September 17, 2025 | Personal Injury
When discussing personal injury claims, workers’ compensation cases, or Social Security Disability applications, understanding the most common disabilities is crucial. For individuals in Arizona, these conditions also intersect with state law when pursuing financial compensation for injuries caused by negligence.
Across the country, certain conditions show up again and again as the most common reasons people struggle with long-term disabilities. These top ten stand out because of how often they appear and how deeply they affect people’s lives.
1. Musculoskeletal Disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders, including back pain, arthritis, and joint dysfunction, are among the leading causes of disability in the United States. These conditions often develop from workplace accidents, slip and falls, or car crashes, all of which may form the basis of a personal injury claim. Victims may experience chronic pain, limited mobility, and long-term treatment needs.
2. Respiratory Disorders
Respiratory disabilities such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma can significantly limit daily activities. These conditions can be aggravated by environmental hazards like exposure to toxic substances in the workplace. In Arizona, personal injury claims may arise if a negligent employer fails to provide proper safety measures or protective equipment.
3. Cardiovascular Conditions
Heart disease, hypertension, and other cardiovascular issues frequently lead to long-term disability. Personal injury attorneys often see cases where trauma, stress, or unsafe working environments exacerbate pre-existing conditions. Compensation may be available if negligence worsened the disability.
4. Mental Health Disorders
Mental health disabilities, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are increasingly recognized in the legal system. After a severe accident—such as a car collision or workplace injury—victims may develop PTSD or other conditions that dramatically affect their lives. These conditions are compensable in many personal injury claims, particularly when documented by medical experts.
5. Neurological Disorders
Neurological disabilities such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease may arise from genetic factors or traumatic events. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a car accident, sports incident, or fall can result in long-term neurological impairment, making this a key area of focus in personal injury law.
6. Sensory Disabilities
Hearing and vision loss are life-altering disabilities. Victims may suffer permanent vision impairment from chemical exposure or lose hearing due to excessive workplace noise. Personal injury claims often arise when employers, manufacturers, or property owners fail to maintain safe environments, leading to preventable sensory loss.
7. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
These disabilities, which may include autism spectrum disorders or cognitive impairments, can be congenital or the result of injury. In some cases, a birth injury caused by medical negligence may lead to lifelong developmental disabilities. Arizona personal injury attorneys frequently handle these sensitive cases, advocating for lifelong care costs and damages.
8. Diabetes and Related Complications
Diabetes, particularly when it causes complications like nerve damage or vision impairment, is a leading cause of disability. While not always injury-related, complications can be worsened by medical negligence, improper treatment, or unsafe working environments. In such cases, individuals may have grounds to seek compensation for damages.
9. Cancer-Related Disabilities
Cancer often results in long-term disability due to treatments like chemotherapy or radiation. Some cases of cancer are linked to toxic exposure in the workplace, creating potential grounds for a personal injury or workers’ compensation claim. Victims must demonstrate the causal connection between the exposure and the diagnosis to recover damages.
10. Chronic Pain and Fatigue Syndromes
Conditions such as fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome often develop after traumatic injuries or long-term stress. Though sometimes difficult to prove in court, these disabilities can significantly reduce quality of life and earning ability. With strong medical documentation, victims may still pursue fair compensation.
Disability and Arizona Law
Arizona recognizes the rights of injured individuals to pursue claims when negligence causes or worsens a disability. Under Arizona Revised Statutes § 12-542, the statute of limitations generally gives victims two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. This makes it critical for individuals living with a new or aggravated disability to seek legal advice promptly.
Additionally, Arizona Revised Statutes § 23-1044 addresses permanent partial disabilities in the context of workers’ compensation. This provision helps determine the level of compensation an injured employee may receive based on the severity and permanence of the disability.
Contact the Phoenix Personal Injury Attorneys at KRLG Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Living with a disability is challenging, both physically and emotionally. When a disability is caused or worsened by negligence, the law provides options for financial recovery. In Arizona, personal injury law and workers’ compensation statutes ensure that injured individuals have a pathway to justice.
If you or a loved one is living with one of these top 10 disabilities and believes negligence played a role, consulting with a Phoenix personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and potential compensation. For more information, please contact the personal injury attorneys at KRLG Injury Lawyers at our nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
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10609 Hayden Rd Suite 106, Scottsdale, AZ 85260, United States
(623) 303-5754