No one likes to think that their workplace is harming their health, and even those working in what are considered risky environments have to trust that their employers are equipping them with the right safety equipment and training to minimise harm.
And when it comes to workplace-related illnesses and injuries, it can be common to think of slips, trips, and falls as the only types you may experience. But these are simply just scratching the surface of workplace illnesses and injuries, and each year, millions of Americans are impacted by workplace environments. And for many of these illnesses and injuries, you might be entitled to claim compensation for the impact they have on your life and your health.
Mesothelioma and Asbestos-Related Diseases
Many workers have been exposed to asbestos over the years, and sadly, the damage caused by this material isn’t apparent for around 20 to 50 years, meaning you won’t get symptoms right away. Instead, it will be later on in life. And those who have worked in sectors such as construction in shipyards, some military roles, and manufacturing may have been exposed to asbestos knowingly or unknowingly without proper protection, especially if it was before people were aware of the dangers.
Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive, and fatal cancer that is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure, and because of the long latency period, proving when it happened can be tricky. This is where legal guidance for mesothelioma patients comes in handy to help you trace exposure history, access asbestos trust funds, and navigate filing rules.
Occupational Lung Disease
It’s not just asbestos that can damage lungs and cause serious health complications. Many workers are exposed to harmful dust, fumes, and chemicals in the scope of their job role. By being aware of these risks and taking necessary precautions, you can significantly reduce the chances of developing an occupational lung disease.
- Silicosis is caused by inhaling silica dust in sectors such as mining, construction, and stone cutting. Around 2,500 to 5,000 cases of silicosis are reported each year in the US.
- COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is often a result of exposure over a prolonged period to dust, fumes or smoke.
- Asthma can be triggered by many workplace environments.
All of these conditions, along with other lung conditions, will require complex and ongoing treatment to manage, and they can limit your ability to work or live your life. And if your condition can be linked to your workplace, it is important you pursue any claims for compensation to get what you deserve for this life-changing diagnosis.
Hearing Loss
Long-term exposure to loud noises can be an occupational hazard and part and parcel of many job roles, ie, working in the entertainment sector or at airfields. However, employers need to be providing equipment to protect workers’ hearing.
22 million workers are exposed to hazardous noise levels each year in the US (damage can be caused by prolonged exposure or one-off occurrences of sounds exceeding 80dB). So whether you’ve worked with loud tools or machinery in construction or industrial sectors or you’ve experienced noise damage from close proximity to speakers and music equipment, it’s important to explore if your hearing loss can be attributed to negligence on your employer’s part, and expert lawyers can help you ascertain if you have a case or not.