Workers’ compensation applies to nearly all work-related injuries and health concerns and allows employees to be safe in the knowledge that they and their families will be cared for even if they are unable to earn an income. Many issues of work-related injuries are accidents that occurred on the job, such as slipping and falling or being injured by a large piece of equipment. However, some workers’ compensation related issues are illnesses that occur because of work-related circumstances.
There are many different types of occupational diseases that an employee could suffer, and depending on the job, some may be more likely than others to occur. Workers who repeatedly perform the same actions for long periods of time may suffer bone or nerve injuries, such as a typist who develops carpal tunnel. In Staten Island, many employees work around dangerous chemicals, and exposure to these contents can cause long-term illnesses such as lung cancer or mesothelioma.
You may think that your illness is not covered by workers’ compensation, but as long as you can prove that the functions and responsibilities of your job caused or contributed to your condition, you could be entitled to compensation. To learn more about occupational diseases and how New York workers’ compensation laws treat them, check out this article. Of course depending on your illness, it could be difficult to prove that your job is the problem. This is where legal help can be extremely beneficial.
An attorney who is familiar with workers’ compensation laws in New York can help you build a case to get the compensation you deserve. Your employer’s insurance company may make you an offer, but it may not be in your best interests to accept. Consulting with an experienced legal professional can ensure that you get the maximum amount of compensation for your injury or illness.
