Spending over 40 hours at work can be detrimental to your health, and we do not just mean the typical cold and flu, but beyond that. When getting into fields that pose a potential risk, workers do not like to think about the possibility of what are you supposed to do when your work is the reason for your sickness and absences?
Workers’ compensation can cover more than just workplace injuries; it could cover expenses related to the occupational disease contracted. A Los Angeles workers’ compensation attorney can help a victim when they become sick due to working in an occupation that puts them at risk.
Which Jobs Can Give You Occupational Diseases?
Some work industries are more at risk of severe diseases. The more at-risk sectors are:
- Health care
- Mining
- Farming
- Construction
- Welding
Health care workers have to go to work no matter what, facing the rough possibility that they could get severely sick. Who is going to take care of the health worker that usually takes care of others? There are so many various strains of viruses and bacteria. Workers in the health care biggest threats are tuberculosis, MRSA, bloodborne diseases, Ebola virus, and more.
The harmful products being inhaled in the mining field can cause the workers to be more susceptible to getting sick. Silica is everyday toxic dust that minefield workers tend to run into. Inhaling this harmful dust all day can cause the worker to develop silicosis. A silicosis is a form of lung disease that can progress into pulmonary fibrosis and leave permanent scar damage on the lungs.
What Types of Occupational Illnesses Could Workers Be Affected By?
Several serious types of workplace illnesses come at the cost of working certain jobs. The following are some types of occupational illnesses that can be covered under workers’ compensation:
- Mesothelioma
- Industrial Asthma
- Industrial Dermatitis
- Chemical Poisoning
- Neurological Disorders
- Skin Damage/Diseases
- Respiratory Illnesses
- Cancers
- Interstitial Fibrosis
- Infections
- AIDS and HIV
- Cardiovascular
Workplace illnesses may even result in death. According to the California Department of Industrial Relations, 483 nonfatal occupational illness cases were recorded during the latest reporting year of data available. The latest data report also showed a total of 451 fatal cases.
A direct link between the illness and the work environment must be visible, or else it becomes increasingly difficult to prove that the worker got the disease from their workplace. Medical evidence is a must to prove that you are eligible to get benefits for an occupational disease claim.
Will You Need A Workers Compensation Lawyer?
Occupational diseases are disabling workers from doing their jobs properly or altogether. With this happening, it will mean that more workers will be needed in those fields. Often, victims find themselves questioning what they can do after getting sick because of work. Many are unaware that something can be done to aid them in such a rough time. Figuring out the next few steps can be intimidating for victims. However, a Los Angeles workers compensation attorney at Koszdin, Fields & Sherry can use their expertise and resources to guide the victims.
