Rich Hyde | March 31, 2026 | Personal Injury
Disability can be defined differently depending on the context. The Americans with Disabilities Act defines disability broadly to protect as many people as possible from discrimination. This definition includes anyone who has a physical or mental impairment that limits at least one major life activity.
Continue reading to learn more abou the most common disabilities and how you can recover compensation if you’re disabled in an accident.
1. Musculoskeletal Diseases
Musculoskeletal diseases are among the most common disabilities. Nearly 25% of all Social Security disability claims include a musculoskeletal disease diagnosis. These conditions affect the muscles, bones, and connective tissues, such as tendons and ligaments. Examples of musculoskeletal diseases include osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease.
These conditions may result from genetics, aging, or wear and tear over time. This classification does not include conditions that result from injuries or accidents.
2. Musculoskeletal Injuries
Musculoskeletal injuries are also a common disability. These acute injuries result from accidents and other violent incidents, such as dog bites.
The following injuries fall into this category:
- Fractured bones
- Strained muscles or tendons
- Sprained ligaments
- Torn cartilage
- Herniated discs
The disabilities from these injuries may only last until the body heals. However, some of these body structures cannot heal without surgical repair. For example, treatment for a herniated disc may require disc removal or replacement.
3. Cognitive Disorders
Cognitive disorders can result from genetics or brain injuries.
These disabilities can manifest in many ways, including difficulty with any of the following:
- Learning
- Concentrating
- Solving problems
- Remembering
- Communicating
For example, a victim might experience confusion and amnesia after suffering head trauma in a motorcycle accident. These symptoms might disable the patient from working.
4. Sensory Loss
Loss of vision or hearing can result from diseases, congenital disorders, or accidents. Sensory losses can happen when the sense organs are damaged. For example, a worker might experience blindness after an oilfield accident where an explosion damaged their eyes.
5. Neurological Disorders
Neurological disorders occur when the nerves, spinal cord, or brain are damaged.
These disorders can produce the following disabling symptoms:
- Paralysis
- Pain
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Loss of dexterity or coordination
- Loss of balance
In many cases, these disabilities are permanent since the body has a limited capacity to heal nerve and brain tissue.
6. Endocrine System Diseases
The endocrine system controls the body’s hormones. These chemicals signal important processes, including growth and metabolism. Diabetes is a common endocrine system disease.
7. Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune disorders occur when the immune system attacks the body’s tissues instead of invading pathogens. The resulting symptoms include pain, inflammation, and fatigue. Rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and multiple sclerosis are examples of autoimmune disorders.
Doctors are unsure what causes autoimmune disorders. However, some product liability lawsuits have alleged that toxic chemicals can cause them.
8. Mental Illnesses
Mental illnesses include depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. These diseases often result from brain chemistry imbalances. However, some may be triggered or worsened by traumatic experiences. For example, a traumatic accident can trigger depression and anxiety.
9. Cancer
Cancer is a leading cause of death in Texas. It can result from genetics or toxic exposures. The resulting disease and its treatments can interfere with the patient’s ability to live independently and perform their normal daily activities.
10. Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Texas. People suffering from cardiovascular disease may experience fatigue and chest pain. After a cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack, the person may need to avoid strenuous activities.
Contact the Fort Worth Personal Injury Lawyers at Trial Tribe Injury Lawyers for Help Today
People with disabilities may require medical treatment, physical or mental therapy, and long-term care. The financial burden of these needs can be significant. In many circumstances, the patient and their family may be able to seek compensation when an accident or another party’s negligence caused or worsened the condition.
For more information, contact Trial Tribe Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a Fort Worth personal injury lawyer in Fort Worth, TX, today.
We are proud to serve clients throughout Fort Worth, Tarrant County, and the surrounding communities in Texas.
Trial Tribe Injury Lawyers
4528 W Vickery Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107
(817) 400-5000
Available 24/7