Workers Comp for Lung Disease

Workers’ Comp for Lung Disease & Respiratory Problems

One of the more common categories of workers’ comp claims is the category that includes lung disease and associated respiratory problems. In certain types of work environments, employees are routinely exposed to various substances that are known to cause respiratory issues. Such employees may become ill, and ultimately become unable to continue to work or enjoy daily activities. In some instances, these employees die as a result of the exposure.

Common Causes of Lung Disease & Respiratory Problems Covered by Workers’ Comp

Some of the various substances and materials an employee may encounter in the workplace may include dust, gasses, fumes, vapors, and more recently, Coronavirus (COVID-19).

In rarer cases, respiratory injuries may also be caused by trauma, perhaps as a result of a blow to the throat (for example, in a slip and fall or car accident or in an instance of workplace violence).

Symptoms of Work Related Lung Disease & Respiratory Problems

Exposure to dust, gasses, fumes, etc. may bring about a variety of symptoms that result in breathing difficulty, chest pain, abnormal breathing patterns, and hypoxia, among others. In fact, whenever someone encounters these substances over a period of time, lung disease is a likely result. It is not unusual for a workers’ comp applicant to receive benefits based upon a diagnosis involving one or more of the following:

• Asthma;
• Bronchitis;
• Pneumonia;
• Fibrosis;
• Cancer;
• Chronic lung disease;
• Obstructive lung disease;
• Pulmonary disease; and
• Bronchiectasis.

Chemicals Causing Workers Comp Lung Disease & Respiratory Problems

Dust and gasses are not the only things that can cause lung disease and respiratory problems. Many chemicals can also be a prime factor.

Employees engaging in any of the following tasks are at much greater risk of sustaining a respiratory injury or lung disease: painting, acid treatments, grinding and polishing, mining, abrasive blasting, crushing, blending and mixing, forging, welding, machining, and now, exposure to the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Medical Documentation of Lung Disease & Respiratory Problems for Workers‘ Comp

Lung disease symptoms can also arise from factors outside of the work environment. Therefore, it is important to obtain a professional medical opinion if any of the above symptoms occur, and if you have reason to think that your job may have caused or even contributed to them. Diagnostic testing is required to ascertain the cause of the problem.

If you have been exposed to any of the above-mentioned substances and materials at work, it is very important to let your doctor know the extent of the exposure, exactly what you may have been exposed to, and over how long of a period of time. The physician would then build a medical record, including:

• Your overall health and medical history prior to exposure, as compared with now;

• The amount of actual exposure to the substance in question (and how strong that exposure was);
• The length of time you were exposed to the substance;
• The frequency with which you were exposed to the substance.

Workers’ Comp Benefits if Partially Responsible for Lung Disease

After determining and evaluating these factors, the physician can determine whether or not your injury was work-related. Your respiratory issues do not necessarily have to have been caused entirely as a result of your employment for you to receive workers’ comp benefits. You only need to show that the industrial exposure contributed to or aggravated your lung disease or respiratory problems. And now, if it is determined that your respiratory ailment was related to or caused by Coronavirus (COVID-19) a new order by Governor Newsom makes collecting workers comp much easier. (READ MORE HERE).

Long Beach Workers Comp Lawyers – Lung Disease

Suffering from lung disease or respiratory issues can dramatically affect your quality of life. If you suffer from these conditions, medical treatment is vital. If it is determined that your employment contributed to or caused your lung issues, workers’ comp is available to help you with the burden of medical costs and time off work. Attorneys at the Long Beach firm of Cantrell Green understand the intricacies of apportioning a claim in terms of percentage of responsibility of your employer.

Our lawyers can help you understand and collect the benefits owed to you. If you are suffering from lung disease or respiratory ailments – whether due to Covid-19 or any other workplace exposure – give our attorneys a call so that we can help you. We will deal with the legal aspects of your claim so that you can concentrate on getting well.

Your consultation with our workers’ comp lawyers is 100% confidential, and neither your employer nor your insurance company will be notified that you requested a consultation with us. Our lawyers will help you understand your rights and work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the maximum workers’ comp benefits for which you qualify.

Workers Comp lawyers for a Lung Disease: 800-964-8047