Frequently Asked Questions About Occupational Diseases
While it can be easy to identify a workplace injury in many cases, occupational diseases are often more challenging to identify. If you suspect that you have developed an illness related to your work, you probably have questions, and an attorney can help answer them.
If you have developed a disease because of physical or emotional stress, repeated exposure to substances or other environmental conditions at your place of employment, don’t wait. Contact an experienced New York workers’ compensation attorney at Katz, Leidman, Freund & Herman. Our attorneys can answer your questions and help you seek compensation.
What Counts As An Occupational Disease?
Occupational diseases are conditions that are caused by the work you do and impact your quality of life. Lung disease can develop due to the environment in which an employee works. Workers who squat or crawl often for their job could develop knee problems. Workers who type often can develop carpal tunnel.
While these diseases can develop in situations related to a job, if the medical condition existed before the employee began their position or due to factors outside of work then it may not be considered an occupational disease.
Are Mental Health Issues Occupational Diseases?
Mental health issues can be considered occupational diseases if they were caused by an event on the job site. For example, if a nurse working in the ER developed PTSD as a result of witnessing death and severe injury on a daily basis, that would be considered an occupational disease.
What Makes An Occupational Disease Different From A Workplace Injury?
A workplace injury and an occupational disease are subtly different. Diseases are a long-term condition not caused by a single traumatic injury but rather by the environment in which they work or the expectations of the job.
Do I Have To Work With A Lawyer To Get Compensation For My Occupational Disease?
An attorney isn’t required if you have developed an occupational disease, but working with an attorney can be a great help while you are working to get the compensation you need to recover. An attorney can help you collect the documentation you need to file a claim, assist you with determining whether a personal injury lawsuit or workers’ compensation claim is the right option for your case and work to ensure that your injuries are fully considered in the amount of damages you request.
Have More Questions? Get Answers From An Experienced Attorney.
Do you have a question particular to your condition? Are you wondering whether your case could be considered an occupational disease? Do you want to know what the next step is? Talk to an experienced lawyer from Katz, Leidman, Freund & Herman. You can contact us online or call 888-250-5427 to arrange for an initial consultation.