When most people think about workers’ compensation, they tend to imagine the monetary reimbursement they can get for physical injuries and accidents that occur during employment. However, did you know that workers’ compensation benefits also cover illnesses resulting from the job site environment? If you believe you’ve gotten sick because of a working condition or toxic exposure, you’re entitled to workers’ comp benefits. Also, a local workers’ comp attorney can help.
Eligible Occupational Illnesses
Occupational illnesses covered by workers’ comp include exposure to chemicals or harmful substances in your workplace. You also deserve compensation if you get sick in any environment where you perform your duties, on and off your primary job site.
With occupational illness, the workplace poses certain risks, such as encountering or handling toxic chemicals, air impurities, or other harmful materials. These hazards can affect the heart, lungs, digestive tract, skin, eyes, and other body parts.
Often, a worker’s illness will not emerge immediately after exposure. It may take time for the sickness to manifest observable symptoms. To this end, workers’ compensation aims to protect an employee both during their employment and into the future from any injuries or illnesses arising from their work. Otherwise, delayed symptoms can pose challenges to workers who must prove that the exposure from their previous employment directly caused their current illnesses.
Successes in Compensation for Workplace Illnesses
Employees and labor advocates have made strides in protecting workers over the years. For example, some have successfully won benefits for exposure to toxic molds and asbestos, which can take decades to appear and take full effect. Additionally, coal miners have successfully shown that black lung disease arose out of the course of their employment, making them entitled to benefits.
Workers’ Responsibilities When Filing Occupational Illness Claims
Regardless of how long it takes for your work-related illness to present, you must act swiftly in filing a claim for benefits as soon as you’re aware of the problem. If you delay once you begin to see symptoms, you risk your claim being denied due to missing deadlines and limitations statutes.
After suffering an illness due to workplace exposure, speak with an experienced worker injury attorney at Clements, Taylor, Butkovich & Cohen, LPA, Co., as soon as possible. They understand what it takes to file a successful claim and can prepare for any legal complications. Additionally, your lawyer can assist with an appeal if you’ve been denied benefits.