At Hanning & Sacchetto, LLP, our Whittier workers’ compensation attorneys know that when our California residents are hurt at work during a slip and fall, equipment malfunction, or delivery vehicle crash, their employer’s insurance coverage will typically provide the benefits they need to recover.
When employees suffer work-related occupational illnesses or diseases, pursuing workers’ compensation coverage can become much more complicated, and procuring benefits could be extremely difficult.
Our Los Angeles County workers’ compensation attorneys can help provide legal solutions that produce results.
What is an Occupational Illness or Disease?
For Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) recordkeeping purposes, an occupational illness is defined as any abnormal condition or disorder resulting from a non-instantaneous event or exposure in the work environment.
In short, an occupational disease is any illness associated with a particular occupation or industry resulting from a variety of biological, chemical, physical, and psychological factors that are encountered in the course of employment.
Conversely, occupational injuries result from instantaneous events or exposures.
What are the Most Common Types of Occupational Illnesses and Diseases?
Just as some industries are inherently more dangerous than others, like farm work, construction, and firefighting, others are susceptible to an increased risk of occupational illnesses and diseases.
Working around dust, fibers, chemicals, or fumes are common workplace hazards. However, factory workers that perform repetitive movements and conveyor work throughout the day, are equally at risk for long-term occupational injuries.
Some of the most common types of occupational illnesses and diseases include, but are not limited to:
- Asbestos
- Asthma
- Brain Damage
- Bronchitis
- Cancer
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
- Fertility and Pregnancy Abnormalities
- Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome
- Hearing Loss
- Lung Disease
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Pesticide Exposure
- Radiation Poisoning
- Repetitive Stress Disorder
- Skin Conditions
- Tendonitis
- Vision Loss
At Hanning & Sacchetto, LLP, our workers’ compensation attorneys in Pomona know that these injuries can change our clients’ lives. Unfortunately, they are often much more difficult to pursue than a “standard” workers’ compensation injury claim, which can leave California workers without the benefits they deserve.
Why Are Occupational Illnesses and Diseases Harder to Pursue Than Other Workplace Injuries?
The difference between an injury that occurred at work — like a broken bone — and an occupational illness is that the signs and symptoms of diseases like cancer are clinically indistinguishable from causes independent from work.
For workers who were exposed to asbestos, years may have gone by without any detectable health conditions. Then, a decade later, the worker could be informed by a doctor that he or she has lung cancer or mesothelioma.
The crucial requirement for pursuing a workers’ compensation claim for occupational illnesses, is proving the disease was derived from hazardous workplace conditions and submitting convincing medical evidence to back up the claim. We can help.
How Can Hanning & Sacchetto, LLP Help Strengthen My Workers’ Compensation Case?
At Hanning & Sacchetto, LLP, our workers’ compensation attorneys in Whittier know that these illnesses change our clients’ lives.
Our dedicated workers’ compensation lawyers can help build your case for success using our legal skills, experience, and resources to ensure you are on the right track. Workplace illnesses and diseases are physically and emotionally challenging. You should not have to prove where the disease originated on your own but use your energy to focus on your treatment.
Having a seasoned workers’ compensation lawyer in your corner from the start can mean the difference between insufficient recovery or full and complete benefits.
Contact Our Experienced Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Whittier, California
If you have suffered a work-related injury, illness, or disease, contact our skilled workers’ compensation attorneys in Whittier, California at Hanning & Sacchetto today by calling (562) 698-6446 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your concerns.