prevent a Broken Leg

does broken bones qualify for disability?

You can avoid getting a broken leg by following some or all of these tips.

1. Eat healthily

There is a direct link between what you eat and your health.

You can build strength in your bones by eating food rich in calcium and taking vitamin D supplements.

You have several options to choose from. Some calcium-rich foods are yogurt, oranges, cheese, and milk.

2. Exercise regularly

Appropriate exercises enable you to build bone strength.

Weight lifting exercises, running, dancing, and other exercises that mandate resisting gravity are the best.

You get to conserve bone tissue by engaging in these exercises. This makes it easier to avoid fractures in your bones.

3. Use proper footwear

Reduce the risk of breaking your legs by wearing appropriate footwear in different situations.

Ensure that your shoes are comfortable and fit rightly.

Avoid wearing heels for too long and in challenging weather. Comfortable athletic shoes are the best fit for traveling long distances.

4. Avoid falls

Watch out for situations that can make you trip.

Don’t clutter the floors of your home. If you’re out, pay attention and look out for items that could make you fall.

Ensure that you’re safe from harm always.

Steps to Take If You Break Your Leg

1. Seek medical attention as soon as you can.

2. Make sure you keep your leg still until you get help.

3. If your leg is bleeding, apply pressure to the wound using a sterile bandage or a clean cloth.

4. Put some ice on the injury site for about 10 minutes.

5. Wait for professional help.

What is Short-Term Disability?

Short-term disability is insurance paid for by either you or your employer.

It covers disabilities or handicaps that last for a short period, mostly one to thirteen weeks.

The primary requirement for short-term disability is the inability to perform at your current job due to the handicap.

Once you’re considered eligible, the insurance program pays you for the period where you are incapable of working.

Note that the short-term disability is primarily a private subscription with insurance companies.

Is a Broken Leg a Disability?

Having a broken leg is considered a handicap. A disability is a physical condition that limits a person’s activities

The Social Security Administration defines disability as “the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) because of medically determinable physical or mental impairment(s), which can be expected to result in death or has lasted or can be expected to last for a successive interval of not less than 12 months”.

Based on this, a broken leg can be considered a disability.

It can be severely painful and render a person incapable of movement and other activities.

Can You Get Short-Term Disability for a Broken Leg?

can you get short-term disability after an accident

The Social Security Administration (SSA) majorly covers long-term disabilities and starts to pay after five months.

This means that you cannot get short-term disability from either of the Social Security Administration’s programs – Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income if you break your leg.

The exception for getting a short-term disability for a broken leg is if your bone fracture doesn’t heal or set for over a year.

When dealing with a broken leg, the SSA will consider how your condition affects your ability to carry out your usual tasks at work and your earning capacity.

Although, this condition will no longer be considered a short-term disability.

Can I Work with a Broken Leg?

Working with a broken leg depends on the nature of your job and the state of your leg.

It is best to stay immobile and attain enough rest before going back to work since this directly impacts how fast your leg heals.

To know how soon you can get back to work, make sure you get your doctor’s opinion and follow all instructions.

Tips for Recovering from a Broken Leg

Get enough rest

Avoid staying up late. Rest anytime you feel tired.

Gradually increase your activity

Get recommendations from your doctor and physiotherapist. You must be active, as it will boost blood flow in your leg.

Slowly improve your activities by exercising other parts of your body. Don’t go overboard with strenuous exercises, though.

Don’t Get Your Cast Wet

If you have a cast on your broken leg, avoid getting the cast wet. A hack for taking showers without getting your cast wet is to cover it with plastic wrap.

If a shower stool is available, you can also use it to make it easier.

Don’t put weight on your broken leg

Your doctor might recommend using a pair of crutches pending your recovery.

Eat Well

Ensure that you follow a proper diet and also take all medications prescribed for you.

I Broke My Leg. Can I Get Short-Term Disability? (Solved)

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