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Occupational Diseases
When you need a workers' compensation attorney
We all get sick from time to time. No one is immune from the common diseases which effect everyone, regardless of what he or she does for a living. However there are some health conditions which can be caused by the type of work people do. The law defines an "occupational disease" as "a disease resulting from the nature of employment and contracted therein."
What this means is for a disease to be considered occupational there has to be a recognizable link between the sickness and the work performed. More often than not, occupational diseases have to do with exposure to certain types of dusts, gases, fluids, solvents and pollutants on the job.
An example of an occupational diseases relating to dust is “bakers’ asthma.” After many years of breathing in fine flour dust particles, many bakers are susceptible to a form of asthma caused by the settling of the particles in the small pockets of the lungs causing breathing difficulty.
Sandhogs, the workers who clear out underground tunnels, are susceptible to lung disease from exposure to fine sand particles, called “silicosis.” They are also susceptible to compressed air disease or “caisson’s disease.” Workers who clean out old buildings may get exposed to asbestosis and come down with debilitating or even fatal lung diseases.
Not all occupational diseases are necessarily related to exposure. Some evolve from overuse of certain muscle groups. Classic is “Dupuytren’s contracture” which affects the hands of people who use vibrating tools such as jackhammers and drills. After many years the tendons in the hand become rigid and the workers can develop a contracture which interferes with their ability to use their hands.
In occupations with continual exposure to loud noise, loss of hearing can result. That too is considered an occupational disease. And, of course, just about everybody is familiar with “carpal tunnel syndrome” which effects people who perform repetitive tasks with their wrists, such as cashiers, typists, musicians, and meat cutters.
However, not all doctors are familiar with every occupational disease. New York workers’ compensation laws have strict guidelines that employees and their doctors must follow to establish occupational disease claims.
If you or someone you know has become ill or disabled, and you suspect it might be due to a particular work activity or exposure, it pays for you to consult an attorney who deals with occupational disease cases. Our law firm concentrates in Worker's Compensation law and Social Security Disability insurance claims. Not only can we advise you, but, if need be, we can give you the names of doctors and clinics that specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of occupational diseases.
Even if you think the connection between the work and a particular disease may be difficult to prove, call us, toll free at 1.800.416.5454. The consultation is free, but the advice can be extremely valuable. It may just change your life! |
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