Occupational Disease and Workers’ Compensation
Diseases specific to and prevalent in certain work environments or occupational activities are considered chronic ailments that may be compensable under workers’ compensation laws. Occupational diseases often cause long-term problems that might not arise until years after first exposure or continuous exposure to certain chemicals or work-related activities.
3,563 Pennsylvania workers were diagnosed with an occupational disease in 2017. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) outlines a full list of injuries and diseases that could be the result of particular occupations or working conditions. All these diseases can be career-ending and severely debilitating, which is why it is imperative to seek medical attention if you believe there is any chance that your illness may actually be caused by your job or working conditions.
At Krasno Krasno & Onwudinjo, our attorneys serve workers suffering from occupational diseases throughout Pennsylvania. We’ve handled tens of thousands of work injury cases since our founding in 1936. If you are unable to work again, we’ll handle your Social Security Disability (SSD) claim, too.
Did you know? If you cannot go back to work due to your job-related disease, you could qualify for disability benefits. This type of compensation is in addition to any workers’ compensation you receive. Our attorneys can represent you in both types of claims, working to maximize the compensation you receive for your occupational illness.
Occupational Risk Hazards And Symptoms
There is a wide range of occupational diseases, and what you are at risk of depends on your work occupation and industry. For instance, office workers who sit at a computer for the majority of the day are prone to repetitive motion diseases, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Some of the most common factors leading to various occupational diseases include:
- Chemical exposure (lead poisoning, benzene exposure, mercury, arsenic, other chemicals)
- Poor indoor air quality
- Asbestos exposure leading to mesothelioma
- Repetitive motion leading to carpal tunnel or cubital tunnel syndrome
- Coal dust, silica, or smoke exposure
Fighting Back Against Reduced Or Denied Benefits
If you have been denied workers’ compensation benefits or had your benefits reduced or altered, we can aggressively advocate for your full recovery. We can help you if you have developed an occupational disease years after your employment in the occupation that caused your illness. Nobody should have to pay the price for an injury that was a result of hazardous working conditions.
Our Pennsylvania attorneys work with a network of medical, vocational, and economic experts throughout that state who can provide comprehensive evaluations of your case and testify as expert witnesses on your behalf. We believe strongly in protecting the rights and interests of injured workers in all occupational fields in Pennsylvania. We are prepared to pursue your maximum compensation, including workers’ comp and Social Security Disability benefits.
Put Experience On Your Side In Your Occupational Disease Case
It takes determination and skill to recover full and fair workers’ compensation for occupational illnesses. Insurance companies frequently argue that the disease was caused by something else.
Our lawyers at Krasno Krasno & Onwudinjo know how to present these claims effectively. We’ve won millions of dollars for clients and have earned more than 150 positive Google reviews. Reach out today to see for yourself how we can help you.
Don’t Wait Another Day—Get Your Free Consultation Now
Don’t suffer a financial strain in addition to your physical illness. Let Krasno Krasno & Onwudinjo work to obtain the compensation you deserve. Give us a call at 800-952-9640 or send us an email to schedule a free initial consultation. With 12 Pennsylvania offices, we’re never far away.
You will not owe any attorney’s fees unless we obtain compensation for you.
Learn more in our Guide to Occupational Diseases.