
Workplace injuries come in all shapes and sizes and can have a lasting impact on your life. Most workers who suffer from an occupational disease are not aware that they have a right to file for workers comp benefits.
Many workers do not link their conditions to work, and doctors do not ask the right questions to diagnose the connection between work and illness, resulting in 69% of occupational diseases being unreported.
But that does not make the occupational disease less devastating. Employers reported nearly 3 million nonfatal workplace illnesses and injuries every year. These conditions are often chronic and painful, with workers finding their wages and earning capacity decrease as pain, difficulty, and disability slowly take over their lives.
In addition to the health effects, many employers will try and avoid paying these claims, which means it is up to you to protect your rights. This can be difficult without the help of an experienced lawyer.
If your workplace has left you sick or injured, it is time to talk to a workers' compensation attorney to start filing a claim. We are here for you every step of the way! The New York City occupational disease lawyers at Raphaelson & Levine Law Firm will fight so that you get all the compensation you deserve after suffering from a work-related injury or illness.
If you develop health conditions linked to your line of work, call us at (212) 268-3222 to schedule a free consultation and start your claim.
An occupational disease is an illness contracted due to risk factors in your line of work. These risks must be due to your work duties and not just your work environment.
For example, a data entry professional who develops tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome from excessive computer use has an occupational disease. Keyboard use is part of their job description, and evidence shows that it leads to musculoskeletal conditions.
However, if the same data entry professional suffers severe allergies because their workplace installed a poor ventilation system, that condition is not an occupational disease. That worker cannot prevail in a worker’s comp claim, but they may have a course of action in a civil liability case.
Specific work-related illnesses may include:
If you believe your health condition is related to an occupational disease, you need to see your doctor immediately. Once you receive a diagnosis, schedule a case evaluation with a personal injury attorney who handles workers’ comp. Since many of these conditions are expensive to treat and require long recovery periods, workers’ compensation can ease the financial end of your ordeal and ensure better peace of mind.
Occupational disease claims are frequently complex and follow an exact procedure. You can receive benefits for occupational disease, but proving its link to your work duties is difficult. A workers' compensation occupational disease attorney at Raphaelson & Levine offer the experience necessary to complete your employee claim form correctly and increase your chances of securing benefits.
However, time is of the essence. Contact us as soon as possible as deadlines for completing your claim form are:
For hearing loss, deadlines are tighter:
For best results, contact us as soon as you confirm your medical condition. Your health insurance company may not cover all of your medical treatment, and your expenses will add up quickly. Workers’ compensation can offer relief when medical bills seem to spiral out of control.
If you suspect you suffered an occupational injury due to your assigned work duties, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. The workers’ compensation lawyers at Raphaelson & Levine offer the knowledge and compassion to help you navigate the workers’ comp benefits system and secure benefits for your medical condition.
Call (212) 268-3222 today or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation and case evaluation.