Occupational Illness

Table of Contents

Occupational Illness and Workers' Compensation

All workers' compensation claims aren't about injuries on the job due to slip and fall incidents or other accidents. Occupational diseases and illnesses are also covered under California law. However, the employee must prove that the illness has been work-related to get the rightful compensation.

If you are suffering from an occupational illness, you must consult a workers' compensation lawyer to assist you with the occupational disease claim. This is crucial since it can be challenging to prove the disease or illness was caused by work-related activities.

The dedicated and qualified workers’ compensation lawyers at The Law Office of Andrea R. Herman in Los Angeles, CA, can gather evidence and proof that your illness was work-related. Our legal team can ensure you receive respectful compensation for the occupational disease and related issues you are suffering.

Understanding Occupational Diseases

Before you file a claim, knowing what classifies occupational diseases is essential. Occupational diseases are illnesses or diseases caused because the worker has been performing certain tasks and environments at work. The occupations with higher occupational diseases risk are as follows:

Healthcare: Healthcare professionals, like nurses and doctors, are exposed daily to contamination and contagious illnesses and diseases.
Factory and Construction Work: The workers have to deal with heavy materials and are at risk of slip and fall accidents or blunt impacts from heavy objects. They are also at a higher risk of hearing loss since they are exposed to high volumes of machine noises.
Cleaning Occupations: Irritant or allergic dermatitis are common diseases in these occupations, like hotel cleaning services, dish washers, and launderers, since most of them require close contact with chemical agents.

Benefits for Occupational Disease Workers’ Compensation Claim

If you suffer from occupational diseases, you can recover multiple benefits through the workers’ compensation claim in Los Angeles, CA. While these depend on the severity of the disease and symptoms, the benefits commonly recovered include:

Medical expenses
Future rehabilitation or treatment costs
Income loss
Loss of future wages
Vocational training or retraining
Full or partial, permanent or temporary disability

When is the Right Time to File an Occupational Disease Claim?

If you have been suffering from a disease or an impairment caused due to the work environment, or while performing work duties, you must immediately file a workers' compensation claim. According to California law, you must report occupational disease within 30 days of finding out you have a work-related illness or lose the right to file the claim.

Not reporting the illness to your employer can damage your chances of recovering the workers' compensation benefits. Therefore, you must consult an expert lawyer to help you file the case.

Consult an Experienced Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in California

Have you experienced occupational disease or illness that has significantly impacted your ability to function and perform tasks? You can recover workers’ compensation benefits in California. Consulting a workers’ compensation lawyer with expertise in occupational disease can ensure your case is strong. Our team of lawyers at the Law Office of Andrea R. Herman will gather the evidence and ensure you receive maximum benefits for the illness you have sustained.