You Can Get Worker’s Compensation For Work-Related Illnesses
Many on-the-job injuries are not traumatic or acute. Instead, they develop over time and are caused by repeated exposure to hazards. Ranging from back strain to hearing loss to cancer, occupational diseases are a serious concern, especially for people in the trades, for Teamsters and other union workers.
At Injury & Disability Law Office of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, we represent workers who have suffered an occupational disease. Sometimes, people are unsure about whether Wisconsin worker’s compensation covers these illnesses and injuries, and the answer is “yes.” To learn more about how you can get worker’s compensation benefits for an occupational disease, contact our worker’s compensation attorneys today.
What Are The Most Common Occupational Diseases In The U.S.?
While there are many dangers in the workplace, some of the most common occupational diseases in the U.S. are:
- Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Hearing loss
- Vision loss
- Carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive stress disorders
- Back injuries
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Mesothelioma and other cancers
- Infectious diseases
Your job may expose you to additional hazards. Let us know if your physician has determined your illness could be work-related and we can help you explore your legal options, including whether to pursue a toxic exposure lawsuit.
Many Occupational Hazards Are Preventable. Was Yours?
Often, exposure to hazardous materials or noise happens because employers did not take the proper precautions to keep their employees safe. Some of the safety measures they could take include:
- Providing hearing protection
- Providing masks to keep out particles or dust
- Providing other respiratory protective equipment
- Designing workspaces to be ergonomically correct
- Having instructions for proper lifting techniques
- Supplying lifting equipment and jacks
- Providing personal protective equipment when working with or near chemicals
When we discuss your illness or injury, we will determine what failures on your employer’s part resulted in your occupational disease. Then we will help you file an occupational disease claim.
Frequently Asked Questions About Occupational Diseases
Do you think you have work-related illness? Read the questions below and then contact us to see how we can help you with worker’s compensation.
How is an occupational disease different from a work injury under worker’s compensation law?
An occupational disease is different from a work injury because it takes time to happen, rather than an injury that happened from a single occurrence. A work vehicle accident may immediately result in broken bones. Long-term workplace chemical exposure, on the other hand, may cause illness over time.
What is the statute of limitations for filing an occupational disease claim, and when does the “clock” start?
In Wisconsin, the statute of limitations for filing an occupational disease claim is typically 12 years. The “clock” starts running from the time of the final compensation payment or the last day you suffered the exposure, whichever is later.
You should also tell your employer about the condition within 30 days of you finding out about the illness and realizing that it was caused by your job.
What kind of medical evidence is needed to prove my disease is work-related?
The kind of medical evidence you will need to prove your disease is work-related includes:
- Diagnostic tests such as blood work, CT scans and MRIs
- A doctor’s diagnosis that also notes that your condition is related to your job
- All of your relevant medical records
The specific tests you need will depend on the details of your illness or condition. We can discuss these when we meet about your case.
Serving Milwaukee, Kenosha, Racine, Green Bay, The Fox Cities Area And More
Contact an occupational health attorney today. Your consultation with our legal team is free. Call us at 414-988-3401 or send an email to get started.