Occupational diseases are health conditions that arise as a result of your working conditions. They can range from repetitive motion injuries that can occur from making the same movements day after day to conditions like asbestos and black lung diseases that are the result of breathing polluted air.
If you have contracted an occupational disease, it can result in increased medical expenses, a loss of income, and a reduced quality of life. Team up with a reliable lawyer at Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers to get the compensation you deserve.
Call us at (803) 373-1706 to schedule a free consultation.
What Are Some Common Occupational Diseases?
Occupational diseases are illnesses an employee is exposed to because of their employment conditions. The disease must be related to the employee’s industry, or occupation and risk of the disease must be substantially higher in that industry.
Some common occupational diseases include the following:
- Tuberculosis and hepatitis in blood processors, nurses, and health professionals who are exposed to these diseases.
- Heart and lung disease in firefighters who have four or more years of service
- Pneumoconiosis and silicosis in occupations that involve direct contact and exposure to coal dust.
- Specific types of chemical poisoning occur in occupations that involve contact or exposure during the preparation of compounds.
What is South Carolina’s Definition of an Occupational Disease?
The state of South Carolina has a specific definition of the term ‘occupational disease’. It is essential to familiarize yourself with what can and can not be defined as an occupational disease to determine if you are eligible to file a worker’s comp claim.
Here are some things that CAN NOT be considered an occupational disease:
- A condition that is not directly linked to work hazards
- A condition that is a result of the outside climate
- A cardiac illness not caused by gaseous pressure or the introduction of foreign matter into the body
- Illnesses that are exposed to the general public
- Chronic diseases of the joints like arthritis
- Contagious diseases caught from co-workers
The fact that South Carolina is so specific in its definition of the infectious disease makes it more challenging to build a case. You must prove your condition is directly linked to your occupation and how it constitutes ‘a hazard over those ordinarily in an incident to employment.’
In other words, you need to show how your working conditions made you more likely to get the disease in comparison to the risks you would have if you were working at a different job.
Why Occupational Disease Claims Can Get Complicated
Making sure your condition adheres to South Carolina’s definition of an occupational disease is just the beginning of building your case. Other complications can arise when you are trying to get compensation from worker’s comp.
Most worker’s comp companies will do anything they can to get you the lowest payout possible. They may try to argue that your condition does not work-related or other factors may arise that can prevent you from getting a payout. Some workers may find that it’s difficult to even get in touch with their insurance companies.
That’s why it is so vital to team up with a reliable lawyer in your occupational disease case.
Finding the Right Lawyer to Represent Your Occupational Disease Claim
If you are suffering from a condition you feel is work-related, you need to find a good lawyer to represent you. Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers is highly recommended.
Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers has years of experience representing clients in occupational disease cases. Their attorneys do everything they can to protect their clients’ interests and will stop at nothing to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
An occupational disease can be challenging to deal with. Don’t let legal matters make your life even more stressful. Please turn to Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers so they can see to it that justice is served.
