Protecting Workers From Illness and Injury
According to the New York Workers' Compensation Board, an occupational disease is an injury or illness that arises from the conditions to which a worker is exposed in the natural course of his or her work. Workers who contract an occupational disease are eligible for workers' compensation benefits. They may, however, need the assistance of a workers' comp attorney to collect their benefits.
For experienced workers' comp representation, contact the Robert A. Koenigsberg Law Offices. We have been helping injured workers for more than 15 years. We will discuss your injury, the benefits you may recover and whether recent changes in New York workers' compensation law will affect you. For a free consultation with a New York City occupational disease lawyer, please call 212-964-9292 or contact us online.
Industries, Exposure and Diseases
Nearly any type of worker may be exposed to hazards in the workplace that may result in an occupational disease. Certain workers are at increased risk, however, including truck drivers, electricians, professional cleaners, heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers, medical professionals, construction workers, auto mechanics, heavy equipment operators, installers and mechanics, printing employees and industrial workers.
Exposure to loud noise may result in loss of hearing and repetitive motions may cause carpal tunnel syndrome and other injuries. However, many occupational diseases are caused by exposure to toxins such as:
- Inhalation of asbestos, chemicals, dust or fibers
- Toxic mold exposure
- Exposure to toxins in solvents and pesticides
- Benzene and formaldehyde exposure
- Exposure to heavy metals such as lead and mercury
- Diesel exposure
The results of toxic exposure can be catastrophic or fatal. They can cause devastating illness that may leave the worker disabled. Some of the most common occupational diseases include:
- Brain damage
- Chronic fatigue
- Repetitive stress injuries
- RSD
- Skin disorders
- Organ damage
- Cancer
- Poisoning
- Infection
- Lung disease
If you or a family member has contracted an occupational disease, you may need an attorney's help to collect workers' compensation benefits. Please call our office at 212-964-9292 to schedule an appointment with a Brooklyn workers' comp benefits lawyer.
