Many know worker's compensation benefits are available to employees who suffer on-the-job accidents. However, you do not have to suffer an accident to claim worker's compensation benefits. You may receive the benefits if you pick up occupational diseases at work. Below are examples of diseases that may qualify you for the benefits.
Chemical Poisoning
Chemical poisoning can occur if an accident exposes you to dangerous chemicals at work. Maybe someone did not store the chemicals properly, an accident caused a spillage, or you don't have the experience to deal with the chemicals.
The nature of the chemicals determines the resultant injuries. For example, toluene inhalation (a chemical common in paint thinners) can trigger dangerous effects, such as chemical pneumonitis and seizures.
The good news is that you don't have to prove whose mistake led to the chemical poisoning. You just have to prove that the poisoning occurred in the workplace.
Cancer
Cancer is one of the worst scourges of contemporary society. Worse, there are so many carcinogens (cancer-causing agents), and researchers are just discovering some of them. What is more, exposure to carcinogens doesn't usually cause immediate reactions.
As such, getting worker's compensation for cancer can be complicated. In many cases, tying the cancer to your workplace becomes a problem. You may strengthen your case by proving that most of your co-workers also developed similar diseases at the time.
Industrial Dermatitis
Industrial dermatitis is a skin reaction to irritating substances. Most forms of industrial dermatitis tend to be mild. However, you can develop serious skin damage depending on the chemical, amount of exposure, and existing health conditions. Blue-collar workers are particularly susceptible to this occupational disease.
The good news is that, in most states, you only need to prove a reasonable probability that your condition originated from the workplace. Your primary doctor and an independent medical examiner (IME) can ascertain the origin of your industrial dermatitis.
Asthma
The last example is asthma, which is a chronic respiratory disease. According to webmd.com, doctors don't know the exact cause of asthma. However, the typical asthma triggers include allergens, smoke, and chemical irritants. Genetics also play a role in asthma risk.
Again, getting worker's compensation for asthma is difficult because connecting your asthma to your workplace is not straightforward. You need to prove that the exposure to the triggers occurred due to your employment. You have a good claim if your occupation faces a higher-than-average risk of asthma than the general population.
Contact a workers comp attorney near you to learn more.
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