Workers’ compensation is designed to provide financial relief to employees who have suffered injuries at work. However, are you still eligible for compensation if you sustained an illness from your workplace conditions? The answer is yes. Employees are entitled to receive workers’ compensation for occupational diseases, just as they are for occupational injuries.
Occupational diseases commonly involve:
- Lung disease
- Occupational asthma
- Cancer
- Brain damage
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Radiation illness
- Asbestosis
- Skin diseases
How to Pursue Compensation for an Occupational Disease in California
Chemicals, hazardous vapors, and other dangerous working conditions may result in an occupational disease. If you suffer an illness from workplace conditions in California, you must file a Notice of Occupational Disease and Claim for Compensation (Form CA-2). You will need to notify your employer and have them fill out the necessary sections of the document before submitting it to the United States Department of Labor Office of Worker’s Compensation Programs (OWCP). Furthermore, you will need to provide medical records and evidence that your illness was directly caused by performing work duties.
In California, the statute of limitations for workers’ compensation is 30 days. This means you will only have 30 days to file the claim from the date you discover your illness. If you wait until 30 days have passed, you will need to provide an explanation on the form for the reason of the delay. Your claim may be denied. Depending on the situation, you may be able to receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other illness-related costs.
Diligent Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Serving Glendale
If you have suffered an occupational disease because of hazardous working conditions, you have the right to pursue workers’ compensation benefits. Our firm can handle the paperwork, gather evidence to support your claim, and represent you every step of the way. With more than 100 years of collective legal experience, our Glendale workers’ compensation lawyers can answer your questions and guide you through the process.
Contact us today to receive a free consultation.