If you get a tumor, develop a respiratory illness, or experience another form of job-related loss, filing a workers’ compensation claim may be an option. This benefits system is in place as a safety net for employees who sustain injuries while doing tasks for their employer. In the context of occupational diseases, this includes cancer, heart and lung diseases, neurological conditions, and other health problems caused by exposure to hazards. Consider partnering with an occupational disease attorney at our South Carolina law firm to help relieve your stress and restore your dignity. Williams & Roche, LLC, cares deeply about those whose conditions keep them from working. Our founding attorneys are distinguished members of their profession and who regularly give back to the communities they serve.
What Are Occupational Diseases?
According to the National Library of Medicine, occupational diseases are illnesses that someone gets because of the conditions in which they work. Under South Carolina’s definitions, a disease may be related to someone’s job if the hazard they experience is something that is common or expected for that profession. For example, a firefighter who gets lung damage from constant exposure to smoke may have an occupational disease. Likewise, a contractor who repairs houses gets mesothelioma from asbestos at job sites may also meet this definition.
What Are the Most Common Occupational Diseases?
Workers can get a wide range of diseases because of their job conditions. Some common illnesses employees may experience include the following:
- Contact dermatitis
- Asthma
- Chronic pulmonary obstructive disorder (COPD)
- Cancer
- Respiratory disease
- Heart disease
- Neurological issues
While workers may be able to take steps to limit their exposure to job-related hazards, this is not always possible. Additionally, even employees who are extra careful may still contract a disease or develop an illness because of unavoidable situations at work.
Who Is at Risk for Developing an Occupational Disease?
People in a number of professions are at risk of developing a disease or condition because of their work. For example, as the Occupational Safety and Hazard Administration explains, welders have an increased risk of getting multiple types of cancers, such as cancer of the throat, larynx (windpipe), and urinary tract. Likewise, those who weld for a living may develop stomach ulcers, kidney ulcers, and neurological conditions because of long-term exposure to welding fumes.
Additionally, firefighters may develop sudden or gradual health issues due to the highly stressful, physically demanding, and dangerous conditions they work in. For example, they may inhale tiny particles in the smoke and develop coronary artery disease because of it. Additionally, the extraordinary stress involved in fighting fires places many firefighters at a higher risk of many types of heart and respiratory diseases.
Likewise, those who work in a factory, in construction, or in similar professions may get sick after exposure to work-related hazards. For example, breathing in sawdust and other fumes can take its toll on the person’s body down the road, possibly leading to cancer or other conditions.
Types of Occupational Diseases Covered Under Workers’ Comp
As South Carolina workers’ compensation law explains, a condition may meet the definition of an occupational disease if it comes from exposure to a hazard that is common with that particular profession. The hazard should be something that people in that profession are at an increased risk of coming into contact with compared to other jobs. Additionally, the hazard — e.g., a toxic gas — should show up at levels that are higher than normal.
For example, a welder comes into contact with welding fumes and gases — such as manganese fume — at a higher rate than those in other industries. Likewise, a firefighter is exposed to smoke particulates and other environmental hazards more so than other types of workers.
Proving a Relationship Between Work and Disease
If you believe your work environment caused you to develop cancer or another illness, you may qualify to receive benefits under the South Carolina workers’ compensation system. To do so, you should be able to draw a connection between your condition and your job.
You can point to pictures and descriptions of your work environment — such as a list of common materials you use or interact with at your job — to prove your exposure to the hazard. You can also gather your medical records to show what your condition is and where the doctor believes it came from.
An occupational disease lawyer can help you understand your rights and put together the evidence and documents you need to prove that your condition is work-related. They can also fill out and file paperwork for you so you can focus on healing during this time.
Do I Need an Occupational Disease Lawyer?
You have the option to file your workers’ compensation claim by yourself; however, this may add stress to your life and get in the way of your recovery. Working with an attorney you trust may give you the peace of mind of knowing someone is taking care of the legal matters for you. A trained lawyer can take over sorting through the mounds of paperwork and letters from your employer’s insurance company and the Workers’ Compensation Commission. They can also perform research and thoroughly review the documents in your file to find creative ways to help maximize your chance of securing a settlement.
Contact an Occupational Disease Attorney in Columbia, South Carolina
Getting cancer, experiencing a heart attack, or suffering neurological issues because of your work environment can cause you a high level of stress and anxiety. For example, you may worry about making ends meet while you are sick. Workers’ compensation benefits give you an opportunity to put yourself and your loved ones first. If you successfully bring a claim, you may access much-needed money to make up for your lost earnings and pay for your medical bills.
Instead of going through this situation on your own, consider working with a lawyer who can help. Call 803.784.0503 to schedule an initial consultation with an occupational disease attorney at Williams & Roche, LLC. Our South Carolina law firm focuses on serving those who cannot work because of job-related cancer or another disease. With decades of experience and training, we have a wealth of tools at our disposal to help injured workers.
