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Occupational illnesses can be difficult to detect

On Behalf of | May 21, 2015 | Workplace Illness |

Workers’ compensation is extremely important for workers who are injured on the job and thus unable to earn a wage because they were rendered incapable of performing the functions of their job by performing these very functions. In many cases, on-the-job injuries are relatively easy to detect and identify. For example, if you are working on a construction site and a cable or wire detaches, dropping a heavy load on you, your injuries will be readily apparent. For some people, on-the-job health issues are not so simple.

People who work with asbestos or toxic substances likely know better than others just how subtly dangerous such work can be. You could work around asbestos for years and years with no obvious health concerns. Then one day you will be informed by your doctor that you have lung cancer or mesothelioma, and your job may be to blame. This is an example of an occupational illness.

There are many other occupational illnesses, but each of them can be difficult to prove in order for you to benefit from workers’ compensation. Unlike a broken rib or brain injury caused by the force of a foreign object at your place of work, many occupational illnesses could be contracted in other ways that are independent of your work. Because of this, you must present a strong and undoubtable case to prove that your illness was suffered because of work.

Consulting with an attorney who is familiar with New York workers’ compensation laws can help you present such a case. What you may not realize is that your benefits can be capped depending on the type and severity of your injury, which is another benefit of discussing your case with an attorney. A legal professional can help you properly demonstrate the extent of your illness so that you can get the maximum amount of compensation for your circumstances.

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