Below are the most commonly overlooked workers’ compensation injuries and conditions.
Hearing loss
Exposure to loud noises over an extended period of time, even with hearing protection, creates a gradual loss of hearing. If you had worked in a noisy environment and believe that it has caused hearing loss, you may have a workers’ compensation claim. You will need to seek treatment from a doctor to confirm the hearing loss and its relationship, if any, to your employment. Definitely seek out an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to discuss this matter.
Lung problems
Exposure to industrial chemicals over an extended period of time damages the lungs and causes breathing problems. If you work around chemicals or have been exposed to chemicals—whether over a period of time or even one specific incident—you may have a workers’ compensation claim.
Heart attack
Work stress can cause an attack even away from the job. You may have a workers’ compensation claim even if you’ve had pre-existing heart problems. If the stress at work has caused a substantial worsening of your heart condition or a specific incident caused the stress to build to the point where you sustain a heart-related incident, you may have a workers’ compensation claim. You will need to see a doctor to confirm the heart attack and its relationship to your employment.
Hand injuries
Repetitive hand movements in many occupations can lead to wrist pain, carpal tunnel syndrome or nerve damage. This is not limited just to hand injuries; it also includes elbow problems from repetitive movement, as you may develop nerve damage due to the repetitive movement with your elbows.
Hernias
Lifting heavy objects and other physical exertion can put a strain on your torso. If you develop a hernia and believe it was caused by lifting heavy objects at work, immediately seek medical treatment and contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.
Eye injuries
Airborne irritants and eye strain can significantly impact vision.
Cancer
A cancer diagnosis that can be causally related to your employment could be compensable under workers’ compensation law. As an example, an individual diagnosed with breast cancer who happened to work as a dental assistant in which taking dental X-rays was a regular part of her job was found to have a compensable claim under workers’ compensation.
Can I get my case reviewed for free?
Definitely seek out an experienced workers’ compensation attorney in regards to any of the above injuries or conditions. Call Heller, Maas, Moro & Magill Co., L.P.A., for a free consultation to discuss whether or not you have a potential workers’ comp claim.