A common type of work related injury that occurs in Philadelphia may show no signs or symptoms at first and may suddenly appear out of nowhere: an occupational disease. Occupational diseases are diseases that occur to an employee on the job due to being exposed to a certain element or condition. Occupational diseases often result from being exposed to dangerous chemicals or allergens. If you are unable to work due to an occupational disease, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Our workers’ compensation department, lead by a certified workers’ compensation attorney, can help. Contact a Philadelphia occupational disease lawyer today to get started on your case.
Common Occupational Diseases
There are a number of occupational diseases our attorneys tend to in Philadelphia. They include:
- Mesothelioma
- Diseases of the heart and lung
- Histoplasmosis
- Latex allergies
- Overexposure to chemicals
- Lead Poisoning
- Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome
- Asbestosis
- Silicosis
- Chemical hypersensitivity
Occupational Diseases Cases are Challenging
Occupational diseases are not the same as other workers’ compensation cases. This is because of the delayed onset of symptoms that is so frequent in these kinds of illnesses. As a result, it is crucial that you have a lawyer who has substantial experience in workers’ compensation occupational diseases cases to help you with your claim.
Time Matters
It is important to understand that time matters. For example, the disability from your disease must have occurred within 300 weeks of the date of last employment in an occupation where the hazard exposure took place. Also, a Claim Petition must be filed no later than three years from the suspected date of when the disease was contracted.
Specific Requirements
For certain lung diseases, a worker must have worked in an occupation with a coal, asbestos, or silica hazard for at least two years in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania during the ten years prior to when the occupational disease was contracted.
Contact a Philadelphia Occupational Disease Attorney to Start a Case
What it comes down to is this: If you have an occupational disease that is preventing you from working, you need a Philadelphia occupational disease lawyer who knows the law and knows how to handle your claim properly. James Mogul knows workers’ compensation and is a certified expert in Philadelphia workers’ compensation. Every case our firm handles is directed by Jim. Contact him today to learn about your rights and the benefits to which you may be entitled due to your occupational disease.