What Are the Top 10 Disabilities?

Malcolm L. MacGregor | August 11, 2026 | Personal Injury Blog

Suffering a disabling condition or injury can mean not being able to live your life normally and, potentially, not being able to work. In those instances, you may be entitled to seek compensation if your injuries or disability were caused by someone else’s negligence. Understanding some of the most common disabilities can help you be better prepared for what’s to come following a serious injury. 

1. Musculoskeletal Disorders

Musculoskeletal disorders impact bones, muscles, and connective tissues. Arthritis, degenerative disc disease, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendinitis are all examples. They can impact mobility and make holding a job impossible. 

2. Mood Disorders

Mood disorders are mental health conditions that can impact a person’s emotions, energy, and ability to get through the day. Major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder are two of the most common of these conditions. 

3. Nervous System Disorders

Your nervous system is made up of your nerves, brain, and spinal cord. When all of these parts communicate with each other effectively, you experience normal sensations and control over your movements. Disorders that impact the nervous system, such as spina bifida or strokes, can have detrimental effects on sensation and mobility.  

4. Circulatory System Issues

Your blood vessels and heart make up the circulatory system. It pumps blood through the body, delivering nutrients, hormones, and oxygen to organs and other tissues. Any problem that impacts this system can result in disabling conditions. Everything from structural heart issues to high blood pressure could cause life-threatening circulatory system problems. 

5. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Certain conditions that are present from birth, such as Down syndrome, could impact a person’s ability to work. Someone with intellectual and developmental disabilities could struggle with conceptual skills, such as memory, math, and reading, practical skills like personal care and money management, and social skills. 

6. Respiratory Disorders

Chronic conditions like severe asthma, cystic fibrosis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can limit physical endurance and breathing. These disorders could make even simple tasks more stressful and dangerous. 

7. Injuries

Car accidents, slip and falls, and workplace accidents could result in catastrophic injuries that prevent you from working. Brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and other types of trauma could all keep you from living your life as you used to. 

8. Psychotic Disorders

Psychotic disorders are mental health conditions that involve hallucinations or delusions, as well as disorganized thinking. People with these conditions can lose touch with reality, making it impossible and dangerous for them to work. Examples of these disorders include schizophrenia and delusional disorder. 

9. Sensory Disabilities

Sensory disabilities refer to the inability to see or hear. Anyone with partial or full vision loss, or with varying degrees of deafness, could be eligible to receive disability benefits because they might not be able to work. 

10. Neoplasms

Neoplasms are abnormal tissue growths that can cause numerous symptoms, including pain and fatigue. The treatment of these growths can make it difficult to work, too, since chemotherapy and radiation can cause further fatigue and severe nausea. 

Contact the Scranton Personal Injury Lawyers at McDonald & MacGregor, LLC for a Free Consultation

If you suffer from a condition or have experienced an injury that prevents you from living your life normally and working, you may be eligible to receive compensation. However, you should not go through this difficult time alone. Having experienced legal representation can make such a difference in the claims process. 

With a lawyer by your side, you may have a better chance of obtaining the financial support you need as you deal with a disability. You don’t need to begin the process alone when there’s help available. Contact McDonald & MacGregor, LLC to schedule a free consultation with a skilled Scranton personal injury lawyer and learn more about your legal options. 

Schedule a free case evaluation with our team today. We proudly serve Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton, Luzerne County, Lackawanna County, and surrounding areas.

McDonald & MacGregor, LLC
220 Penn Ave Suite 320, Scranton, PA 18503
(570) 209-7062