Workplace conditions can result in serious illnesses, putting employees’ lives at risk. Exposure to toxic chemicals or materials is often to blame, with South Carolina workers developing occupational diseases as a result. So how do occupational disease & workers’ compensation cases work? Let us explain!
If you became ill as a direct result of your job conditions, you may be eligible for Workers’ Compensation benefits. Hoffman Law Firm can help, advocating on your behalf to ensure you get the compensation you deserve – for medical bills, lost wages, and more. To get started, schedule your free consultation today!
Types of Occupational Diseases
Many occupational diseases develop over time, not becoming evident until months or years later. That makes it difficult to prove that workplace conditions caused or contributed to your illness. Your Workers’ Compensation attorney will gather the medical evidence needed to hold your employer accountable, offering trusted legal advice along the way.
Here are some examples of occupational diseases and the workplace conditions that cause them:
- Poisoning due to toxic exposure to chemicals (metals, gases, solvents, pesticides, and chemicals
- Hearing loss caused by noise
- disorders caused by extreme vibrations
- Vision loss caused by optical radiations
- TB, tetanus, and hepatitis due to biological agent exposure
- Respiratory diseases (asbestosis, mesothelioma, chronic obstructive bronchitis, and industrial asthma)
- Skin diseases (rashes, eczema, friction blisters, and industrial dermatitis)
- Carpal tunnel syndrome caused by repetitive movements
- Cancer due to exposure to agents such as benzene and coal tars
Note: If occupational illness causes a permanent disability, additional compensation may be available.
Occupational Disease & Workers’ Compensation: Does Your Job Put You at a Higher Risk for Occupational illness?
While every job comes with risks, workplace injuries and illness are much more common in certain industries. The following employees face a greater risk of becoming ill or injured at work:
- Manufacturers/factory workers
- Construction workers
- Miners
- Longshoremen (including dock workers, shipbuilders, etc.)
- Auto repair technicians
- Health care workers
- Nuclear power plant employees
As seen above, dangerous exposure to toxic substances or extreme temperatures, as well as repetitive motions, puts employees in danger.
Don’t Hesitate! Call Hoffman Law Firm for Your Workers’ Compensation Claim Today!
If you are suffering from an occupational illness, the next steps you take are key. Your health and your livelihood are on the line – and our injury lawyers can help! We will not only fight to recover the Workers’ Compensation benefits you deserve, but ensure you get the medical treatment you need.
Keep in mind that you have 90 days to report your occupational illness to your employer. While you have up to two years from the date of your diagnosis to file an official claim, missing the 90-day deadline could put your South Carolina Workers’ Compensation benefits at risk.
Meeting deadlines and navigating the legal system can be difficult without an experienced Charleston Workers’ Compensation lawyer on your side. Trust Hoffman Law Firm to handle your case from start to finish, right here at our North Charleston, SC office.
Plus, you only pay us when we win your case!
Hoffman Law Firm is proud to serve employees throughout our community, so if you have developed an occupational disease, schedule your free consultation today!
Our personal injury law firm offers trusted legal representation in a wide variety of cases here in the Lowcountry, including:
Other Helpful Workers’ Comp Blogs:
How Can a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help Your Claim?
How Social Media Can Impact Your Personal Injury Claim
Dangerous Jobs: Most Common Workplace Injuries
Should I Release Medical Records in a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
What is a Vocational Exam in Workers’ Compensation Claim?
When to Sign a Workers’ Compensation Clincher Agreement
Workers Compensation for Heat Stroke | Heat-Related Injuries
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7 Myths About Workers’ Compensation | Workers’ Comp Lawyer Explains