Occupational Diseases And Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ compensation claims are not only for employees who have suffered visible physical injuries on the job. They may also be a legal remedy for workers who have developed chronic conditions or illnesses over time through work activities.

At Stine & Associates, P.C., in Greensburg, injured and ailing Pennsylvania workers find information, guidance and advocacy. With more than 25 years of experience, attorney Cindy Stine has encountered many unusual workers’ compensation cases. With her vast knowledge as our foundation, we are proud to help injured employees in our community find help through workers’ compensation and other legal processes such as third-party liability claims.

Some Of The Most Common Occupational Illnesses

You may have heard that you should report a workplace injury within a certain amount of time to preserve your right to make a workers’ comp claim. In the case of an occupational illness, the clock starts ticking once you know or should have known that you have developed an occupational illness through your work life. The average worker needs medical evaluations to confirm the occurrence of an occupational illness such as:

• Asthma, “welder’s lung,” chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other respiratory ailments
• Covid-19 and other infectious diseases caused by exposure to other workers with those illnesses
• Cancers such as mesothelioma triggered by exposure to toxic substances like asbestos
• Carpel tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff tendinitis, and other conditions caused by wear and tear on arms, shoulders and other stressed parts of the body
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Skin disorders

Each occupation, workplace and worker involves unique hazards and vulnerabilities that may lead to occupational illnesses. Even if a worker has a related pre-existing condition, a workers’ compensation claim may be appropriate when work activities exacerbate that condition.

An experienced workers’ compensation attorney’s knowledge and skills can be invaluable for a worker trying to prove that an illness or condition has been directly caused by a workplace environment or work activities.

Learn What To Do To Get Relief After Developing An Occupational Disease

If you are suffering from an illness or chronic condition such as those described above and you believe or know that your work was the cause, you should take steps now for your future’s sake. Let us explain your rights and help you file a claim, appeal a denial and review the facts to determine whether you also have a third-party injury claim.

To schedule a free consultation with a lawyer from Stine & Associates, P.C., call 724-837-0160 or send an email inquiry.