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    Archive for February, 2021

    About Work-Related Illnesses

    According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “an ‘occupational disease’ is any disease contracted primarily as a result of…exposure to risk factors arising from work activity. ‘Work-related diseases’ have multiple causes, where factors in the work environment may play a role, together with other risk factors, in the development of such diseases.”

    Discussion of workers’ comp issues revolves around work-related injuries, but work-related illnesses can be just as dangerous and arguably more damaging in the long run. Furthermore, work-related illnesses can be harder to prove than a bodily injury claim. This is why it is a good idea to contact a Lancaster workers’ comp attorney for a free case evaluation. If you have what you suspect may be a work-related illness, Vanasse Law LLC can help.

    What Are Some Common Work-Related Illnesses?

    Some common work-related illnesses include:

    • Respiratory illness
    • Black lung disease
    • Rotator cuff syndrome
    • Carpal tunnel
    • Bursitis
    • Tendinitis
    • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
    • Rotator cuff injuries
    • Stress-related mental health disorders
    • Various types of cancer, such as mesothelioma or asbestosis.

    How Do I Prove a Work-Related Illness?

    The main obstacle facing work-related illnesses is that for any particular illness or condition, you have to show it is indeed “work-related.” In other words, you have to show a link between the illness or your job. For example, black lung disease is caused by inhaling coal dust over a long period of time. 

    If you are a miner working for decades in a coal mine, there is little doubt that your work caused black lung disease. However, if you work in an office building a block or so down the road, showing the link can start to become more difficult.

    Furthermore, unlike an injury, there is typically not a single “triggering event” that leads to a work-related illness. The illness may not develop into noticeable symptoms for months, years, or even decades after exposure to an illness-causing toxin.  This makes it even more difficult to show a clear link between the job and the illness.

    This difficult situation becomes even more difficult if exposure to some toxin at work merely exacerbated a pre-existing illness, as it is not only difficult to establish the link between work and the illness, but you also have to be able to show how much of the illness was pre-existing, and how much was compounded by your exposure at work.

    Contact a Lancaster Job Injury Lawyer at Vanasse Law LLC for Help With Your Job-Related Illness

    Despite these challenges, there is good news. The Lancaster job injury attorneys Vanasse Law LLC are experienced in this area. If you have suffered a work-related illness, let us help. Handling workers’ comp claims is all we do. Our experienced workers’ comp attorneys will help you examine your legal options, which may include third-party claims, and guide you through the claims process.

    Let us help. Contact us online. You will receive a same-day response.

    What Happens to My Workers’ Comp Claim if I Lose My Job?

    If you are a worker in Pennsylvania with a serious job-related injury or illness, you’ve likely considered this question: “What happens to my workers’ comp benefits if I lose my job?” The good news is, employers cannot retaliate against an employee for filing a workers’ comp claim. In other words, you cannot be fired for simply filing a workers’ comp claim.

    However, there may be other circumstances under which you may lose your workers’ comp benefits, and the rules are complicated. If you are receiving workers’ comp benefits and lose your job for any reason, contact a Lancaster job injury attorney at Vanasse Law LLC. We’ll discuss your claim with you for free.

    Why Would I Want to Quit My Job Just Because I Was Injured?

    There are a variety of reasons why people quit their jobs after an injury, some of which include:

    • You Feel Like Your Injury was Your Own Fault. Workers’ comp in Pennsylvania is a no-fault system. This means it does not matter if you or your employer are responsible for your work-related injury.
    • You Feel Like Your Job is Too Dangerous. It’s hard to argue against this reason when you’ve recently been injured on the job. However, remember that, from a common-sense standpoint, your job is no more dangerous than it was before you were injured. Furthermore, your employer may consider you for another position with less risk.
    • I Feel Like I’m Not Completely Capable of Returning. As a general rule, when you can return to work is generally determined by your doctors. You may be able to return to a different, less-demanding role or be assigned to light-duty work.
    • I Had a Pre-Existing Condition. Typically, workers’ comp benefits are only for injuries and illnesses related to job activities. However, if you were already suffering from a pre-existing condition that is worsened because of job activities, you may be entitled to workers’ comp benefits.

    Remember: accidents are just accidents; nothing more, nothing less. The workers’ comp laws don’t consider who was at fault. Generally, if you suffer a job-related injury or illness, you are entitled to your benefits. For help with your workers’ comp claim, contact the Lancaster job injury attorneys at Vanasse Law LLC. 

    What Happens to My Workers’ Comp Benefits If I Lose My Job?

    Your workers’ compensation benefits should not cease simply because you have been laid off or terminated from your employment. Put another way, a workers’ comp insurer should continue paying wage loss and medical benefits even though the employee no longer works for the employer.

    If you have suffered a work-related injury, when you return to work is generally determined by your doctors.  Most likely, a doctor will release an injured worker to return to work with some restrictions regarding what they can do or cannot do.  Providing your doctors with specific information about your job duties will allow them to maintain a good idea of your job’s physical requirements.

    Contact a Lancaster Job Injury Lawyer at Vanasse Law LLC for More Information

    Generally speaking, you shouldn’t have to lose your workers’ comp benefits just because you lose your job. If you have suffered a work-related injury or illness, contact a Lancaster job injury attorney Vanasse Law LLC. Workers’ comp claim is what we do. Our experienced workers’ comp attorneys will help you explore your legal options, which may include third-party claims, and help you with your claims.

    Let us help. Contact us online for a same-day response and a free case evaluation.