Common Work-Related Illnesses and Diseases
If a worker is exposed to certain hazardous substances or toxins in the workplace, he or she could develop a serious illness or disease. Suffering a work-related illness could lead to days away from work and expensive medical costs, in addition to pain and suffering. Victims of occupational illnesses in California have the right to seek financial compensation.
Respiratory Diseases
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, California reported 101,100 workplace illness cases in 2022. Many common types of work-related illnesses affect the respiratory system. These illnesses can occur due to workers breathing in harmful or hazardous toxins, such as:
- Chemical fumes
- Gases
- Asbestos
- Silica dust
- Coal dust
- Other types of dust
- Manufacturing facility particulates
Being exposed to these hazards without proper respiratory protection, such as masks and ventilators, can lead to serious and permanent respiratory problems, including asbestosis and silicosis.
Skin Conditions
If a worker does not wear the proper protective gear, such as a hazmat suit and gloves, his or her skin could be exposed to harmful substances in the workplace that cause skin irritation and serious skin conditions. Examples include contact dermatitis from exposure to chemicals or allergens, chemical burns, occupational acne, and skin cancer from exposure to radiation or other carcinogens.
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Certain work conditions can put workers at risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). These conditions can affect a worker’s neck, back, shoulders, arms and lower limbs. Workers with MSDs often require time off of work to receive treatments and recover. In severe cases, they can result in permanent disability and the inability to work at full capacity.
Lifting heavy loads, repetitive bending and twisting, a non-ergonomic work environment, and fast-paced workplaces such as Amazon warehouses increase the risks of musculoskeletal injuries and disorders. Examples include carpal tunnel syndrome, back injuries, disk herniation, tendonitis and bursitis.
Infectious Diseases
Some workplaces expose workers to infectious agents, such as jobs in health care that come with a risk of hepatitis and tuberculosis exposure. Occupational infectious diseases can also stem from contact with bacteria, fungi and microorganisms – especially in jobs that deal with human waste, animal handling and biological agents. Inadequate protective equipment and broken safety protocols increase the odds of harmful exposure incidents.
Cancer
Certain workplaces in California expose workers to carcinogens, or cancer-causing agents. The most common examples are asbestos, radiation, benzene and secondhand smoke. At-risk workers in California include those in construction, demolition, coal mining, manufacturing and factory workers. Sadly, some cancers caused by occupational exposure are terminal, with no known cure.
What to Do if You Are Diagnosed With a Work-Related Illness or Disease
If you are diagnosed with any type of illness, disease or cancer that you believe is connected to your job (including a previous occupation), contact an attorney about a potential claim. Working with a Los Angeles personal injury attorney, you may be eligible for a financial recovery through a workers’ compensation insurance claim and/or a personal injury lawsuit, depending on the circumstances.
An attorney can connect you to top doctors in your area to maximize your physical recovery. Then, your lawyer can gather evidence to prove your insurance claim or lawsuit. You can count on a specialized workers compensation attorney in Los Angeles to seek maximum compensation on your behalf through all available legal outlets while you undergo medical treatments and focus on your health.
For more information about filing an occupational illness or disease claim in California, contact Rose, Klein & Marias LLP at (800) 362-7427 and we will arrange a free consultation.