Imagine you’ve been dealing with a persistent cough or unusual fatigue that won’t go away. At first, you brush it off as just a cold. But as the symptoms linger, you start to wonder if there’s something more going on. What many people don’t realize is that the very place we spend much of our time—our workplace—can be the source of illness. While accidents and injuries are the more obvious risks on the job, occupational diseases caused by long-term exposure to hazardous conditions or substances can be just as harmful, though they’re often harder to detect. At Lowcountry Law, we understand the complexities of workers’ comp cases involving occupational diseases. Unlike sudden injuries, these illnesses develop over time, making it challenging to pinpoint their cause. That’s where our expertise comes in—helping workers prove their illness is work-related and securing the compensation they deserve.
What Are Occupational Diseases?
Occupational diseases or illnesses develop as a direct result of your workplace environment or occupational activities. They’re caused by exposure to hazards at work or certain working conditions and are not common to the general public. For example, miners may be exposed to substances like silica or asbestos, and welders may inhale toxic fumes. These working conditions can lead to serious health impairments that can impact an individual’s ability to work and their quality of life.
Occupational diseases and illnesses, like injuries that occur on the job, are recognized under South Carolina’s workers’ compensation laws.
In an occupational disease claim, the employee must show that it’s more likely than not that the disease directly resulted from exposure to specific hazards unique to their job. If you or someone you love needs help accessing your workers’ comp benefits, we are happy to help.
Common Occupational Diseases in South Carolina
Commonly recognized occupational diseases in South Carolina include:
- Respiratory conditions: occupational asthma, silicosis, asbestosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Hearing-related issues: occupational hearing loss
- Skin conditions: contact dermatitis, industrial dermatitis
- Musculoskeletal disorders: carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, work-related arthritis, tennis elbow, trigger finger
- Other conditions: mesothelioma, cancer, chronic pain syndrome that is work-related
In the context of workers’ compensation benefits, South Carolina does not recognize the following as occupational diseases:
- An illness that stems from exposure to outside conditions
- A contagious disease contracted from a coworker or one you could be equally exposed to outside of work
- A disease that the general public is equally exposed to
- Any disease of the heart, lungs, or circulatory system that isn’t directly caused by abnormal external gaseous pressure or by foreign substances entering the body through the skin or natural openings in work-related conditions
- A chronic disease of skeletal joints
Many illnesses and diseases that can develop due to your job duties or workplace conditions, limiting your ability to live your life to the fullest. However, understanding workers’ compensation benefits can be complicated. Working with an experienced workers’ comp lawyer in South Carolina can help determine if you have an occupational illness case, clarify your eligibility for benefits, and offer a clear path forward.
Workers’ Comp Cases: Occupational Disease Claims vs. Injury Claims
When it comes to workers’ comp, occupational disease claims differ significantly from injury claims. Injuries, such as a broken bone or a slip and fall, typically occur from a single, identifiable incident at work. In contrast, occupational diseases develop gradually over time due to prolonged exposure to hazardous conditions, like chemicals, repetitive motions, or loud noise in the workplace.
Because of this slow onset, occupational disease claims are often harder to prove. It can be challenging to establish a direct link between your illness and your job, especially if symptoms appear long after the exposure occurred. Workers’ comp attorneys play a vital role in these cases. We communicate with your employer’s insurance company, gather the necessary medical evidence, prove the connection between the illness and your employment, and guide you through the complex claims process.
An experienced workers’ comp attorney can also assist if your claim is denied or if the employer disputes whether your illness is work-related. By ensuring you have the strongest possible case, we can help you secure the benefits you deserve for medical treatment, lost wages, and other compensation related to your occupational disease.
Consult an Experienced Workers’ Comp Attorney Today
Dealing with a serious illness or disease is already difficult, but when it’s caused by your job, it can leave you feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, and unsure about the future. Navigating workers’ comp benefits can add even more stress. With an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer on your side, you’ll have peace of mind knowing an expert is fighting for your rights.
We’re here for you every step of the way! If you or a loved one has developed an illness due to work, contact us today to schedule a free case consultation.
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