Occupational Disease Claims in New York City
An occupational disease can have a serious impact on a person’s ability to work and do the things they enjoy. Although occupational diseases are common, it can be challenging for workers to obtain the full amount of workers’ compensation benefits they may be entitled to receive. If you or a loved one is suffering from a work-related illness or injury, it’s important to know your rights. At Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, our occupational disease lawyers have more than 30 years of experience representing injured workers throughout the greater NYC area in all types of workers’ compensation claims.
What is an Occupational Disease?
An occupational disease is an illness or condition that arises due to being exposed to dangerous substances or noise in the workplace. A repetitive strain injury such as carpal tunnel syndrome also may be considered an occupational disease.
Types of Occupational Diseases
Common types of occupational diseases include:
- Hearing loss – Workers who are regularly exposed to noisy environments or experience a traumatic event like an explosion often suffer occupational hearing loss.
- Respiratory problems – Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, lung cancer, and other lung diseases can be caused by exposure to toxic chemicals, gases, pesticides, dust, textile particles, and other hazardous substances.
- Asbestos-related conditions – Mesothelioma and asbestosis are debilitating occupational diseases that develop over time due to exposure to asbestos.
- Certain types of cancer – Exposure to carcinogenic chemicals, metals, dust, gases, radiation, and other substances can cause many different types of cancer, including leukemia and cancers of the bladder, kidneys, and lungs.
- Repetitive strain injury – Doing the same motion or activity repeatedly or working with vibrating equipment can lead to injury over time. Repetitive strain injuries usually affect the arms, wrists, hands, and shoulders, and include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, tennis elbow, and other musculoskeletal disorders.
- Infectious diseases – Healthcare workers often are exposed to serious diseases such as COVID-19, HIV, hepatitis, influenza, Ebola, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
- Skin conditions – Disorders that affect the skin usually are caused by jobs that expose workers to chemicals, allergens, and the sun. Examples include eczema, hives, rashes, contact dermatitis, and skin cancer.
Jobs with a High Risk of Occupational Disease
There are many circumstances in which a worker may be exposed to harmful substances or environments. Common industries that put workers at risk for occupational disease include construction and demolition, mining, manufacturing, welding, farming, and health care.
Workers’ Compensation Claims for Occupational Disease
Workers suffering from occupational diseases are entitled to the same benefits as those who are injured in accidents on the job. These benefits include the cost of medical treatment, wage replacement payments, and death benefits for family members of someone who has passed away due to an occupational disease.
Occupational Disease Claims Are Complex
To collect workers’ compensation benefits for an occupational disease, you must prove there is a link between your illness and job duties or work environment. This can be challenging, as symptoms of some occupational diseases don’t appear for decades. Employers and their insurance companies often try to claim a disease is not work-related but instead is caused by something outside the workplace. Our occupational disease lawyers are well-versed in gathering and using evidence to support links between your condition and your job. Medical records, expert testimony, and witness testimony from coworkers can be valuable elements in proving an occupational disease claim.
In some cases, such as occupational hearing loss claims, specific time restrictions and requirements must be followed. Our experienced workers’ compensation lawyers guide you through the process from start to finish and ensure all deadlines are met and all relevant information is included in your claim.
Our Occupational Disease Lawyers Fight for Your Rights
Our workers’ compensation lawyers understand the devastating impact an occupational disease can have on workers and their loved ones. Our caring team is dedicated to fighting for your rights. We won’t back down in the face of opposition from employers and their insurers. We also handle workers’ compensation appeals and can assist you with applying for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. Attorney and partner Rolando Cubela is multilingual and provides exceptional legal representation for our Spanish-speaking clients.
Contact an Occupational Disease Lawyer in the Greater NYC Area
At Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, our workers’ compensation lawyers have helped thousands of injured workers in the greater New York City area obtain the fair compensation and benefits they deserve. To schedule a free case evaluation, call us at 718-273-9000 or contact us online.
