When you go to work, you are likely not thinking of being at risk for injury or illness. You may assume that your job is safe, and while you may not be doing physical labor or tasks that require exertion, you could still find your health suffering as a result of your employment. Different types of occupational illnesses could affect your physical well-being, mental health and ability to do your job as you did before.
If you are suffering and your job is to blame, you may have legal options available to you. Occupational illness is often a valid reason to seek support and assistance through a workers’ compensation claim. Minnesota employees whose jobs made them ill or whose job requirements led to a worsening of an existing medical condition may benefit from learning about the possibility of a workers’ compensation claim and how to pursue recovery.
Common occupational illnesses
Occupational illnesses can occur because the employee came into contact with a toxic substance, allergen, vapors, fumes, or physical or biological agents, leading to the onset of an illness. The exposure could happen over a prolonged period of time, with the employee being unaware of his or her illness until it has progressed significantly. Some of the most common types of job-related illnesses include:
- Asthma — Asthma is a lung disorder caused or affected by many different elements, including dust, vapors, fumes and even cigarette smoke. It is a chronic condition that can impact a person for the rest of his or her life.
- Dermatitis — This is a skin condition that occurs when a person comes into physical contact with a substance that causes irritation, burning and other types of discomfort. It often requires medical treatment to manage.
- Musculoskeletal disorders — These are conditions that affect the body, such as joints, muscles and ligaments. Often, these disorders are the result of repeated activities and overexertion with certain tasks.
If you believe that your job made you ill, you do not have to suffer alone. You will benefit from seeking the insight and support of an experienced professional who can assist with the workers’ compensation claims process. You may be eligible for benefits that include coverage of your medical bills, recovery of some of your lost wages and even help getting back to work. An assessment of your situation can help you understand what types of benefits you may be eligible to receive.
