Sometimes referred to as an occupational disease, an occupational illness is any illness or disease someone suffers as a direct result of their job duties or work environment.
Although many people associate workers’ compensation with traumatic injuries, this isn’t the extent of what may be covered. If an employee develops an occupational illness, they can qualify for workers’ compensation benefits as well as temporary and/or permanent disability benefits. This is important because occupational illnesses can require expensive medical treatment to address and may prevent the employee from returning to work, either temporarily or permanently.
Common Examples of Occupational Illnesses
While there are many illnesses and diseases people can get from their line of work, there are several that tend to be more common than others.
Some examples of these include the following:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A repetitive motion injury that affects the fingers, hands, and wrists. It can cause pain and numbing sensations. Those who type or do factory work tend to get it the most.
- Contact Dermatitis: The most common occupational illness. It’s caused when an irritant (such as a harsh chemical) touches the skin, resulting in a red, itchy rash. It can also cause an allergic reaction.
- Industrial Asthma: A respiratory condition that can lead to more severe complications and illnesses. It’s often caused when industrial workers are exposed to airborne irritants.
- Lead Poisoning: A very serious condition with physical and mental symptoms that include severe pain, high blood pressure, mood disorders, and cognitive impairment. At high levels, lead poisoning may be fatal.
- Mesothelioma: A form of cancer that affects the lungs, stomach, and other parts of the body. Workers who are exposed to asbestos are most at risk.
- Overuse Syndrome: A repetitive motion injury that can affect any part of one’s body that is used to complete repetitive tasks, often in confined postures or positions.
- Skin Cancer: A potentially deadly illness, skin cancer can develop in workers who spend a lot of time exposed to the sun.
If you don’t see your illness listed above, don’t worry. California’s workers’ compensation covers any disease, condition, or illness as long as it was caused by someone’s work duties or work environment.
Who Can Help Me with My Claim?
If you need help with your workers’ compensation claim, you can turn to our attorneys at Smolich and Smolich for assistance. We strive to ensure we pursue all possible options that can help our clients get the financial assistance they need when they develop a serious work-related illness.
If you would like to learn more about our services, schedule a consultation. During this meeting, you can tell us what you’re up against and we can inform you of the ways in which our firm can help.
Get started now by contacting Smolich and Smolich online.