Recovering Compensation for an Occupational Disease
Under the workers' compensation laws of most states, the presumption is that a specific disease is caused by the work environment, leaving the burden of proof with the employer to show that the disease was contracted elsewhere. Some of the most common occupational diseases include:- Skin rashes, skin cancer, or other skin conditions, such as eczema— Generally, these types of conditions are considered to be caused by exposure to chemicals, or by having your hands wet for long periods of time. Professions that have a high risk of skin disease including printing, hairstyling, construction, automobile repair and healthcare.
- Lung conditions—Silicosis, asthma, asbestosis and black lung are among the most well-known. These are typically associated with occupations that involve a lot of small particles or dust, such as minors or people working in certain textile industries.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome—This is a condition that manifests in the hands of workers who perform the same motions over and over, day after day.
- Lead poisoning—This affects people working in industries that process lead or lead compounds.