What Is an Occupational Disease in Workers’ Compensation?

When you think of workers’ compensation claims, dramatic accidents involving falls, machinery malfunctions, or sudden injuries likely come to mind. However, the workplace can silently damage your health in ways that may take months or years to manifest.

Exposure to chemicals, dangerous substances, and hazardous environments can lead to serious occupational diseases that affect your ability to work and maintain your quality of life. You have the right to pursue a workers’ comp claim if you develop one of these illnesses—as long as you can prove that it is related to your job.

A workers’ compensation lawyer in Minneapolis can help you gather the necessary medical evidence and build a strong case to prove that your illness is work-related.

Examples of Occupational Diseases in Workers’ Comp Claims

Minnesota workers face significant health risks across diverse industries, from manufacturing plants and construction sites to healthcare facilities and chemical processing plants. Common occupational diseases include:

• Respiratory conditions like asthma, silicosis, and COPD from exposure to industrial chemicals, dust, or other airborne particles
• Various forms of cancer linked to workplace exposure to carcinogens
• Heart conditions, including myocarditis and coronary sclerosis, often related to physical strain or environmental factors
• Blood diseases resulting from toxic exposure or medical work
• Communicable diseases contracted through patient care in healthcare settings
• Pneumonia and related respiratory complications

When Will Workers’ Comp Pay for Occupational Diseases?

Workers’ compensation claims will generally cover occupational diseases. This can be challenging to prove when compared to claims that involve sudden accidents or repetitive injuries. They often require substantial medical evidence and expert testimony. 

For workers’ compensation to cover your occupational disease, you must show that:

• There is a clear connection between your work duties and the development of your condition, as evidenced by your medical records. 
• You regularly encounter specific hazards in your workplace that are known to cause your type of illness. 
• Your risk of developing this disease was higher due to your job compared to the general public.

Many occupational diseases develop gradually, so it is important to document your workplace conditions and medical symptoms over time. Insurance companies often challenge these claims, arguing that other factors outside of work caused or contributed to your condition.

A workers’ compensation attorney can help gather the necessary evidence, work with medical experts, and build a compelling case that connects your illness to your employment.

What Benefits Are Available to Sick Workers in Minnesota?

If your occupational disease claim succeeds, you can receive various benefits to support your recovery and financial stability. These include coverage for all reasonable medical treatments related to your condition, from specialist visits to prescribed medications. 

You may also qualify for temporary disability benefits while you are unable to work, receiving up to a certain amount of your average weekly wage. For severe illnesses that result in permanent impairments, you could receive long-term disability benefits.

The value of these benefits is based on the level of your impairment and your ability to return to work. 

Fight for the Compensation You Deserve with an Attorney on Your Side

Occupational disease claims can be more complicated than many other workers’ comp claims. If you were diagnosed with a work-related illness, trust a Minnesota workers’ compensation attorney from Kemmit, Sanford, & Kramer to help build your case.

A lawyer will know which medical experts to consult, what evidence carries the most weight, and how to counter common defenses. Schedule a consultation as soon as possible to discuss your case and begin your journey to recovery.