| It is commonly understood that workers | | | | exposure to radioactive substances and X-rays. |
| compensation provides benefits for workers who | | | | - Poisoning from exposure to hydrocarbons and |
| are injured on the job due to anatomical injuries, | | | | hydrocarbon compounds whether they are solid, |
| for example broken bones, paralysis and even | | | | vapor or liquids. |
| death that occur due to a fall or other trauma. | | | | - Diseases such as hepatitis that are contracted |
| Another facet where worker's compensation | | | | due to exposure to the disease in the course of |
| benefits covers workers is in the area of | | | | the employee's work. |
| "occupational diseases." These are illnesses | | | | - Anthrax from exposure to infected animals or |
| contracted due to exposure to chemicals, | | | | animal parts. |
| diseases or other substances during the course of | | | | - All asbestos related diseases resulting from |
| an employee's work. Since each state has a | | | | exposure to asbestos or asbestos containing |
| specific definition of occupational disease, it is the | | | | materials. |
| injured workers best interest to contact a | | | | - Various forms of cancer resulting from |
| workers compensation attorney early in the claim | | | | exposure to cancer causing agents. |
| process to be sure that your situation is covered | | | | Similar to anatomical occupational injuries, the |
| under the state's definition of occupational disease. | | | | amount of compensation that an injured |
| The following is a partial list of possible | | | | employee receives for disability due to an |
| occupational diseases that may be covered under | | | | occupational disease depends on the specific |
| your state's workers compensation program. | | | | situation. For example, if the employee is |
| Your workers compensation attorney should be | | | | expected to fully recover, temporary benefits |
| consulted to provide complete information | | | | such as temporary total or temporary partial |
| concerning your specific situation. | | | | disability benefits may be awarded. However, if |
| - Infections or inflammations due to exposure to | | | | due to the severity of the occupational disease, |
| various types of lubricating and other machine oils, | | | | the employee becomes partially or totally disabled |
| dusts, liquids and vapors. | | | | on a permanent basis, then an award of |
| - Diseases contracted from exposure to or from | | | | permanent partial or permanent total disability |
| handling of coal and coal dusts. | | | | benefits may be proper. Determining the proper |
| - Poisoning due to exposure to chemicals such as | | | | benefit level to which the employee is entitled is |
| chromium, mercury, arsenic, lead, phosphorous, | | | | another area where an experienced worker's |
| beryllium or their compounds. | | | | compensation lawyer provides invaluable expertise. |
| - Radiation poisoning resulting from handling or | | | | |