MOST COMMON OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESSES

SACRAMENTO WORKERS COMPENSATION ATTORNEY

Sacramento Workers Compensation Attorney

Workplace Injuries & Illnesses

Occupational illnesses occur when an event or exposure occurs in the workplace, resulting in the development or worsening of a medical condition. Workplace accidents can happen to anyone even at the most unexpected time. Though some workplaces are more prone to occupational accidents, such as construction and other manual labor jobs, occupational illness includes a wide range of health problems that can occur even in the most seemingly low-risk office jobs. Regardless of your occupation, if you have gone ill as a result of your workplace, reach out to a Sacramento workers compensation attorney to learn what legal actions you can take.

A large portion of occupation disorders go unreported. According to documents from a hearing before the US House of Representatives Committee on Education and Labor, as much as 69% of workplace injuries and illnesses are not reported. In 2013, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics found that there are nearly 3 million occupational injuries in a single year. In 2007, a study found that the estimated costs for the medical treatment of occupational illnesses in the US was $67 billion.

Examples of Occupation Illnesses

There are numerous occupational illnesses that can occur due to work environments. Some of the most common are described below.

Asthma

Due to low quality air conditions and possible airborne contaminants, asthma is a very common occupational illness. It can result in difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and wheezing. Occupational conditions can bring about asthma symptoms without any history or agitate a pre-existing condition. Other more serious respiratory illnesses can include:

  • Mesothelioma
  • Pneumonia
  • Tuberculosis
  • Silicosis
  • Pharyngitis
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

If you have suffered any type of these illnesses, consult with an experienced Sacramento workers compensation attorney to learn what you can do.

Carpal Tunnel

This condition often develops in workers who complete repeated tasks using their wrists, such as writing or typing. Carpal tunnel is the compression of the median nerve in the arms. This can result in pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, and clumsiness of the hands. Once a person suffers from carpal tunnel, it often returns.

Skin cancer

Workers who have jobs that require them to be outdoors for periods of time have an increased risk of developing skin cancer. Jobs that may require prolonged sun exposure include:

  • Construction
  • Roofers
  • Agricultural workers

If you work in a job that requires constant sun exposure, make sure you’re aware of the dangerous of skin cancer and speak to a Sacramento workers compensation attorney if you have any questions.

Skin disease

Jobs in which the employees are exposed to dangerous and harsh chemicals may lead to the development of skin diseases. Some jobs where this risk is high include construction, painters, cleaners, mechanics, and manufacturers. Many manufacturing processes expose employees to toxic chemicals on a daily basis. The skin diseases that may result from this exposure include:

  • Eczema
  • Skin cancer
  • Skin infections
  • Contact dermatitis
  • Rashes
  • Ulcers
  • Skin inflammation
  • Burns

Hearing loss

Jobs that involve loud machinery and excessive noise throughout the employees’ shifts often lead to some amount of hearing loss. Construction workers, people who work at airports, and club or music venue employees are just a few individuals who could suffer. Though it may seem minor, hearing loss is a permanent disruption to a major sense.

Overexertion

One of the most common workplace illnesses is overexertion. Employees are expected to give everything they have to their job in order to be considered a good employee with the chance of a promotion. Overexertion can affect people in the manual labor field, to people in the medical field, to people in high pressure positions. It can affect almost anyone at any level. Though there are laws regarding breaks and the amount of time a person can work, these laws are often ignored or aren’t helpful given the person’s unique situation. In 2013, an investment banking intern died after working 72 straight hours. If you have been injured from overexertion at work, immediately consult with a Sacramento workers compensation attorney. Injuries that often accompany overexertion include:

  • Hernias
  • Strains
  • Sprains
  • Joint injuries
  • Shoulder and back injuries
  • Death

What to do?

If you or a loved one may have suffered from a workplace illness, it’s important to address that possibility as soon as possible. First, take an inventory of symptoms and the timeline in which they appear. Be sure to take note if there are any previous health conditions that may have contributed to the current symptoms. Try to tie in what was happening when the symptoms first occurred and what, if anything, has made them worse.
If you or a loved one has sustained an injury, illness, condition, or experienced worsening of a pre-existing condition due to your employment, there are steps you can take to be compensated. If the job caused your pain, it can pay for it. Be sure to contact an experienced Sacramento workers compensation attorney to discuss your options.

Contact acramento Workers Compensation Attorney for Help

Workers Compensation Lawyer in Sacramento CAHave you suffered a serious work injury? Contact our work compensation attorneys for FREE consultation about your California workers compensation claim benefits. We’ve been helping injured workers since 1987 and are certified by the State Bar of California.

Give us a call at (916) 930-9675 to speak to a work comp attorney in Sacramento now.

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