Workers’ Compensation Lawyers’ Blog

Top 4 Workers Comp Claim Workplace Illnesses

When you think of workers comp insurance, you probably think of on the job accidents. In addition to employee accidents, however, workers comp coverage is also available for occupational diseases. In other words, employees who become chronically ill as a result of either environmental conditions or their job duties may find help through the workers comp system.

There are a couple of determining factors that come into play here: first, the employee must prove that the cause of the illness was a direct result of characteristics specific to a given occupation, and that the illness was not something to which the general public would have the same degree of exposure.

In this article, Long Beach workers comp attorneys at Cantrell Green discuss the various types of diseases that may qualify for workers comp coverage.

Workers Comp for Skin Cancer & Skin Diseases

Employees whose jobs require them to work out of doors for extended periods of time are placed at a heightened risk of getting skin cancer. By way of example, occupations in this category might include employees in the construction trade, roofers, agricultural workers, commercial fishermen, professional athletes, parks and recreation employees, and more.

Chemical exposure can also cause various skin diseases. Some occupations that routinely require employees to use harsh and sometimes dangerous chemicals include painters, custodial workers, estheticians, mechanics, and again, construction workers. Chemical exposure can result in eczema, skin infections, contact dermatitis, rashes, ulcers, inflammation, respiratory illness and even skin cancer.

Workers Comp for Respiratory Illness – Including Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Skin diseases are not the only issue caused by exposure to toxic chemicals. Fumes from these same toxic substances can be inhaled, and may result in anything from heightened allergic reactions to mesothelioma. Other respiratory conditions that may be compensable under workers comp are pneumonitis, tuberculosis, silicosis, pharyngitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and of course as mentioned earlier, mesothelioma and occupational asthma.

While workers’ compensation does not cover routine community-spread illnesses like a cold or the flu (because they usually cannot be directly tied to the workplace), a new exception has emerged for employees who have contracted Coronavirus – who can in many cases collect Workers Comp for COVID-19. READ MORE HERE.

Hearing Loss Claims under Workers Comp

Frequent exposure to excessive noise caused by equipment or machinery can, over time, result in hearing loss. Even with the use of ear protection, hearing loss remains one of the more common workers comp claims. While some hearing loss is natural as one gets older, that hearing loss can be accelerated by exposure to noise on the job.

A medical professional can evaluate your hearing loss and help you determine its extent. Depending on the physician’s determination, workers comp may even cover the cost of hearing aids.

Workers Comp May Cover Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is “part accident and part disease.” While the injury is typically caused by repetitive motion or ongoing pressure to the wrist – Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a disease of the body.

Repetitive motion can lead to injury of the medial nerve in the wrist, resulting in carpal tunnel syndrome. Generally, the employee will notice numbness, weakness and tingling in the palm of the hand and his or her fingers. Carpal tunnel syndrome is quite common in terms of occupational injuries, and frequently triggers workers comp claims for benefits.

While the exact cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is unknown, it is widely believed to be exacerbated by repetitive motion, such as keyboard use or the use of hand tools. Diagnosis is made by a physician who performs various tests, possibly including a nerve conduction study.

Long Beach Workers Comp Lawyers

While accidents remain a major factor in workers comp claims, it is important to understand that occupational illnesses and diseases are just as legitimate in terms of benefit eligibility. If you have become ill or suffer from a disease you believe was caused by the conditions of your employment, attorneys at the law firm of Cantrell Green want to help you receive the best care and compensation possible. Give us a call today to discuss your unique situation and let us help you navigate the process for receiving the benefits you are entitled to.

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.

Long Beach Workers Comp Lawyers Consultation: 800-964-8047