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Obtaining Workers’ Compensation benefits for occupational disease

On Behalf of | Nov 23, 2016 | Workers' Compensation

Many workers in Ohio have contracted illnesses that were caused by the conditions under which they worked. Such illnesses are referred to as “occupational diseases.” A person who has contracted an occupational disease that was caused by work-related conditions may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.

A medical diagnosis must confirm the existence of the disease and the causal connection between the disease and one or more work-related conditions. Also, the conditions of the individual’s employment that caused the disease must create a greater chance of a worker contracting the disease than the chance faced by the general public. Among the possible causes of occupational disease are:

  • Gases, dust or fumes;
  • Toxic Substances;
  • Chemicals;
  • Extreme changes in noises, temperature and pressure;
  • Vibration, a radioactive ray, constant use that results in pressure or a physical movement that constitutes constant repetition;
  • Infectious organisms;
  • Radiation.

The Ohio workers compensation statute contains a complete list of recognized occupational diseases. In order to receive benefits, the worker must exhibit symptoms of the disease in question. Mere exposure to one or more of the above-stated causes is not sufficient to sustain a claim for occupational disease resulting in benefits.

Anyone who has been diagnosed as having an occupational disease may wish to consult an attorney who specializes in workers’ compensation law. A knowledgeable attorney can provide a helpful analysis of the case, assist the claimant in filing the claim and present supporting evidence.

Source: Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, “What is an occupational disease claim?,” accessed on Nov. 19, 2016