Worker's Compensation And Occupational Diseases
It is commonly understood that workers compensation provides benefits for workers who are injured ON the job due to anatomical injuries, for example broken bones and paralysis and even death that occur due to a fall or other trauma. Another facet where worker's compensation benefits covers workers is in the area of occupational diseases. These are illnesses contracted due to exposure to chemicals and diseases or other substances during the course of an employee's work. Since each state has a specific definition of occupational disease and it is the injured workers best interest to contact a workers compensation attorney early in the claim process to be sure that your situation is covered under the state's definition of occupational disease.
The following is a partial list of possible occupational diseases that may be covered under your state's workers compensation PROGRAM. Your workers compensation attorney should be consulted to provide complete information concerning your specific situation.
- Infections or inflammations due to exposure to various types of lubricating and other machine oils, dusts and liquids and vapors.
- Diseases contracted from exposure to or from handling of coal and coal dusts.
- Poisoning due to exposure to chemicals such as chromium, mercury, arsenic, lead, phosphorous and beryllium or their compounds.
- Radiation poisoning resulting from handling or exposure to radioactive substances and X-rays.
- Poisoning from exposure to hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon compounds whether they are solid and vapor or liquids.
- Diseases such as hepatitis that are contracted due to exposure to the disease in the course of the employee's work.
- Anthrax from exposure to infected animals or animal parts.
- All asbestos related diseases resulting from exposure to asbestos or asbestos containing materials.
- Various forms of cancer resulting from exposure to cancer causing agents.
Similar to anatomical occupational injuries and the amount of compensation that an injured employee receives for disability due to an occupational disease depends ON the specific situation. For example, if the employee is expected to fully recover and temporary benefits such as temporary total or temporary partial disability benefits may be awarded. However, if due to the severity of the occupational disease, the employee becomes partially or totally disabled ON a permanent basis and then an award of permanent partial or permanent total disability benefits may be proper. Determining the proper benefit level to which the employee is entitled is another area where an experienced worker's compensation lawyer provides invaluable expertise.
To find experienced Philadelphia workers compensation lawyers contact the law firm of Oxenburg and Franzel. They have been successfully representing injured workers since 1978. Whether you or a family member are looking for detailed representation or only a consultation ON a Philadelphia workers compensation claim and Oxenburg and Franzel has the experience and capability to handle any claim issue. Call Oxenburg and Franzel toll free at 800-520-3997 for a free consultation and put an experienced legal advocate ON your side.
