Occupational injuries and illnesses can be devastating for workers in any job, but workers’ compensation benefits and personal injury claims can provide much-needed support.
Occupational injuries are usually related to a specific incident, such as a slip-and-fall accident. In contrast, occupational illnesses occur when a worker is continuously exposed to toxic chemicals or must perform repeated motions in a harmful work environment, for example.
What Is an Occupational Injury?
>An occupational injury typically results from an accident on the job that can be pinpointed with an exact date, time, and cause of the injury.
What Is an Occupational Illness?
An occupational illness is a chronic health issue or disease caused by long-term exposure on the job. An occupational illness usually occurs over time rather than a single identifiable event.
Common Types of Occupational Injuries and Occupational Illnesses
Common injuries sustained and illnesses contracted on the job differ depending on the worker’s industry and the nature of their job. However, someone in virtually any position could sustain any type of injury.
Some examples of common occupational injuries include:
- Broken bones or dislocated limbs from a fall
- Facial injuries from projectiles
- Amputations from heavy machinery pinch points
- Crushing injuries from falling objects
- Burns from an explosion
Some examples of common occupational illnesses include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome due to repetitive movements
- Lung damage related to harmful chemical exposure
- Hearing loss due to working in loud environments without proper protection
- Mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure
- Occupational asthma due to exposure to toxic fumes, gasses, or dust
Compensation for Workplace Injuries and Illnesses in NYC
The compensation available for an occupational injury or an occupational illness generally depends on the nature and severity of the injury or illness.
You may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if you are an employee and the accident occurred while performing your job or the occupational illness arose from your work.
In New York, Labor Law 200 allows construction workers to sue their employers if they were working on dangerous or defective premises or if the accident resulted from how the employer had them perform the work. Additionally, if a construction worker was injured on the job during the process of repairing, demolishing, erecting, painting, or pointing a building using scaffolding, or if they fell while working, under Labor Law 240, they can sue property owners, contractors, and other responsible parties.
The laws are intricate and complicated, so it is crucial to contact an experienced personal injury attorney to protect your legal rights. At The Perecman Firm, we are ready to evaluate your case and help you pursue maximum compensation.
Our NYC Occupational Illness and Workplace Injury Lawyers Want to Help You
Whether you’ve suffered a sudden occupational injury like a fall or are battling a long-term occupational
illness from toxic exposure or repetitive strain, the physical and financial toll is devastating. At The Perecman Firm, we understand that these two types of claims require different legal strategies—from pinpointing the exact moment of an accident to proving the complex cause of a chronic disease. With over $500 million recovered, our attorneys are experts in New York’s intricate Labor Laws, including Sections 200 and 240, which allow us to pursue maximum compensation beyond simple workers' comp. We are dedicated to ensuring that those responsible for your unsafe work environment are held fully accountable.
Protect your rights to a full recovery. Call (646) 518-2956 or contact us online today for a free, no-obligation case review.
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