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Occupational Diseases

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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 to get the compensation you deserve. 

 

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 that occurs 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. The Jeffcoat Firm is highly recommended. 

The Jeffcoat Firm has years of experience in representing clients in occupational disease cases. Their attorneys do everything they can to protect their clients’ interests. They will stop at nothing when it comes to making sure 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 The Jeffcoat Firm so they can see to it that justice is served.

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The Jeffcoat Firm Injury & Accident Lawyers

1333 Main St #510,
Columbia, SC 29201

(803) 373-1668

The Jeffcoat Firm Injury & Accident Lawyers

5465 Sunset Blvd Suite B,
Lexington, SC 29072

(803) 373-1302

The Jeffcoat Firm Injury & Accident Lawyers

161 Elliott St SE Suite B,
Orangeburg, SC 29115

(803) 373-7593

The Jeffcoat Firm Injury & Accident Lawyers

749-2 University Village Dr,
Blythewood, SC 29016

(803) 592-6553

! NOTICE ! No Legal Advice Intended. This website includes general information about legal issues and developments in the law. Such materials are for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current legal developments. These informational materials are not intended, and must not be taken, as legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances. You need to contact a lawyer licensed in your jurisdiction for advice on specific legal issues or problems.

Files are primarily handled in our main office in Columbia.

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