Occupational diseases are not just limited to people working at chemical plants and factories that can potentially expose them to chemicals every single day. Occupational diseases can also occur in nurses, doctors, and office workers. The illnesses that can be acquired can be serious and debilitating.
Because occupational diseases are acquired while on the job, they do fall under workers’ compensation law in Minnesota. However, a person can make the choice to pursue a personal injury claim with the help of their Mankato personal injury attorney. This is especially true when the disease is due to the negligence of a third party that may be at the workplace. That is a case where a person can pursue workers’ comp and the party responsible for their disease.
If you or a loved one has acquired an occupational disease, it is important to discuss the matter with a qualified attorney as soon as possible to determine what your options are. You may find that you are entitled to compensation that will pay for medical expenses and other applicable costs.
Types Of Occupational Diseases
There are different types of occupational diseases based on some common causes. Those causes include:
- Constant exposure to toxic mold
- Constant exposure to diesel
- Latex allergies
- Chemical spills from industrial accidents
The resulting illnesses can cause respiratory issues, cancer, blood disease, asbestosis, and silicosis.
Most diseases are the direct result of breathing in materials or chemicals, such as asbestos, dust, or silica. Even “popcorn lung” has come about among those working in popcorn factories that make buttered popcorn. If a person has difficulty breathing, then they are not going to be able to perform some of the most basic functions on their job or any job. Basically, a person’s ability to work is taken away from them.
Workers’ Comp Vs. Personal Injury
Depending on who is responsible for the disease, a person can file a personal injury claim. Sometimes these claims are filed many years later when the disease presents itself. Sometimes this results in class action lawsuits. This is something that is common among cases involving asbestos exposure. It is best to speak to your Southern Minnesota personal injury attorney as soon as possible to see what your rights and options are. If you have lost a loved one because of an occupational disease, then you may have a wrongful death case. These are cases where a number of factors come into play, but you can review with your attorney what options are available for your particular case.
Contact A Mankato Personal Injury Lawyer
Individuals working in certain occupations may be at risk of certain chemical exposures that can lead to serious occupational disease. These are occupations that should have special safety precautions in place. When negligence leads to a breach of those precautions, illness can occur. If you or a loved one has acquired an occupational disease because of someone’s negligence while on the job, you may have an injury claim. To learn more, call Farrish Johnson Law Office, CHTD at 507-625-2525 to schedule a free consultation.
