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Hot Weather and the Disabled – Avoid Danger

Appealing for benefits is best done under the guidance of an experienced disability lawyer.

As hot weather once again arrives in Texas those with disabilities should be especially careful to avoid heat related illness.

Author: Attorney Lonnie Roach

As we slide into summer and temperatures rise we all need to be aware of the dangers of heat and sun exposure. Heat waves result in hundreds of deaths each year.


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Heat waves result in hundreds of deaths each year. Certain factors place the disabled especially at risk for heat-related illness and death.

A heat wave occurs when the outside daily temperature exceeds the average maximum temperature for that location by 9 degrees F for more than 5 consecutive days.

What is considered normal will vary from one part of the country to another. In Austin, for example, the average maximum temperature in June is between 89 and 96 degrees while in Chicago the average maximum June temperature is between 77 and 83 degrees. The heat index is a measure of how hot it actually feels when relative humidity is added in with the air temperature. The temperature may be 96 degrees F., but with humidity it may feel like 105.


Extremely hot, humid weather affects a person’s body and its ability to cool down.

Heat stress or a heat related illness can develop when a person becomes overheated or loses too much fluid or salt through dehydration or sweating. Heat-related illnesses may manifest as heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Heat stroke, the most dangerous of the three, demands urgent medical attention and may result in death. Certain conditions pose an elevated risk for heat-related illness including heart disease, poor circulation, alcohol and drug use (including prescription drugs), mental illness, fever and obesity. Sunburn reduces the skin’s ability to shed excessive heat. Both the very young and older adults are at increased risk.


Signs of heat-related illness include:

  •    Headache, nausea and fatigue.
  •    Cool, moist skin, a weakened pulse, feeling faint.
  •    Sudden dizziness, pale, sweaty looking skin that is moist and cool to the touch, weakened pulse and rapid heart rate but normal body temperature.
  •    Heat cramps: Muscle spasms in the legs, arms or abdomen.
  •    Heat exhaustion: Thirst, giddiness, weakness, lack of coordination, nausea, and profuse sweating, cold, clammy skin, contracted pupils and vomiting.
  •    Heat stroke: Symptoms include a rapid pulse, an altered mental state, a high body temperature, headache, nausea, confusion, shallow breathing, dizziness, and unconsciousness. Heat stroke is a medical emergency that can result in permanent damage or even death. Urgent medical attention is required.


If you suspect a person is suffering from a heat related illness:

  •    Move the person to an air-conditioned or, at least, cooler location.
  •    To reduce the person’s body temperature use a water mister, fan, or sponge them.
  •    If the heat index temperatures are below the high 90’s, use a fan.
  •    Repeat the process, if the temperature rises again.
  •    Do Not give the person fluids.
  •    If heat stroke is suspected, seek medical attention immediately or call 911.


Contact a Social Security lawyer for a free consultation and see if you can get disability benefits. If you have been denied disability don’t give up! Call 512-454-4000 and get help today!

Lonnie Roach ERSIA lawyer


Although anyone can experience an adverse health impact caused by heat, some groups are more vulnerable than others.

This includes the poor, the homeless and the disabled. Certain factors place the disabled especially at risk for heat-related illness and death. These include limited income, restricted mobility, depending on others for assistance in daily activities, possible dementia, and not having access to transportation. Heat waves may cause power outages that affect electrically-powered medical equipment and elevators, leaving some disabled people without treatment or the ability to evacuate. People with limited incomes may skimp on air conditioning or not use it at all.


Hot weather can be especially challenging for the disabled, but it can be tolerated by following some simple guidelines:

  •    Wear light-weight, light colored, loose fitting clothing, preferably made of natural fabrics like cotton.
  •    Use air conditioning or spend more time in air conditioned places. Keep the temperature at or below 80 degrees. If you don’t have an air conditioner, invest in a room air conditioner and use fans to circulate inside air.
  •    Cover windows and stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day.
  •    Avoid direct sun.
  •    Limit or eliminate physical activity.
  •    Drink plenty of water and fluids that do not contain alcohol, and limit caffeinated beverages.
  •    Avoid heavy meals and do not use the oven.
  •    Take cool showers.


Heat related illnesses are serious.

If you are disabled and live alone, check in often with family or friends. It is very important to watch out for your health and those you care about during these hot summer months.


Long Term Disability Lawyers

Disability benefits are an important source of income for those who are unable to work, especially during periods of extreme weather. If you not able to work due to accident or illness, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability or Long Term Disability benefits. If you have applied for benefits and been denied, contact the attorneys at Bemis, Roach and Reed for a free consultation. Call 512-454-4000 and get help NOW.

 

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contact@brrlaw.com

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"Words can not truly express the gratitude that I feel toward Mr. Lonnie Roach and his professional team. I give them an A+++. Very compassionate and prompt. Their priorities are first and foremost helping you succeed at your case. When you feel helpless, feeling like someone is on your side can mean the world to you. Thank you for working for the people."
-Amy K.


Attorney Lonnie RoachAuthor: Attorney Lonnie Roach has been practicing law for over 29 years. He is Superlawyers rated by Thomson Reuters and is Top AV Preeminent® and Client Champion rated by Martindale Hubbell. Through his extensive litigation Mr. Roach obtained board certifications from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Lonnie is admitted to practice in the United States District Court - all Texas Districts and the U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit. Highly experienced in Long Term Disability denials and appeals governed by the “ERISA” Mr. Roach is a member of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, Austin Bar Association, and is a past the director of the Capital Area Trial Lawyers Association (Director 1999-2005) Mr. Roach and all the members of Bemis, Roach & Reed have been active participants in the Travis County Lawyer referral service.

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