Lots of workers count on their employer's workers' compensation plan to help them when they get hurt at work. Workers' compensation, though, covers far more than just accidents at work. It also offers workers benefits when they become ill due to several work-related factors. Read on to find out more about what to expect if you've become ill from a workplace environmental issue.
Toxic Workplaces Can be Common
It's taken a while for experts and workers to recognize the dangers that lurk in many work environments. Even now, many workers fall ill but fail to connect their workplace with the illness. Toxic chemicals can be present in almost any workplace and exposure to workers can be extensive considering the amount of time spent at work. Take a look at just a few common toxic elements found in workplaces:
- Smoke and fumes
- Solvents
- Cleaning products
- Asbestos
- Arsenic
Harm to Workers
The above and many other toxic substances can impact several areas of a worker's health but they often directly affect the worker's ability to breathe. The results can bring about serious issues like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). As soon as you notice an impact on your ability to breathe either in or out, seek medical attention immediately. It doesn't matter how long ago the initial exposure to the toxic substance might have been, you are still eligible to receive workers' comp benefits like a partial wage, medical expenses, and a settlement if you are found to have permanent damage to your lungs.
When to Seek Legal Help
Unfortunately, some claims involving toxic substances are more complicated and it can be tougher to prove the lung damage came from the workplace. If you find that your claim is being denied or held up for any reason, you might need to consult with a workers' compensation attorney. To ensure that your claim for benefits proceeds as smoothly as possible, take these steps:
- Let your immediate supervisor know about your medical problem and ask that a workers' compensation claim be filed.
- Make sure the claim form is free of errors and complete.
- Ask around and find out if others are suffering from similar medical issues. The more workers that file claims for the same issue the easier it will be to attain your benefits. It can also spur your employer to make changes to alleviate the problem.
To find out more, speak to a workers' compensation law firm like Kavanagh & Kavanagh Law Ofc.
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