Workers’ compensation may seem like a bit of a mystery, but it’s actually quite simple in most instances. The law exists to provide care for those who are injured or suffer an illness as a direct result of performing the functions of their job. Injuries in particular can be simple to prove, but illnesses may give victims pause. After all, if you fall ill, it can be difficult to tell just how much your occupation contributed to the illness.
If you are injured or fall ill and you believe that the circumstances of your job played a factor, it is advisable that you meet with an attorney to discuss the possibility of a workers’ compensation claim. An attorney may be able to also help you prove that your illness was caused by your job. An aspect of workers’ compensation that you may not be aware of is the protection afforded for occupational diseases.
An occupational disease is any chronic or serious health problem that arises due to exposure over a period of time. An example of an occupational disease would be developing carpal tunnel syndrome due to repeatedly performing the same tasks with your hands and wrists. If you can prove that the requirements of your job caused you to suffer a disease, it can be considered an occupational disease.
If you believe you have suffered a work-related illness, disease or injury, consider meeting with an attorney to discuss the benefits available to you through workers’ compensation. It’s important to meet with an attorney who is familiar with your state’s worker’s comp laws. For example, New York residents must take into account the cap on workers’ comp benefits, so it is in their best interests to enlist the aid of an attorney who knows how to maximize compensation.
